Judges 19:1

Now in those days, when there was no king in Israel, a Levite who lived in the remote hill country of Ephraim took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.

Study Bible

In those days
This phrase sets the historical context for the narrative, indicating a period in Israel's history when there was no centralized leadership. The Hebrew word for "days" (יָמִים, yamim) often signifies a specific era or epoch. This was a time of moral and social chaos, as described in the Book of Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The absence of a king or strong leadership led to a cycle of sin and redemption, highlighting the need for divine guidance and the eventual establishment of a monarchy in Israel.

when there was no king in Israel
This phrase underscores the political and spiritual vacuum in Israel during the time of the Judges. The Hebrew word for "king" (מֶלֶךְ, melech) implies not just a political leader but also a figure who upholds justice and righteousness. The lack of a king symbolizes the absence of order and divine authority, pointing to the Israelites' need for a godly leader who would guide them according to God's laws. This sets the stage for the eventual anointing of Saul and David as kings, foreshadowing the ultimate kingship of Christ.

a Levite
The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, serving as priests and caretakers of the tabernacle. The Hebrew term for Levite (לֵוִי, Levi) is derived from the root meaning "to join" or "to attach," reflecting their role in connecting the people to God. This particular Levite's actions in the narrative highlight the spiritual decline even among those who were supposed to be spiritual leaders, emphasizing the need for personal holiness and integrity.

who lived in a remote area
The phrase "remote area" suggests isolation, both geographically and spiritually. The Hebrew word for "remote" (יַרְכָּה, yarkah) can also mean "extreme" or "uttermost," indicating a place far from the central worship and community life of Israel. This physical distance from the center of worship in Shiloh may symbolize the spiritual distance from God that had permeated the nation, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of straying from communal worship and accountability.

in the hill country of Ephraim
Ephraim was one of the prominent tribes of Israel, often associated with leadership and strength. The hill country of Ephraim was a rugged and fertile region, symbolizing both the potential for growth and the challenges of maintaining faithfulness in a difficult environment. The Hebrew root for Ephraim (אֶפְרַיִם) means "fruitful," yet the narrative that follows reveals moral barrenness, contrasting the tribe's potential with its spiritual failures.

took for himself a concubine
The act of taking a concubine reflects the cultural practices of the time, where concubines were secondary wives with fewer rights. The Hebrew word for concubine (פִּילֶגֶשׁ, pilegesh) indicates a relationship that falls short of the covenantal marriage God intended. This choice reveals the Levite's compromise and the broader societal decline, serving as a reminder of the importance of adhering to God's design for marriage and relationships.

from Bethlehem in Judah
Bethlehem, meaning "house of bread" in Hebrew (בֵּית לֶחֶם, Beit Lechem), is a town with significant biblical history, being the birthplace of King David and later, Jesus Christ. Its mention here foreshadows the redemptive work that would come from this seemingly insignificant town. The reference to Judah, a tribe known for leadership and praise, contrasts with the moral failures depicted in the narrative, pointing to the hope of a future righteous leader from the line of Judah.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, who at this time had no centralized leadership or king, leading to a period of moral and social chaos.

2. Levite
A member of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties. This Levite's actions and decisions are central to the account that follows.

3. Hill Country of Ephraim
A region in central Israel, known for its rugged terrain. It is significant as the Levite's place of residence.

4. Concubine
A woman who lived with a man but had a lower status than his wife. The concubine's relationship with the Levite is pivotal to the unfolding events.

5. Bethlehem in Judah
A town in the territory of Judah, known as the birthplace of King David and later Jesus Christ. It is the origin of the concubine.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Anarchy
Without a king or central leadership, Israel experienced moral and social chaos. This serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership and order in society.

The Role of the Levite
As a member of the priestly tribe, the Levite's actions should have reflected God's standards. This challenges us to consider how our roles and responsibilities align with our faith.

The Value of Relationships
The Levite's relationship with his concubine highlights the complexities and potential dysfunctions in relationships. It calls us to evaluate the health and godliness of our own relationships.

The Significance of Place
Bethlehem, though small, plays a significant role in biblical history. This reminds us that God can use any place or person for His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the absence of a king in Israel suggest about the spiritual and moral state of the nation during this time?

2. How does the role of the Levite in this account challenge us to reflect on our own spiritual responsibilities?

3. In what ways can the relationship between the Levite and his concubine inform our understanding of biblical relationships and their complexities?

4. How does the setting of Bethlehem in this account connect to its later significance in the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's use of seemingly insignificant places?

5. Considering the broader context of Judges, how can we apply the lessons of leadership and order to our personal lives and communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The phrase "Israel had no king" is a recurring theme in Judges, highlighting the lack of leadership and the resulting moral decline. This is echoed in the book of 1 Samuel, where the Israelites demand a king to lead them.

The role of the Levites is further explored in the book of Leviticus, where their duties and responsibilities are outlined, emphasizing their role in maintaining spiritual order.

The concept of a concubine and the complexities of such relationships can be seen in Genesis with Hagar and Abraham, illustrating the social and familial tensions that can arise.