In this section of the book of Judges is a statement that gets repeated at the end of the book.  “In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6,21:25)  In between these two verses we read of a lot of evil that was done and what could happen when a nation has no rulers.  We do not always agree with our government and the laws of the land, but we are commanded to obey them as long as they are not contrary to God’s word.  “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Rom 13:1)  He does not control them like puppets, but His providence works no matter what men do.

Today’s reading: Judges 16-18