Judg 17:6 | Clarke | e4.org | Verse 6. There was no king in Israel ] The word melech , which generally means king , is sometimes taken for a supreme governor, judge, magistrate , or ruler of any kind; (see , and ;) and it is likely it should be so understood here. Every man did that which was right in his own eyes. ] He was his own governor, and what he did he said was right; and, by his cunning and strength, defended his conduct. When a man's own will, passions, and caprice, are to be made the rule of law, society is in a most perilous and ruinous state. Civil government is of God; and without it the earth must soon be desolated. There was a time when there was no king in England ; and that was, in general, a time of scandal to religion, and oppression to men.

‏ Judges 17:6

Verse 6. There was no king in Israel] The word melech, which generally means king, is sometimes taken for a supreme governor, judge, magistrate, or ruler of any kind; (see Ge 36:31, and De 33:5;) and it is likely it should be so understood here.

Every man did that which was right in his own eyes.] He was his own governor, and what he did he said was right; and, by his cunning and strength, defended his conduct. When a man's own will, passions, and caprice, are to be made the rule of law, society is in a most perilous and ruinous state. Civil government is of God; and without it the earth must soon be desolated. There was a time when there was no king in England; and that was, in general, a time of scandal to religion, and oppression to men.