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Book of Judges - Chapter 21 - Verse 25

21:25
In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

Meaning

When the verse says "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes," it is describing a period of chaos and moral decline in the history of Israel. The absence of a king symbolizes a lack of central authority and leadership, leading to a breakdown of order and accountability among the people. During this time, individuals were left to their own devices and personal interpretations of what was right and wrong, resulting in a society where everyone pursued their own interests without regard for the greater good or the principles of God's law. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of moral relativism and the importance of having strong leadership and a shared moral framework to guide a community towards righteousness and unity. It highlights the consequences of a society where everyone acts solely based on their own subjective judgments, leading to discord and disobedience to God's will.

Theological Overview

One common theological interpretation of the verse "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" is that it highlights the chaos and moral decline that occurred during the period of the judges in Israel. Without a central authority to provide guidance and direction, the people were left to rely on their own judgment, leading to a lack of cohesion and unity among the Israelites. This verse serves as a warning against the dangers of moral relativism and the importance of having a strong leadership that can uphold moral and ethical standards. Additionally, some word studies on this verse suggest that the phrase "did that which was right in his own eyes" emphasizes the subjective and self-centered nature of the actions taken by the individuals in Israel, highlighting the need for a higher authority to establish and enforce righteous standards within a society.

American Standard Version

In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.
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