Judges 19:7

The man got up to depart, but his father-in-law persuaded him, so he stayed there that night.

Study Bible

But the man
This phrase refers to the Levite, a central figure in this narrative. In the context of ancient Israel, Levites held a special role as members of the tribe set apart for religious duties. The Hebrew word for "man" here is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can denote a husband, a male, or a person of significance. The Levite's actions and decisions are pivotal in this chapter, reflecting the moral and social complexities of the time.

was unwilling
The Hebrew root for "unwilling" is "אָבָה" (abah), meaning to refuse or be unwilling. This indicates a strong personal decision, highlighting the Levite's determination. His unwillingness suggests a tension between personal desires and social or familial obligations, a common theme in biblical narratives.

to spend the night
The phrase "spend the night" in Hebrew is "לָלוּן" (lalun), which means to lodge or stay overnight. This reflects the cultural practices of hospitality and travel in ancient Israel, where travelers often relied on the kindness of strangers or relatives for lodging. The Levite's decision not to stay indicates a sense of urgency or discomfort, possibly foreshadowing the events to come.

He got up
The action of getting up, "וַיָּקָם" (vayakom), signifies a decisive movement or change in position. In biblical narratives, such actions often precede significant events or decisions. The Levite's rising suggests readiness and determination to continue his journey, despite the circumstances.

and departed
The Hebrew word "וַיֵּלֶךְ" (vayelech) means to go or walk. This departure marks a transition in the narrative, moving the account forward. It reflects the Levite's resolve to return home, emphasizing themes of journey and movement that are prevalent throughout the Book of Judges.

with his concubine
The term "concubine" in Hebrew is "פִּילֶגֶשׁ" (pilegesh), referring to a woman who lived with a man but had a lower status than a wife. This relationship highlights the complex social structures and gender dynamics of the time. The presence of the concubine in the narrative underscores themes of loyalty, protection, and the societal roles of women.

and his servant
The word "servant" in Hebrew is "נַעַר" (na'ar), which can mean a young man, servant, or attendant. The inclusion of the servant in the journey indicates the Levite's social status and the practical necessities of travel in ancient times. The servant's role, though minor, supports the unfolding events and interactions in the story.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A central figure in this account, the Levite is traveling with his concubine. His actions and decisions are pivotal to the unfolding events in Judges 19.

2. The Father-in-law
The father of the Levite's concubine, who shows hospitality to the Levite and persuades him to stay longer than intended.

3. Bethlehem
The city in Judah where the concubine's father resides and where the Levite initially travels to retrieve her.

4. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, whose tragic fate becomes a catalyst for the events that follow in the account.

5. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin, where the Levite and his concubine seek lodging, leading to the subsequent events of violence and moral decay.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
Hospitality is a recurring theme in Scripture, and its absence in Gibeah highlights the moral decay of the society. As Christians, we are called to be hospitable, reflecting God's love to others.

The Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Judges 19 serve as a warning of what happens when a society turns away from God's laws. It is a call for believers to uphold righteousness and justice in their communities.

The Role of Leadership and Responsibility
The Levite's decisions and the lack of leadership in Israel during this time illustrate the need for godly leadership. Believers are encouraged to seek and support leaders who follow God's ways.

The Value of Women in Scripture
The tragic fate of the concubine in this account underscores the need for valuing and protecting women, as all are made in the image of God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hospitality shown by the father-in-law contrast with the lack of hospitality in Gibeah, and what can we learn from this about biblical hospitality?

2. In what ways does the account of Judges 19 reflect the moral and spiritual state of Israel during the time of the Judges, and how can this serve as a warning for us today?

3. How does the account of Judges 19 challenge us to consider the role of leadership and responsibility in our own lives and communities?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate the value and dignity of every person, as seen through the lens of this account and other Scriptures?

5. How can we apply the lessons of Judges 19 to ensure that our communities reflect God's justice and righteousness, rather than the moral decay depicted in this chapter?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Sodom and Gomorrah shares thematic elements with Judges 19, particularly regarding hospitality and moral corruption.

Deuteronomy 10:19
This verse emphasizes the importance of showing love and hospitality to strangers, contrasting with the inhospitable actions seen in Gibeah.

Romans 12:13
Encourages believers to practice hospitality, a principle that is starkly absent in the events of Judges 19.