The end of Judges really was quite gory again. The children of Benjamin were punished for what happened to the levite's concubine. A mass internal war, civil war to be exact took place between the tribes of Israel together against the Benjamites; in which the Israelites won at the end, after an impressive battle though from the Benjamites; 25,000'ish against like 400,000 and was totally able to win 2 out of the 3 battles. God does not totally wipe out the Benjamites, sparing them from utter destruction. and their fellow brethren also were sympathetic to them at the end by providing wives for the remnants. The method for choosing your wife though for pretty weird. Step 1: hide behind a bush. Step 2: wait for the girl dances to come out to dance in the festival. Step 3: kidnap the girl of your choice and take her as your wife. Imagine if this custom remained today hehe
The story of Ruth was very good as always. Reading it from the perspective of viewing God as OUR kinsmen redeemer was refreshing. He does not leave His children inheritance'less and does not despise the poor, the afflicted, the despised.. And the devotion of Ruth to her mother-in-law Naomi was impressive. Thought me the importance of devotion to family and to God.
The beginnings of 1st Samuel start of with the pleadings and sorrow of a woman named Hannah, who interceded and pleaded God for a child, of which she would devote the child to God for His service. Here we learn some principles of intercession and intense prayer, and that it is ok to pray in your heart, God still hears :) Samuel is birth and here is the beginning of hope for Israel. this young lad could hear the voice of God, who was rare at those days - there was no widespread revelation and the voice of the Lord was scarce (kind of reminds me of modern days). Samuel's presence would be seen more significantly in the readings to come, for now: Israel's ark is captured; the glory has departed from them and Israel is currently leader'less
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