Judges 19:30

And everyone who saw it said, "Nothing like this has been seen or done from the day the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt until this day. Think it over, take counsel, and speak up!"

Study Bible

And everyone who saw it
This phrase emphasizes the collective witness of the Israelites to the horrific events described in the preceding verses. The Hebrew root for "saw" is רָאָה (ra'ah), which means to see, perceive, or understand. This suggests not just a physical witnessing but a deeper comprehension of the gravity of the situation. Historically, this collective witnessing would have been a powerful motivator for communal action, as the shared experience of seeing would have unified the people in their response.

said
The Hebrew word for "said" is אָמַר (amar), which is often used in the Bible to denote not just speaking but declaring or proclaiming. This implies that the reaction was not a mere whisper among the people but a pronounced declaration, indicating the severity of the situation and the need for a public response.

Nothing like this has ever happened or been seen
This phrase underscores the unprecedented nature of the events. The use of "ever" (עוֹד, 'od) and "seen" (רָאָה, ra'ah) together highlights the historical and moral shock experienced by the Israelites. It suggests a breach of the covenantal and societal norms that had governed Israel since their exodus from Egypt. The historical context here is crucial, as it points to a time of moral decay and lawlessness during the period of the Judges, when "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

from the day the Israelites came up out of the land of Egypt
This reference to the exodus serves as a historical marker, reminding the Israelites of their foundational narrative of liberation and covenant with God. The phrase "came up" (עָלָה, 'alah) is often used in the context of ascending or going up, which in biblical terms can signify a movement towards God or a higher moral ground. The mention of Egypt evokes the memory of God's deliverance and the establishment of Israel as a nation under divine law, contrasting sharply with the current moral crisis.

to this day
This phrase serves to anchor the narrative in the present moment of the text, emphasizing the continuity of Israel's history and the ongoing relevance of their covenantal identity. It suggests a call to remember and return to the foundational principles that have been neglected.

Think it over
The Hebrew root for "think" is שִׁים (sim), which means to place, set, or consider. This is a call to reflection and introspection, urging the Israelites to pause and contemplate the gravity of the situation. It is an invitation to engage in a process of discernment, seeking wisdom and understanding in the face of moral chaos.

take counsel
The phrase "take counsel" (יָעַץ, ya'ats) implies seeking advice or deliberation. In the biblical context, this often involves seeking divine guidance or the wisdom of elders. It is a call to collective decision-making, emphasizing the importance of community and shared responsibility in addressing the crisis.

and speak up!
The Hebrew root for "speak" is דָּבַר (dabar), which means to speak, declare, or command. This is a call to action, urging the Israelites to not only reflect and deliberate but also to articulate a response. It emphasizes the power of words to effect change and the responsibility of the community to address injustice and restore righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A central figure in the account, the Levite is traveling with his concubine. His actions and decisions play a crucial role in the unfolding events.

2. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, whose tragic fate becomes the catalyst for the events that follow. Her mistreatment and death highlight the moral decay of the time.

3. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin where the Levite and his concubine seek shelter. The town's inhabitants' actions reflect the broader societal issues of the period.

4. The Old Man
A resident of Gibeah who offers hospitality to the Levite and his concubine, contrasting with the inhospitable and wicked behavior of the other townspeople.

5. The Israelites
The tribes of Israel who are called to respond to the atrocity committed in Gibeah, leading to a civil conflict within the nation.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Judges 19:30 illustrate the severe consequences of a society that turns away from God's laws and moral standards. Believers are called to uphold righteousness and justice in their communities.

The Importance of Hospitality
The contrast between the old man's hospitality and the townspeople's wickedness underscores the biblical call to show kindness and care to strangers, reflecting God's love and compassion.

The Role of Leadership
The Levite's actions and the subsequent response of the Israelite tribes highlight the importance of godly leadership and accountability in addressing sin and injustice.

The Call to Repentance
The account serves as a stark reminder of the need for repentance and turning back to God when society strays from His commandments.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Levite and his concubine in Judges 19:30 reflect the broader 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 behavior of the other townspeople, and what lessons can we learn about biblical hospitality?

3. How do the events in Gibeah parallel the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and what does this suggest about the nature of sin and judgment?

4. What role does leadership play in the account, and how can we apply these lessons to our own roles as leaders in our families, churches, and communities?

5. How can the call to repentance and return to God, as seen in the aftermath of the events in Gibeah, be applied to our personal lives and the life of the church today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Deuteronomy 22
The laws concerning sexual immorality and the treatment of women provide a backdrop for understanding the gravity of the crime committed in Gibeah.

Hosea 9
Hosea references the events at Gibeah as a symbol of Israel's moral decline, emphasizing the need for repentance and return to God.