Judges 21:25

In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

Study Bible

In those days there was no king in Israel;
This phrase sets the historical context for the period of the Judges, a time before the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. The absence of a king signifies a lack of centralized leadership and authority. This period is marked by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, as described throughout the Book of Judges. The lack of a king also highlights Israel's failure to recognize God as their ultimate ruler, as He was intended to be their King (1 Samuel 8:7). The longing for a human king foreshadows the eventual anointing of Saul and later David, who is a type of Christ as the shepherd king.

everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
This phrase underscores the moral and spiritual chaos prevalent during the time. Without a king or centralized authority, moral relativism prevailed, leading to societal disorder and idolatry. This reflects the human tendency to stray from God's commandments when left to personal judgment, as seen in Proverbs 21:2, which states, "Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the heart." The phrase also serves as a warning against the dangers of subjective morality and the need for divine guidance. It points to the ultimate need for a righteous king, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who provides the perfect example of living according to God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, who during this period were a confederation of tribes rather than a unified kingdom.

2. Judges
Leaders raised by God to deliver Israel from oppression and lead them, though not in a centralized or consistent manner.

3. Tribal Confederation
The twelve tribes of Israel, each operating semi-independently, often leading to disunity and moral chaos.

4. Moral Relativism
The prevailing attitude during this time, where individuals determined their own standards of right and wrong.

5. Absence of a King
The lack of centralized leadership, which contributed to the moral and social chaos described in the book of Judges.

Teaching Points

The Danger of Moral Relativism
Without a standard of truth, society descends into chaos. Believers are called to adhere to God's Word as the ultimate standard.

The Need for Godly Leadership
The absence of a king in Israel highlights the importance of godly leadership. In our lives, Christ should be our King, guiding our decisions.

Consequences of Disobedience
When individuals or societies reject God's authority, they face moral and spiritual decline. Obedience to God brings order and blessing.

The Role of Scripture in Guiding Life
Scripture provides the moral and spiritual compass needed to navigate life. Regular study and application of God's Word are essential.

Community Accountability
The tribal disunity in Judges shows the need for accountability within the body of Christ. Believers should encourage and correct one another in love.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the absence of a king in Israel during the time of Judges reflect the spiritual state of the nation, and what can we learn from this about the importance of Christ's lordship in our lives?

2. In what ways do you see moral relativism affecting our society today, and how can Christians respond to uphold biblical truth?

3. How can we ensure that our decisions align with God's will rather than doing what is right in our own eyes?

4. What role does godly leadership play in your life, and how can you cultivate a heart that seeks guidance from Christ and His Word?

5. How can the church today foster a sense of community accountability to prevent the kind of disunity and moral decline seen in the book of Judges?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 12:8
This verse warns against doing what is right in one's own eyes, highlighting the need for adherence to God's commands.

Proverbs 21:2
This verse emphasizes that while a person may think their way is right, the Lord weighs the heart, underscoring the need for divine guidance.

1 Samuel 8:5-7
The Israelites' request for a king, which reflects their desire for centralized leadership, contrasting with the period of the Judges.

Romans 1:21-25
Describes the consequences of rejecting God's truth and following one's own desires, similar to the moral decline in Judges.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than relying on one's own understanding, offering a solution to the chaos seen in Judges.