One commentator labels this chapter "The Death of Morality". This event appears to have occurred early in the period of the judges, because Phinehas, the grandson of Aaron, was still ministering as high priest (Jdg 20:28; cf. Nu25:7, 11), and because the tribes were still able to function as a unit (cf. Jos 22:9-34). There is also no mention of the Philistines, who would have suppressed such action during the latter part of the judges’ period.
There is also a need for a long time span between the disgraceful behavior of the tribe of Benjamin and the choice of a Benjamite as king in the 11th century. Saul was in fact from the same town of Gibeah (cf. 1Sa10:26)!
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Clearly this Levite's ministry was greatly compromised from the beginning. Not surprisingly (especially as you read the following lines) that he made little of her sin and separation and sought her back sympathetically as explained in the next verse.
And it came to pass in those days when there was no king in Israel.
It will be sufficient to ponder these words, which occur four times in this book, without reading further in this terrible chapter, which shows the depths of depravity to which man may sink apart from the grace of God. Where Christ is not enthroned as King, drunkenness, impurity, cruelty, selfishness, are supreme, and pursue their ravages unchecked. How different where He reigns in righteousness, and where his will is done as it is done in heaven!
Perpetual failure in life indicates failure in consecration. If you are continually broken in upon by raids of evil, it is certain that you have never enthroned the Son of God.
