| Date | Version | Reading Plan |
|---|---|---|
| April 4, 2026 | ESV (2016) | ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026 |
Judges 19-21
Observation & Interpretation
The closing chapters of Judges depict some of the most vile and graphic behavior in all the Bible. The very first verse in Chapter 19 begins with a Levite who took for himself a concubine, establishing a trajectory of wickedness that will play out for the remainder of the book. There is unfaithfulness, licentiousness, murder, treachery and the capstone final verse of chapter 21 verse which encapsulates the entire account: “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” (Judges 21:25)
Application
Taken as a whole, the last three chapters of Judges helps us to see the level of depravity of which humanity is capable. Left to our own devices—apart from acknowledgement of and faithful obedience to the Lord—there is utter destruction. As we read of these people and events, let us be reminded of our radical fallen state, complete lostness and desperate need for God’s presence and grace in our lives.
Resources
- J. I. Packer et. al, The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
- Colin Hansen (Editor in Chief), TGC Bible Commentary (Columbia, MO: The Gospel Coalition, 2022)
- Iain M. Duguid (Series Editor), ESV Expository Commentary (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2018-2025)
- Faithlife Study Bible (Lexham Press, 2016)
- Believer’s Bible Commentary (Thomas Nelson, 2016)
- CSB Study Bible Notes (Holman Bible Publishers, 2017)
- The New American Commentary (Brentwood, TN: Holman Reference)
- Lane T. Dennis and Wayne Grudem (Editors), ESV Study Bible, Crossway, 2008.
