Judges 19:25

But the men would not listen to him. So the Levite 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.

Study Bible

But the men would not listen to him
This phrase highlights the obstinacy and moral depravity of the men of Gibeah. The Hebrew root for "listen" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but obeying or heeding. The refusal to listen indicates a willful rejection of moral and social norms, reflecting the chaotic and lawless period of the Judges when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This sets the stage for understanding the depth of Israel's spiritual and moral decline.

so the man seized his concubine
The term "seized" comes from the Hebrew "חָזַק" (chazaq), meaning to take hold of or grasp firmly. This action underscores the desperation and cowardice of the Levite, who prioritizes his own safety over the dignity and life of his concubine. The use of "concubine" (פִּילֶגֶשׁ, pilegesh) reflects her vulnerable social status, lacking the full rights of a wife, which tragically contributes to her exploitation and abuse.

and set her outside to them
This phrase is a chilling depiction of betrayal and abandonment. The act of setting her outside is a physical manifestation of the Levite's moral failure. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, hospitality and protection of guests were paramount, yet here, the Levite violates these sacred duties. This action foreshadows the societal breakdown and the need for righteous leadership.

and they raped her and abused her throughout the night
The Hebrew word for "raped" is "יָדַע" (yada), which in this context is a euphemism for sexual violence. The phrase "abused her" further emphasizes the brutality and inhumanity of the act. The night-long duration of the abuse highlights the depth of depravity and the absence of justice or intervention. This horrific event serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's laws and the need for repentance and restoration.

and at dawn they let her go
"Dawn" symbolizes a new beginning or hope, yet here it is tragically ironic. The release of the concubine at dawn signifies the end of her torment but also the beginning of a national crisis that would lead to civil war. The phrase "let her go" (שָׁלַח, shalach) implies a dismissive release, underscoring her dehumanization. This moment calls for reflection on the need for societal transformation and the pursuit of justice and compassion in accordance with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A man from the tribe of Levi, who was traveling with his concubine. He plays a central role in the account, making decisions that lead to tragic consequences.

2. The Concubine
A secondary wife or woman in a servile relationship to the Levite. Her tragic fate is central to the account, highlighting the societal and moral decay of the time.

3. The Men of Gibeah
Inhabitants of the Benjamite city of Gibeah, who commit a grievous sin by abusing the concubine. Their actions reflect the lawlessness and moral corruption prevalent in Israel during this period.

4. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin, where the events unfold. It becomes infamous for the wickedness of its inhabitants.

5. The Old Man
A resident of Gibeah who offers hospitality to the Levite and his concubine, but ultimately fails to protect them from the wicked men of the city.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Judges 19 serve as a stark reminder of what happens when a society turns away from God's laws. It is crucial for believers to uphold biblical values and resist cultural pressures that lead to moral compromise.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
The absence of strong, godly leadership in Israel during this time led to chaos and sin. This underscores the need for leaders who are committed to God's truth and justice.

The Value of Human Life
The tragic fate of the concubine highlights the need to value and protect human life. Christians are called to advocate for the vulnerable and stand against injustice.

Hospitality and Protection
The failure of the old man to protect his guests serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities of hospitality. Believers are called to provide refuge and safety for those in need.

Repentance and Restoration
Despite the darkness of this account, it points to the need for repentance and the hope of restoration through Christ. Believers are encouraged to seek God's forgiveness and strive for righteousness.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Levite and his concubine reflect the spiritual and moral state of Israel during the time of the Judges?

2. In what ways does the account of Judges 19 parallel the account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, and what lessons can we draw from these similarities?

3. How can we, as modern believers, ensure that we are upholding God's standards of justice and righteousness in our communities?

4. What responsibilities do we have as Christians to protect and advocate for the vulnerable in our society, and how can we practically fulfill these duties?

5. How does the absence of godly leadership in Judges 19 challenge us to pray for and support leaders who are committed to biblical principles?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Sodom and Gomorrah, where the men of the city also sought to commit grievous acts against visitors. This parallel highlights the recurring theme of hospitality violated and the depths of human depravity.

Deuteronomy 22:25-27
These verses discuss the laws concerning rape, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the protection of the victim. The events in Judges 19 starkly contrast with these laws, showcasing Israel's departure from God's commands.

Romans 1:24-32
Paul's description of humanity's descent into sin and moral decay echoes the lawlessness and depravity seen in Judges 19, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God.