Judges 19:26

Early that morning, the woman went back to the house where her master was staying, collapsed at the doorway, and lay there until it was light.

Study Bible

At daybreak
The phrase "at daybreak" signifies the early morning, a time often associated with new beginnings and hope. In the Hebrew context, the break of day was a significant time for activities, as it marked the transition from darkness to light. This moment in the narrative of Judges 19 is laden with irony, as the hope typically associated with dawn is overshadowed by the tragic events that have unfolded. The Hebrew word for "daybreak" (שַׁחַר, shachar) can also imply seeking or searching, which may reflect the desperate search for justice and righteousness in a time of moral decay.

the woman
The reference to "the woman" is to the concubine of the Levite, whose tragic account is central to this chapter. In the cultural and historical context of ancient Israel, women often held a vulnerable position in society, and this narrative starkly highlights the consequences of societal and spiritual decline. The Hebrew term used here (אִשָּׁה, ishah) is a general term for woman or wife, emphasizing her humanity and the grievous nature of her mistreatment.

came
The word "came" indicates movement and action. In the Hebrew text, the verb (בּוֹא, bo) often conveys the idea of entering or arriving. This movement towards the house of her master is symbolic of her seeking refuge and safety, which tragically she does not find. It underscores the theme of seeking sanctuary in a world where such sanctuaries have been corrupted.

and fell
The phrase "and fell" suggests a collapse, both physical and metaphorical. The Hebrew verb (נָפַל, naphal) can mean to fall, to lie down, or to be cast down. This action represents the culmination of her suffering and the failure of the societal structures meant to protect her. It is a poignant image of defeat and vulnerability.

at the doorway
"At the doorway" is a significant location in the narrative. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the doorway was a place of transition and decision, often symbolizing the threshold between safety and danger. The Hebrew term (פֶּתַח, petach) for doorway can also imply an opening or entrance, highlighting the tragic irony that the place meant to be an entrance to safety becomes a site of her demise.

of the house
The "house" in this context refers to the dwelling of her master, the Levite. In biblical literature, a house often symbolizes a place of refuge, family, and community. The Hebrew word (בַּיִת, bayit) for house can also denote a household or family lineage. The failure of this house to provide protection reflects the broader failure of Israelite society to uphold justice and righteousness.

of her master
The term "her master" refers to the Levite, who held a position of authority and responsibility over her. The Hebrew word (אֲדוֹן, adon) for master can also mean lord or ruler, indicating a relationship of power and control. This highlights the Levite's failure to protect and care for her, serving as a critique of the leadership and moral state of Israel at the time.

where her master was
This phrase emphasizes the proximity of the woman to her master, yet also the distance in terms of care and protection. The Hebrew construction here underscores the tragic irony that she is so close to the one who should have been her protector, yet she remains utterly forsaken. It serves as a powerful indictment of the moral and spiritual failures of the time.

until it was light
The phrase "until it was light" marks the passage of time and the arrival of morning. In the Hebrew text, the word for light (אוֹר, or) often symbolizes knowledge, revelation, and divine presence. The arrival of light typically brings clarity and truth, yet in this narrative, it reveals the depth of human depravity and the urgent need for repentance and restoration. This serves as a call to the reader to seek the true light of God's righteousness in a darkened world.

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 events of Judges 19.

2. The Concubine
The woman who was the Levite's concubine. Her tragic fate is a pivotal part of the account.

3. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin where the events of Judges 19 take place. It becomes infamous for the wickedness displayed by its inhabitants.

4. The Old Man
A resident of Gibeah who offers hospitality to the Levite and his concubine, highlighting the cultural importance of hospitality in ancient Israel.

5. The Benjamites
The men of Gibeah who commit a grievous sin against the Levite's concubine, leading to a national crisis in Israel.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of what happens when a society turns away from God's laws and embraces wickedness.

The Importance of Hospitality
The old man's actions contrast with the wickedness of the townspeople, emphasizing the biblical value of hospitality and care for strangers.

The Role of Women in Scripture
The tragic fate of the concubine highlights the vulnerability of women in ancient times and calls for a reflection on how we treat the marginalized today.

Corporate Responsibility
The collective sin of the Benjamites and the subsequent national crisis illustrate the concept of corporate responsibility and the need for communal repentance.

God's Justice and Mercy
While the account is one of judgment, it also points to the need for God's mercy and the hope of redemption through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Levite and his concubine in Judges 19 reflect the moral and spiritual state of Israel during the time of the Judges?

2. In what ways does the hospitality shown by the old man in Gibeah contrast with the actions of the townspeople, and what can we learn from this about biblical hospitality?

3. How does the treatment of the concubine in Judges 19 challenge us to consider the value and dignity of every human life, especially the vulnerable?

4. What parallels can you draw between the events in Gibeah and the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and what do these accounts teach us about God's view of sin and justice?

5. How can the themes of corporate responsibility and communal repentance in Judges 19 be applied to the church today, especially in addressing societal sins?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Sodom and Gomorrah parallels the events in Gibeah, highlighting themes of hospitality, wickedness, and divine judgment.

Deuteronomy 22
Discusses laws regarding sexual immorality and the protection of women, providing a backdrop for understanding the gravity of the crime in Judges 19.

Hosea 9:9
References the depravity of Gibeah, indicating the long-lasting infamy of the events described in Judges 19.

Romans 1:24-32
Paul's description of human depravity and the consequences of turning away from God echoes the moral decline seen in Gibeah.