Judges 19:20

"Peace to you," said the old man. "Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square."

Study Bible

“Peace to you,” said the old man.
The greeting "Peace to you" reflects the Hebrew word "Shalom," which conveys a sense of wholeness, safety, and well-being. This greeting is significant in the context of ancient Israel, where hospitality was a deeply ingrained cultural value. The old man's offer of peace indicates his intention to provide protection and care, contrasting with the potential danger of the public square. This phrase echoes the biblical theme of peace as a divine blessing, seen in passages like Numbers 6:24-26, where the Lord's peace is a sign of His favor.

“Let me supply everything you need.”
The old man's offer to supply everything needed highlights the cultural importance of hospitality in the ancient Near East. In a time when inns were rare and often unsafe, travelers relied on the kindness of strangers. This act of generosity is reminiscent of Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors in Genesis 18, where he provides for their needs. The old man's willingness to care for the traveler and his companions reflects the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor, as seen in Leviticus 19:34.

Only do not spend the night in the square.”
The warning against spending the night in the square underscores the potential danger and moral decay present in Gibeah, a town of the tribe of Benjamin. This cautionary advice foreshadows the tragic events that follow in the narrative, highlighting the lawlessness and lack of hospitality in Israel during the time of the Judges. The square, typically a place of gathering and commerce, becomes a symbol of vulnerability and threat. This situation parallels the story of Lot in Genesis 19, where he urges the angelic visitors not to stay in the city square of Sodom, indicating a similar environment of moral corruption.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Old Man
An elderly man from the hill country of Ephraim, residing in Gibeah, who offers hospitality to the traveling Levite, his concubine, and servant.

2. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin, where the events of Judges 19 unfold. It becomes infamous for the wickedness displayed by its inhabitants.

3. The Levite
A man traveling with his concubine and servant, seeking shelter in Gibeah after retrieving his concubine from her father's house.

4. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, who had previously left him and returned to her father's house in Bethlehem.

5. The Servant
Accompanies the Levite and his concubine on their journey, playing a minor role in the account.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
The old man's offer of shelter in Judges 19:20 ("Peace to you," said the old man. "Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square.") highlights the biblical value of hospitality. Christians are called to be hospitable, reflecting God's love and care.

Moral Decay and Its Consequences
The events in Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of moral decay and societal neglect of God's laws. Believers are encouraged to uphold righteousness and justice in their communities.

The Role of the Stranger
The account challenges us to consider how we treat strangers and those in need. It calls for a reflection on our attitudes and actions towards those who are different or marginalized.

Community Responsibility
The account underscores the responsibility of a community to protect and care for its members and visitors. Christians are urged to foster communities that reflect God's justice and compassion.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the old man's hospitality in Judges 19:20 reflect biblical teachings on hospitality, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the account of Gibeah parallel the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and what lessons can we learn about societal morality?

3. How do the actions of the old man contrast with those of the Gibeah residents, and what does this teach us about individual versus communal responsibility?

4. Reflect on a time when you were in need of hospitality or assistance. How did the experience shape your understanding of Christian community?

5. Considering Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25:35-40, how can we as individuals and churches better practice hospitality and care for strangers in our midst?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Leviticus 19:34
The command to love the stranger and treat them as native-born, contrasting with the inhospitable actions of the Gibeah residents.

Hebrews 13:2
Encourages hospitality, reminding believers that some have entertained angels unawares, contrasting with the inhospitable actions in Gibeah.

Matthew 25:35-40
Jesus' teaching on serving "the least of these" as serving Him, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and care for others.