by tumaini lutenta | 4 August 2019 08:46 pm08
In Judges 19, we encounter one of the most distressing and sobering events in Israel’s history. A Levite’s concubine, who had previously been unfaithful to him, left and returned to her father’s house. After four months, the Levite, out of love and compassion, journeyed to retrieve her (Judges 19:1–3).
On their return, they were taken in by an old man in the city of Gibeah, in the territory of Benjamin. That night, wicked men of the city surrounded the house and demanded that the Levite be brought out so they could abuse him. To protect his guest, the old man offered his own daughter and the Levite’s concubine (Judges 19:22–24). Eventually, the Levite gave them his concubine, and she was abused all night until she died (v. 25–28).
In horror and grief, the Levite cut her body into twelve parts and sent them throughout Israel — a gruesome act meant to awaken the conscience of the nation (Judges 19:29–30). The tribes of Israel responded with shock and a collective demand for justice.
The 11 tribes of Israel came together to demand the guilty men from Benjamin be handed over. Benjamin refused (Judges 20:13), revealing the deep corruption and moral decay within the tribe — a spiritual decline reminiscent of Sodom and Gomorrah (cf. Genesis 19).
Israel prepared for war and sought the Lord.
Judges 20:18 (ESV)
“The people of Israel arose and went up to Bethel and inquired of God, ‘Who shall go up first for us to fight against the people of Benjamin?’ And the Lord said, ‘Judah shall go up first.’”
Despite clear instruction from God, Israel lost the battle. That day, 22,000 soldiers died (v. 21). The people wept and asked again.
Judges 20:23 (ESV)
“And the people of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until the evening. And they inquired of the Lord, ‘Shall we again draw near to fight against our brothers, the people of Benjamin?’ And the Lord said, ‘Go up against them.’”
They obeyed — and lost again. Another 18,000 Israelites were killed (v. 25). In total, 40,000 men perished over two days, despite divine confirmation.
What changed on the third day?
This time, Israel didn’t just fast or weep — they offered sacrifices.
Judges 20:26–28 (ESV)
“Then all the people of Israel, the whole army, went up and came to Bethel and wept… And they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord… And the Lord said, ‘Go up, for tomorrow I will give them into your hand.’”
Now the response was not just permission, but a promise of victory:
“Tomorrow I will give them into your hand.”
On the third attempt, God gave Israel a great victory, nearly annihilating the tribe of Benjamin (Judges 20:35–48). Their breakthrough came only after their devotion was expressed through both prayer and offering.
This account teaches that seeking God through prayer, fasting, and even hearing His voice is not always enough. There are moments in spiritual warfare that demand sacrificial response — acts of worship, giving, and surrender.
Under the Old Covenant, burnt offerings represented total dedication to God (Leviticus 1:9), and peace offerings symbolized fellowship and thanksgiving (Leviticus 3:1–5).
Today, in the New Covenant, Jesus Christ is our ultimate burnt offering.
Hebrews 10:10 (ESV)
“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
But God still desires our living sacrifices:
Romans 12:1 (ESV)
“I appeal to you… to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
When you come to God without offering your life, your resources, or your gratitude, you may delay or even forfeit your breakthrough. Many Christians fast and pray like the Israelites did — but hold back when it comes to giving.
Proverbs 3:9–10 (ESV)
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty…”
God doesn’t need our money, but He desires our heart expressed in action (2 Corinthians 9:7–8). Sacrificial giving reflects faith, obedience, and honor.
You may say, “God gave me a dream,” or “God confirmed it to me,” yet still fail in what seems like a God-ordained mission. That’s exactly what happened to Israel. Though God said “Go,” they were defeated because they lacked full spiritual engagement — the kind that includes offering, worship, and obedience.
Even with 400,000 warriors (Judges 20:17), they were defeated by only 26,000 Benjamites. That’s a warning: strength, numbers, or even a word from God alone is not always sufficient. The heart posture — expressed through acts of faith — matters greatly.
Breakthroughs often require more than intercession. You must:
Fast
Pray
Listen
Worship
Give
Psalm 50:14–15 (ESV)
“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving… and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”
God honors those who come to Him not just with words, but with everything — their hearts, resources, time, and obedience.
If your prayers feel unanswered and your spiritual battles remain unwon, ask yourself:
“Have I only been praying, or have I truly been giving my all to God?”
Let your life — not just your lips — become an offering. Then God, who is faithful, will fight for you, open doors, and grant you victory in ways you could never imagine.
Malachi 3:10 (ESV)
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… and thereby put me to the test… if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing…”
May the Lord bless you richly.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2019/08/04/hearing-from-god-alone-is-not-enough-to-guarantee-victory/
Copyright ©2025 Wingu la Mashahidi unless otherwise noted.