Judges 19:29

When he reached his house, he picked up a knife, took hold of his concubine, cut her limb by limb into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout the territory of Israel.

Study Bible

When he entered his house
This phrase sets the scene for the actions that follow, indicating a return to a place of supposed safety and familiarity. In the Hebrew context, the house is often a symbol of one's domain and responsibility. The Levite's return to his house signifies a moment of reckoning, where he must confront the consequences of the events that transpired in Gibeah. Historically, the house was a place of refuge and family, yet here it becomes a setting for a grim task, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

he took a knife
The act of taking a knife is deliberate and premeditated. In the Hebrew tradition, a knife is a tool often associated with sacrifice and covenant, as seen in the account of Abraham and Isaac. Here, however, it is used for a different, more somber purpose. The knife symbolizes the Levite's decisive action and the severity of his response to the atrocity committed against his concubine. It underscores the seriousness with which he views the need for justice and the drastic measures he is willing to take.

and laid hold of his concubine
This phrase indicates a physical and emotional connection to the concubine, who has suffered greatly. The term "concubine" in the Hebrew context refers to a woman who, while not a wife, holds a significant place in the household. The Levite's action of laying hold of her suggests a final act of possession and responsibility. It is a poignant moment that reflects the deep personal impact of the tragedy and the Levite's acknowledgment of his role in her life and death.

cut her limb by limb into twelve pieces
The dismemberment of the concubine into twelve pieces is a shocking and symbolic act. The number twelve holds significant meaning in the Bible, often representing the twelve tribes of Israel. By dividing her body into twelve parts, the Levite is making a powerful statement to the entire nation of Israel. This act serves as a call to unity and action, urging the tribes to recognize the gravity of the sin committed and to respond collectively. It is a dramatic gesture meant to awaken the conscience of the people and provoke a response to the moral decay within the nation.

and sent her throughout all the territory of Israel
The distribution of the concubine's body parts throughout Israel is a call to national awareness and repentance. It is a graphic and undeniable message that demands attention and action from every tribe. In the historical context, such an act would have been seen as a summons to address a grave injustice. The Levite's actions are intended to stir the hearts of the Israelites, compelling them to confront the sin within their midst and to seek justice and restoration. This phrase underscores the communal responsibility of the people of God to uphold righteousness and to respond to evil with decisive action.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A central figure in this account, the Levite is a man from the hill country of Ephraim who takes a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. His actions and decisions drive the events of this chapter.

2. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, who is tragically abused and ultimately dies. Her account highlights the severe moral and social decay during this period in Israel's history.

3. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin where the Levite and his concubine seek shelter. The events in Gibeah reveal the depravity and lack of hospitality among the Israelites at this time.

4. The Twelve Tribes of Israel
The Levite's actions in response to the tragedy serve as a call to the tribes of Israel, leading to a national crisis and subsequent civil war.

5. The Dismemberment
The Levite dismembers his concubine's body into twelve pieces and sends them throughout Israel, a shocking act intended to provoke a response from the tribes.

Teaching Points

Moral Decay and Its Consequences
The events in Judges 19 illustrate the severe moral decline in Israel when they turned away from God's laws. This serves as a warning about the dangers of moral relativism and the importance of adhering to biblical principles.

The Role of Leadership
The absence of strong, godly leadership in Israel during this time led to chaos and injustice. This highlights the need for leaders who uphold righteousness and justice according to God's standards.

The Power of Collective Action
The Levite's drastic actions led to a collective response from the tribes of Israel. This demonstrates the power and responsibility of a community to address injustice and seek righteousness.

The Importance of Hospitality
The lack of hospitality in Gibeah contrasts with biblical teachings on welcoming strangers and caring for others, reminding us of the importance of kindness and generosity.

The Cost of Sin
The tragic events in this chapter underscore the destructive nature of sin and the far-reaching consequences it can have on individuals and communities.

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 in Judges 19 parallel the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and what lessons can we draw from these similarities?

3. How can we apply the lessons of leadership and community responsibility from this chapter to our own lives and communities today?

4. What does the lack of hospitality in Gibeah teach us about the biblical call to love and care for others, and how can we practice this in our daily lives?

5. Reflect on the consequences of sin as depicted in Judges 19. How can we guard against moral decay in our personal lives and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 shares thematic similarities with Judges 19, particularly regarding the lack of hospitality and moral corruption.

The call for justice and the assembly of Israel in response to the Levite's actions can be compared to the communal responses seen in the book of Joshua, where the tribes unite for a common cause.

The account echoes the warnings in Deuteronomy about the consequences of turning away from God's commandments and the resulting societal decay.