Justin Houtz

Judges 19-21; 2 Corinthians 4

DateVersionReading Plan
April 4, 2026ESV (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