The Old Testament book of Judges provides many salutary lessons. It highlights the frailty and sinful tendencies in all humans. It reminds us of our weaknesses. One element is the frequent internal divisions in the nation.
Judges 5 – Deborah and Barak call the tribes to join together to fight against the Midianites who had invaded the land. In the face of this threat, some of the tribes failed to join the fight. Deborah’s song records the tribes of Reuben and Gilead and Dan (v16-17) staying put, whilst others risked their lives (v18).
Judges 8 – During the time of Gideon, an argument arose with Ephraim, “Why have you treated as like this?” (v1-3) They criticised him sharply. They seemed to have missed out on the fighting. In response, Gideon commented that they had captured and killed Oreb and Zeeb, leaders of the Midianites. The writer says that their resentment was subdued; not totally, I fear!
Judged 9 – Abimelech was not an exemplary judge. We read that there was conflict between him and the citizens of Shechem, which led to him slaughtering 1,000 in the tower of Shechem. In turn, Abimelech was killed when trying to capture the town of Thebez.
Judges 12 – When Jephthah became Judge in Israel, the Ephraimites (again) complained that they had not been asked to join the fight against the Ammonites. Jephthah answered that he had called, but they had failed to respond.
Judges 20 & 21 – the final episode of the book marks the low point of Israelite history for many centuries. The detail is not edifying. Benjamin rebelled against the other eleven tribes, leading to them agreeing (for once) to attack Gibeah and Benjamin. Finally the tribe of Benjamin is almost wiped out.
The severity of these divisions seems to reflect the general spiritual declension in Israel. As their love for God grew cold, as each one “did as he saw fit” – unity and community fragmented.