Without a King

As we move to the concluding chapters of the book of Judges we find stories that are more disturbing to view and discuss. In this final section, the repeated use of the phrase, "..there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes," emphasized the godlessness of the people even further.----------The responsibility of a king was to be a leader of his people in battle, guiding them in victory over their enemies. The king was also to be a leader of his people by inspiring them to do and the follow what was right.----------The issue for Israel was not that they needed a king like the nations around them--those kings selfishly thirsted for power and wealth and led their people into idolatry and paganism--instead they needed to follow the king they already had. Unfortunately, they swore no allegiance and commitment to the King who had led them in victory over their enemies, providing protection for them, taught them what was right, etc. They were becoming "kings over themselves." Thus, they lived according to the principle of "it's right and just because I say it is right and just."