“The five men left, came to Layish and saw the people there living securely according to the customs of the Tzidonim, quietly and securely; since no one in the land was exercising authority that might shame them in any respect; moreover, they were far away from the Tzidonim and had no dealings with other peoples.”-Judges 17:7
So the 5 scouts after resting up for one night at Micah’s place pack their things and continue traveling northward.
Eventually they arrive at a city called Layish…
And they can’t believe their eyes.
The area is huge, well-watered, fertile, and a good distance away from anyone who might try to come and conquer the place.
The residents of Layish were a content and peaceful people who probably migrated from Sidon in search of a better life.
Notice the part that says…“no one in the land was exercising authority that might shame them in any respect“.
This statement meant they weren’t dwelling in some area owned or controlled by some king or other external power.
They were living in the area as a free colony.
Think back to when Jacob had settled down with his family outside the borders of Shechem.
He was only able to do that because he got the king of Shechem’s permission.
But it was still a dangerous position to be in.
Why?
Because the king could at a moment’s notice change the terms of their agreement…
Or tell them to get out simply because he was the owner and he wanted them out.
To be forced to bow down to an outside king brought shame and humiliation…
That’s the meaning of that phrase…
And it leads us to our takeaway for today.
The Lord wants His people to be free.
That’s why He has prepared the land of Israel for them.
Members of the tribe of Judah (the Jews) and other Hebrews are currently living in many other parts of the world…
But they will never really be free until they come home to the land their God has prepared for them.
A land free from gentile customs and anti-Semitic persecution.
What I loved about Israel when I stayed there was it was so easy to observe Shabbat…
I stayed in Jerusalem and come early Friday evening the whole nation just shut down…
And then a nice and peaceful quiet descended upon the place…
You’re almost forced to stay at home and relax (because no shops or anything is open).
See you all next time.
At last the truth of the matter. God wants you all Home. God promised home is Israel. When He is invited there He will come!
Amen Judith!