The Sheer Sweetness of Sodomized Concubines: Why I Marvel at God's Chosen Justice
Okay, friends, let’s talk about something that might make some of you squirm a little, but trust me, there’s a real sweetness in it, if you’re willing to look. We’re diving into the book of Judges, specifically chapter 19, and what happens to that poor concubine. If you’re unfamiliar, go read it. I’ll wait. I know it’s…intense. Brutal even. But as I've been meditating on this passage lately, I’ve found this unexpected sense of God's justice in the midst of what seems like unimaginable horror. Yeah, I know, sounds crazy, right?
Now, I’m not saying what happened to this woman was *good*. Far from it. My heart aches reading it, every single time. It’s just… vile. It’s a chilling testament to the depths of human depravity and the breakdown of societal norms back then. But, what strikes me is that it’s *there* in the Bible, and that makes it important. God, in His infinite wisdom, allowed this horrific event to be recorded, and I believe it’s so we can understand something truly profound about Him. It’s a dark mirror, reflecting a stark and necessary aspect of His character.
You see, in Judges 19:29, after the concubine’s death, her Levite husband cuts her body into twelve pieces and sends them throughout Israel. It’s shocking, gruesome, absolutely horrifying, and yet, this dramatic act of mourning and outrage serves a purpose. It's the Old Testament version of a public service announcement, screaming, "Look at what sin has done! Look at the utter lawlessness that has taken root!" It's a call to justice, a call to action. The Bible says in Romans 12:19, "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.'" God isn't saying turn a blind eye; He's showing us His way, a way that involves righting wrongs, even when they're so ugly you want to look away.
I remember when I was in my early 20s, I was working at a grocery store, and I witnessed a terrible injustice. One of my coworkers, a sweet older lady, was being harassed by a manager. He was making her life miserable, and it was obvious to everyone but no one felt like they could do anything. I felt this burning anger, this need for justice to be served. I couldn’t sleep properly at night, I felt almost sick to my stomach. It wasn't until I prayed about it, and asked God to step in, that I felt a shift. I realized my role was to be a witness for His truth, to live a life that reflected His justice, not to try and enact vengeance on my own. I felt called to speak to management, and through a series of events, the harassing manager was removed and justice was indeed served. That felt so sweet, so right. It wasn't just some feel-good resolution; it was a moment where I saw God's hand at work, bringing clarity to a chaotic situation. It taught me that God's ways, even if they appear unconventional or difficult to understand, are ultimately for our good and His glory.
Sometimes, I think, it’s so easy for us to only focus on the “love” and “grace” aspects of God, the feel-good parts of scripture. But, He's also a God of perfect justice, and sometimes that means confronting darkness in all its forms. It’s not pleasant, but it’s necessary. Think about it – if there were no consequences for sin, what would be the point of choosing righteousness? We’d live in a world of pure chaos. The events in Judges, as gruesome as they are, are a constant reminder that sin has a cost, and God cares deeply about injustice. In fact, His heart breaks over it.
It challenges me to examine my own life. Am I being complacent with injustice around me, whether it's in my own family, at my work, or in my community? What am I doing to be a force for good, a witness for God's righteousness? I believe that embracing the whole counsel of God, including these uncomfortable passages, allows us to grow closer to Him and live more fully in His purpose. It's not about celebrating the evil done, but about recognizing its reality, and responding with faith and a determination to pursue justice in all our interactions.
So, friends, I invite you to do some reflecting. When was the last time you wrestled with a tough passage in the bible? What uncomfortable truths are you avoiding? Don't shy away from the hard parts, because sometimes, it's in the most gruesome, the most upsetting, the most challenging things that we can find a deeper understanding of the sheer sweetness of God’s justice, even when it’s delivered in ways we struggle to comprehend.
What do you believe is the most difficult part of your faith to understand, and how are you dealing with it?