Judges 19:17

When he looked up and saw the traveler in the city square, the old man asked, "Where are you going, and where have you come from?"

Study Bible

When he looked up
This phrase indicates a moment of awareness and attention. In the Hebrew context, the act of looking up often signifies a shift in focus or a readiness to engage. The old man’s action here is not just physical but also spiritual, as he prepares to extend hospitality, a deeply ingrained cultural and religious duty in ancient Israelite society.

and saw the traveler
The traveler, or "wayfarer," in Hebrew is often associated with vulnerability and need. In the ancient Near East, travelers depended heavily on the kindness of strangers. This encounter highlights the biblical theme of hospitality, which is a reflection of God's care for the sojourner and the marginalized, as seen throughout Scripture.

in the city square
The city square was a central place for gathering, commerce, and social interaction in ancient cities. It was common for travelers to wait there, hoping for an invitation into a home. This setting underscores the public nature of the encounter and the communal responsibility to care for strangers, a principle rooted in the Mosaic Law.

the old man asked
The old man’s inquiry is an act of discernment and compassion. In biblical narratives, elders often represent wisdom and the continuity of tradition. His question is not merely about physical direction but also seeks to understand the traveler’s account and needs, reflecting a godly concern for others.

Where are you going, and where have you come from?
These questions are profound, inviting reflection on both destination and origin. Spiritually, they echo the journey of faith, where believers are called to consider their path and purpose. Theologically, this inquiry can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition, where understanding one's past and future is essential for spiritual growth and alignment with God’s will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Traveler (Levite)
A Levite who is journeying with his concubine and servant, seeking lodging in the city of Gibeah.

2. The Old Man
An inhabitant of Gibeah who offers hospitality to the traveler, showing concern for his welfare.

3. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin, known for its inhospitable and later, immoral behavior as the account unfolds.

4. The City Square
The public area where travelers would wait for someone to offer them lodging, highlighting the cultural expectation of hospitality.

5. The Journey
The Levite's journey is a central event, setting the stage for the subsequent tragic events in Gibeah.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
Hospitality is a recurring biblical theme, reflecting God's love and care for all people. As Christians, we are called to extend kindness and hospitality to strangers, reflecting God's love in our actions.

Moral Decay and Its Consequences
The events in Gibeah serve as a warning about the consequences of moral decay and the importance of upholding God's standards in our communities.

Discernment in Relationships
The Levite's journey and interactions remind us of the need for discernment in our relationships and the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions.

Community Responsibility
The lack of hospitality in Gibeah highlights the responsibility of communities to care for those in need, emphasizing the role of the church in providing support and refuge.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the old man's offer of hospitality contrast with the behavior of the rest of the city, and what can we learn from this about our own approach to hospitality?

2. In what ways does the account of Gibeah reflect the moral and spiritual state of Israel during the time of the Judges, and how can this serve as a warning for us today?

3. How can we apply the principle of hospitality in our modern context, especially in our interactions with those who are different from us?

4. What are some practical ways we can ensure that our communities reflect God's love and care, especially towards strangers and those in need?

5. How do the themes of hospitality and moral responsibility in Judges 19:17 connect with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament, and how can we live out these teachings in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Lot in Sodom parallels the events in Gibeah, highlighting themes of hospitality and moral decay.

Hebrews 13:2
Encourages believers to show hospitality to strangers, as some have entertained angels without knowing it, reflecting the importance of hospitality in biblical times.

Matthew 25:35-40
Jesus speaks about the importance of caring for strangers, which can be seen as a call to emulate the old man's initial hospitality.