1 In those days, when there was no king in Israel, a certain Levite was sojourning in the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, who took to himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.
2 And his concubine was unfaithful to him, and she went away from him to her father’s house at Bethlehem in Judah, and was there some four months.
3 Then her husband arose and went after her, to speak kindly to her and bring her back.
4 And his father-in-law, the girl’s father, made him stay, and he remained with him three days. So they ate and drank and spent the night there.
5 And on the fourth day they arose early in the morning, and he prepared to go, but the girl’s father said to his son-in-law, “Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and after that you may go.”
6 So the two of them sat and ate and drank together. And the girl’s father said to the man, “Be pleased to spend the night, and let your heart be merry.”
7 And when the man rose up to go, his father-in-law urged him; so he stayed there again.
8 And on the fifth day he arose early in the morning to depart. But the girl’s father said, “Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and after that you may go.”
9 And when the man and his concubine and his servant rose up to depart, his father-in-law, the girl’s father, said to him, “Behold, now the day has waned toward evening. Please, spend the night. Behold, the day draws to its close. Lodge here and let your heart be merry, and tomorrow you shall arise early in the morning for your journey, and go home.”
10 But the man would not spend the night. He rose up and departed and arrived opposite Jebus (that is, Jerusalem).
11 And when they were near Jebus, the day was nearly over, and the servant said to his master, “Come now, let us turn aside to this city of the Jebusites and spend the night in it.”
12 And his master said to him, “We will not turn aside into the city of foreigners, who do not belong to the people of Israel, but we will pass on to Gibeah.”
13 And he said to his servant, “Come, let us draw near to one of these places and spend the night in Gibeah or in Ramah.”
14 So they passed on and went their way. And the sun went down on them near Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin,
15 And they turned aside there to go in and spend the night in Gibeah.
16 And behold, an old man was coming from his work in the field at evening. He was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah. The men of the place were Benjaminites.
17 And when he lifted up his eyes and saw the traveler in the open square of the city, the old man said, “Where are you going? And where do you come from?”
18 And he said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote parts of the hill country of Ephraim, from which I come. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and I am going to the house of the Lord, but no one has taken me into his house.
19 We have straw and feed for our donkeys, with bread and wine for me and your female servant and the young man with your servants. There is no lack of anything.”
20 And the old man said, “Peace be to you; I will care for all your wants. Only, do not spend the night in the square.”
21 So he brought him into his house and gave the donkeys feed. And they washed their feet, and ate and drank.
22 As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, worthless fellows, surrounded the house, beating on the door. And they said to the old man, the master of the house, “Bring out the man who came into your house, that we may know him.”
23 And the man, the master of the house, went out to them and said to them, “No, my brothers, do not act so wickedly; since this man has come into my house, do not do this vile thing.
24 Behold, here are my virgin daughter and his concubine. Let me bring them out now. Violate them and do with them what seems good to you, but against this man do not do this outrageous thing.”
25 But the men would not listen to him. So the man seized his concubine and made her go out to them. And they knew her and abused her all night until the morning. And as the dawn began to break, they let her go.
26 And as the morning appeared, the woman came and fell down at the door of the man’s house where her master was, until it was light.
27 And her master rose up in the morning, and when he opened the doors of the house and went out to go on his way, behold, there was his concubine lying at the door of the house, with her hands on the threshold.
28 And he said to her, “Get up, let us be going.” But there was no answer. Then he put her on the donkey, and the man rose up and went away to his home.
29 When he entered his house, he took a knife, and taking hold of his concubine he divided her, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout all the territory of Israel.
30 And all who saw it said, “Such a thing has never happened or been seen from the day that the people of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt until this day; consider it, take counsel, and speak.”
The True Meaning of Judges 19
The Book of Judges was written by an unknown author, likely a prophet or scribe, who chronicled the history of the Israelites after the death of Joshua. This chapter depicts a dark and disturbing event that occurred during a time of moral decline and social upheaval in the land.
The chapter recounts the story of a Levite and his concubine, and the horrific consequences that unfolded in the town of Gibeah. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding justice and righteousness, even in the face of societal breakdown. The events described in this chapter foreshadow the need for a strong central authority to maintain order and protect the vulnerable, a theme that will be further explored in the subsequent books of the Bible. The Psalmist declared, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne” (Psalm 89:14) as we delve into this troubling passage. The actions of the people in this chapter stand in stark contrast to the principles of justice and compassion that should guide a society. This chapter serves as a sobering warning about the consequences of abandoning God’s laws and the importance of upholding moral standards, even in the face of adversity.
Judges 19:1-4
A Levite man took a concubine from Bethlehem, beginning the passage in Judges 19:1-4. The Levite’s actions in taking a concubine indicate a departure from God’s original plan for marriage, which emphasized the importance of a covenant relationship between one man and one woman. The Levite’s actions also reflect a lack of value placed on the dignity and well-being of women, as concubines were often seen as lesser than wives in society during that time. This sets the stage for the moral decline and chaos that will unfold later in the chapter.
The concubine’s unfaithfulness and subsequent return to her father’s house mirror the unfaithfulness of the Israelites to God throughout the book of Judges. Despite the Levite’s attempts to reconcile with his concubine, she remains in her father’s house for four months. During this time, the Levite’s desire to bring her back reveals his commitment to the relationship, but it also highlights the brokenness and dysfunction present in their union.
The four-month period of estrangement between the Levite and his concubine reflects the theme of waiting and preparation found in other parts of the Bible. For example, in the New Testament, Jesus spent forty days in the wilderness preparing for His ministry. This period of waiting can symbolize a time of testing, growth, and transformation before God’s ultimate purposes are revealed.
The Levite’s journey to Bethlehem to speak kindly to the concubine and retrieve her signifies his willingness to forgive and reconcile. This act can be seen as a reflection of God’s mercy and grace towards His people, as He is always ready to welcome back those who have strayed. However, the Levite’s decision to bring along his servant and two donkeys may also indicate a lack of complete trust in God’s provision and protection, as he relies on his own resources for the journey. These verses highlight the themes of broken relationships, forgiveness, reconciliation, and the consequences of straying from God’s design for human relationships. They remind us of the importance of faithfulness, repentance, and seeking reconciliation in our relationships, both with others and with God. We can draw valuable lessons about the impact of sin and the redeeming power of God’s love and forgiveness by examining the actions and motivations of the characters in this passage.
Judges 19:5-9
The woman’s father said to his son-in-law, “Refresh yourself with something to eat; then you can go,” on the fourth day when they got up early and he prepared to leave in Judges 19:5-9.’ So the two of them sat down to eat and drink together. Afterward, the woman’s father said, ‘Please stay tonight and enjoy yourself.’ And when the man got up to go, his father-in-law persuaded him, so he stayed there that night. On the morning of the fifth day, when he rose to go, the woman’s father said, ‘Refresh yourself. Wait till afternoon!’ So the two of them ate together. The Levite’s father-in-law in Gibeah extends hospitality to him in this section of Judges 19. The Levite and his concubine had been traveling and sought shelter in Gibeah for the night. The father-in-law’s insistence on hospitality delayed their departure each day, indicating a gracious and generous host. This narrative highlights the significance of hospitality in biblical times, emphasizing the importance of caring for and welcoming strangers or travelers. This theme of hospitality is prevalent throughout the Bible, with numerous instances of individuals showing kindness to strangers, reflecting God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Additionally, this section sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold later in Judges 19. The delay in the Levite’s departure ultimately leads to them being out in the city square late into the evening, where they encounter the wickedness of the men of Gibeah. This passage serves as a warning about the dangers of lingering in places of moral compromise and the consequences that can arise from such situations. It underscores the importance of discernment and making wise choices in where we choose to stay and the company we keep, as it can greatly impact our well-being and safety.
The narrative in Judges 19 echoes other biblical accounts that highlight the consequences of moral depravity and the importance of upholding righteousness. The events that transpire in Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of the depravity that can result from a lack of moral guidance and the importance of living in accordance with God’s principles. This story also emphasizes the need for justice and accountability when individuals choose to act in evil ways, as seen later in the text when the tribes of Israel unite to address the heinous crime committed in Gibeah. This passage ultimately serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to heed the warning signs of moral decay and strive to uphold righteousness in all aspects of their lives.
Judges 19:10-15
The Levite, his concubine, and his servant arrive in Gibeah, in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin in Judges 19:10-15. They were traveling through Jebus (Jerusalem), and as the day was ending, the servant suggested they stay the night in the city of Jebus, which was inhabited by the Jebusites, rather than staying in a city of foreigners. However, the Levite insisted on continuing to Gibeah or Ramah, cities of the Israelites, even though it meant traveling further while risking being on the road at night.
This section highlights the Levite’s decision-making and his priority to stay within the territory of the Israelites, which reflects a sense of loyalty to his own people despite the risks involved. However, this decision will eventually lead to a tragic series of events that will unfold in the following verses. It shows the importance of our choices and how they can have far-reaching consequences, as seen in the Levite’s insistence on reaching an Israelite city.
The Levite’s actions in this section can be compared to the story of Lot in Genesis 19, where Lot also made a choice to stay in a city (Sodom) with his family, despite the dangers, rather than seek safety elsewhere. Both stories serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of our decisions and the importance of seeking God’s guidance in our choices.
This section also sets the stage for the events that will later unfold in Gibeah, where the Levite and his concubine will face a horrific incident that will expose the moral depravity of the people in that city. The contrast between the Levite’s adherence to his people’s territory and the sins that will occur in Gibeah serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of straying from God’s ways and the corruption that can arise when people turn away from His commandments. The choices made by the characters in Judges 19:10-15 will set the course for the tragic events that will follow, highlighting the importance of obedience to God’s ways and the consequences of straying from His guidance.
Judges 19:16-21
An old man from the city of Gibeah offers hospitality to a Levite traveler, along with his concubine and servant in Judges 19:16-21. This act of hospitality is a common theme in Biblical narratives and signifies the importance of showing kindness and generosity to strangers, a value that is emphasized throughout the Bible. The Levite, as a member of the priestly tribe, holds a position of honor and respect in Israelite society, which adds to the gravity of the situation that unfolds.
The Levite and his companions were traveling through the territory of the tribe of Benjamin when they reached Gibeah. The specific mention of Gibeah is significant because it was the setting for a heinous crime that would later unfold. The reference to Gibeah would have alerted contemporary readers to the infamous event that occurred there, which is detailed further in Judges 19:22-30.
The Levite and his group planned to spend the night in the city square since no one initially offered them lodging, highlighting the importance of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern cultures. However, the old man from Gibeah persisted in inviting them to his home, demonstrating his generosity and concern for their safety. This act serves as a reminder of the importance of extending hospitality to strangers, a principle reiterated in various passages in the Bible, such as Hebrews 13:2 which states, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. The men of the city, described as “wicked men” in Judges 19:22, surrounded the house and demanded that the Levite be brought out to them as the evening progressed. This disturbing turn of events reveals the moral decay and corruption prevalent in Gibeah, echoing the biblical theme of the consequences of sin and the importance of upholding God’s laws. This narrative sets the stage for the tragic events that unfold in the subsequent verses of Judges 19, culminating in a horrific act of violence and injustice. Judges 19:16-21 serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of hospitality, the depravity of sin, and the need for justice and righteousness in society. Through the lens of this passage, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own actions towards others, the importance of upholding moral principles, and the consequences of straying from God’s ways.
Judges 19:22-26
Some of the wicked men of the city surrounded the house while they were enjoying themselves in Judges 19:22-26. Pounding on the door, they shouted to the old man who owned the house, ‘Bring out the man who came to your house so we can have sex with him.’ The owner of the house went outside and said to them, ‘No, my friends, don’t be so vile. Since this man is my guest, don’t do this outrageous thing. Look, here is my virgin daughter, and his concubine. I will bring them out to you now, and you can use them and do to them whatever you wish. But as for this man, don’t do such an outrageous thing.’ But the men would not listen to him. So the man took his concubine and sent her outside to them, and they raped her and abused her throughout the night, and at dawn they let her go. At daybreak the woman went back to the house where her master was staying, fell down at the door and lay there until daylight.”
This passage is a part of a horrific story in the book of Judges that recounts the moral decay and lawlessness that existed in Israel during this time. The scene described here is an appalling act of violence and depravity, highlighting the lack of regard for human life and dignity. The actions of the men in the city, who sought to abuse and violate the Levite man staying in the house, are a clear demonstration of their wickedness and disregard for hospitality and respect.
The response of the old man, who offered his daughter and the Levite’s concubine to the mob instead of the Levite himself, is troubling and showcases the distorted values and lack of protection for women in that society. The fact that the men chose to abuse and rape the concubine mercilessly all night, leading to her eventual death, is a harrowing depiction of the depths of depravity that had taken root in the community.
This story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding justice, protecting the vulnerable, and living according to God’s moral standards. The Bible consistently condemns such acts of violence and immorality, emphasizing the need for righteousness, compassion, and respect for all human life. This passage illustrates the consequences of turning away from God and allowing evil to fester, leading to tragic outcomes and societal breakdown.
The Levite’s actions in this story, including offering up his concubine to the mob and later callously cutting her body into pieces to send to the tribes of Israel, also reveal the moral corruption and lack of empathy present in some of the characters in this narrative. It shows the devastating consequences of sin and selfishness when individuals fail to uphold God’s principles of love, justice, and compassion. The Bible teaches us through various passages to show kindness, hospitality, and respect towards others, in contrast to the darkness and evil portrayed in Judges 19. Verses like Hebrews 13:2 remind us to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it. This serves as a stark contrast to the actions of the men in Judges 19 who showed no hospitality or kindness to the Levite or his concubine. This passage in Judges 19 ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of moral decay, the importance of upholding justice and righteousness, and the need for compassion and respect for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. It highlights the dark consequences of a society that has turned away from God and His moral standards, emphasizing the timeless message of the Bible to live in love and righteousness.
Judges 19:27-30
Wicked men in the city of Gibeah subjected an unnamed concubine, who had sought refuge at her father’s house, to a horrific assault, as witnessed in Judges 19:27-30. The passage describes how the Levite, her master, found her lying at the doorway of the house the following morning, after she had been abused all night. The gruesome nature of this event is a stark reminder of the moral decay and lawlessness that plagued the Israelites during this period of the judges.
The narrative is not just a tragic story of violence and injustice but also serves as a commentary on the state of the nation of Israel at that time. The disregard for the sanctity of human life and the lack of accountability among individuals in Gibeah reflect the spiritual and moral decline of the entire nation. The Levite’s decision to cut the concubine’s body into twelve pieces and send them to all the tribes of Israel is a shocking and desperate plea for justice, highlighting the need for a unified response to such egregious acts.
The Levite’s actions may seem extreme, but they underscore the severity of the crime committed against the concubine and the need for collective action to address it. This incident further illuminates the importance of standing up against evil and seeking justice for the oppressed, even when it means confronting difficult and uncomfortable truths. The division and lack of cohesion within the tribes of Israel, as evidenced by their initial reaction of shock and disbelief, serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of apathy and inaction in the face of evil. Reflecting on Judges 19:27-30 in the broader context of the Bible reminds us of the importance of upholding justice, mercy, and compassion. Throughout the Scriptures, we see God’s heart for the vulnerable and oppressed, and His call for His people to act justly and love mercy (Micah 6:8). This passage challenges us to consider how we respond to injustice in our own communities and to strive towards creating a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, reflecting the values of the Kingdom of God.
After Judges 19
The Levite and His Concubine
The Levite and his concubine had a terrible ordeal. They were attacked by wicked men in Gibeah. The concubine was brutally assaulted and died. The Levite was devastated. He cut her body into twelve pieces and sent them throughout Israel. This act of violence shocked the nation.
The people of Israel were outraged by the cruelty in Gibeah. They demanded justice. A great war broke out between the Israelites and the tribe of Benjamin, who protected the guilty men. After much bloodshed, the Benjaminites were nearly wiped out.
The reverend closed the book solemnly. Though justice was served, the cost was high. The nation had been torn apart by this senseless act of violence. He knew the road to healing and reconciliation would be long and difficult as he prepared his sermon. But with faith in the Lord, he believed the people could find a way forward, even from the darkest of tragedies.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.