Judges 21:1-3 NKJV
“None of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin: Considering their anger against Benjamin, this probably seemed like the right thing to do. But this foolish oath had unforeseen consequences. Justice not only brings punishment to evildoers, but it also guards against punishment that is too harsh.”
Why has this come to pass in Israel, that today there should be one tribe missing in Israel: “They cried out to God, almost as if it was His responsibility that the tribe of Benjamin was on the edge of extinction. The question, “Why has this come to pass?” was easily answered: Because of the excessive vengeance of the tribes of Israel against the tribe of Benjamin.
b. One tribe missing: Down to almost only 400 men - and those men unable to marry because of the curse pronounced in Judges 21:1 - the tribe of Benjamin was almost extinct.” (Guzik)
Punishment that is too harsh!
We recently watched a legal program where a defendant was on trial and the prosecution recommended no jail sentence but the judge gave him 2-4 years and 8 years probation with so many restrictions it was impossible not to break. His case was appealed when it was found out the prosecuting attorney office had a list of untrustworthy officers not to have testify and the officer that helped convict the man was on that list. The case was appealed and they asked for a new judge. He won the appeal but not a new judge and she put him back in jail. The case was appealed again with different lawyers on different grounds requesting a different judge and the appeal was approved. The defendant was released with time served and no probation.
Can punishment be too harsh when we refuse to forgive someone?
We can still be tempted to hold grudges, stay angry, to forgive but not to forget.
Have you ever left the handle out?
Blessings
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