Judges 19:11

When they were near Jebus and the day was almost gone, the servant said to his master, "Please, let us stop at this Jebusite city and spend the night here."

Study Bible

When they were near Jebus
The phrase "when they were near Jebus" situates the narrative geographically and historically. Jebus is the ancient name for Jerusalem, a city that would later become central to Israelite identity and worship. At this time, however, it was still a Jebusite city, not yet conquered by the Israelites. The mention of Jebus highlights the incomplete conquest of the Promised Land, a recurring theme in the Book of Judges. The Hebrew root for Jebus, "יבוס" (Yebus), reflects the city's status as a stronghold of the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe. This setting underscores the tension between the Israelites and the remaining Canaanite inhabitants, illustrating the challenges Israel faced in fully claiming the land God had promised them.

the day was almost gone
This phrase indicates the urgency and potential danger of traveling at night in ancient times. The setting sun symbolizes the closing of opportunities and the onset of risk, as nighttime travel was fraught with peril due to the lack of light and the presence of bandits or wild animals. In a spiritual sense, this can be seen as a metaphor for the urgency of making wise decisions before opportunities pass us by. The Hebrew context often uses the progression of the day as a metaphor for life’s journey, urging believers to act righteously while they have the chance.

the servant said to his master
The relationship between the servant and his master reflects the social hierarchies of the time. Servants were expected to be loyal and attentive to their masters, often providing counsel or assistance. This dynamic can be seen as a reflection of the relationship between believers and God, where believers are called to serve and heed the guidance of their divine Master. The servant's initiative in speaking up suggests a level of trust and communication that is essential in any relationship, including our relationship with God.

Come, let us turn aside to this city of the Jebusites
The servant's suggestion to turn aside to the city of the Jebusites is practical, yet it also reveals a lack of understanding of the spiritual and cultural implications. The Jebusites were not Israelites, and their city was not a place where the Levite and his companions would find the hospitality and kinship expected among fellow Israelites. This decision point highlights the importance of discernment and the potential consequences of seeking refuge or comfort in places that do not align with one's values or beliefs. The Hebrew word for "turn aside," "סור" (sur), often implies a deviation from the intended path, serving as a cautionary reminder to remain steadfast in faith and purpose.

and spend the night there
The proposal to spend the night in Jebus underscores the need for rest and safety, basic human needs that transcend time and culture. However, the choice of where to seek rest is crucial. In the biblical narrative, where one chooses to dwell often reflects their spiritual state or decisions. The Hebrew concept of "spending the night," "לון" (lun), can also imply a temporary dwelling or sojourn, reminding believers that while we may find temporary shelter in various places, our ultimate rest and security are found in God alone. This phrase encourages reflection on where we seek refuge and challenges us to ensure that our choices align with our faith and values.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A central figure in this account, the Levite is traveling with his concubine and servant. His decisions and actions drive the events of this chapter.

2. The Servant
Accompanying the Levite, the servant suggests stopping in Jebus for the night, highlighting the practical concerns of their journey.

3. Jebus
The ancient name for Jerusalem, inhabited by the Jebusites at this time. It represents a place of potential refuge but also of foreign influence.

4. The Concubine
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, she is a key figure in the account, and her tragic fate is central to the unfolding events.

5. The Journey
The journey from Bethlehem to the hill country of Ephraim sets the stage for the events that follow, emphasizing themes of hospitality and safety.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Discernment
The Levite's decision-making process, including the choice of where to stay, underscores the need for discernment in our daily lives. We must seek God's guidance in our decisions.

Hospitality and Safety
The account raises questions about where we find safety and how we extend hospitality to others. As Christians, we are called to create safe and welcoming environments.

Cultural and Spiritual Influence
The presence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem serves as a reminder of the cultural and spiritual influences that can impact our lives. We must remain vigilant in maintaining our faith amidst external pressures.

Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Judges 19 highlight the severe consequences of a society that has abandoned God's laws. This serves as a warning to uphold biblical values in our communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the Levite's decision to avoid staying in Jebus, and how does this apply to our choices about where we seek refuge or community?

2. How does the theme of hospitality in Judges 19 compare to other biblical accounts, and what does this teach us about our responsibility to others?

3. In what ways do the cultural influences around us challenge our faith, and how can we remain steadfast in our beliefs?

4. How does the account in Judges 19 reflect the broader theme of moral decay in the Book of Judges, and what lessons can we draw for our society today?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision about safety or hospitality. How did your faith guide you, and what biblical principles were most helpful?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Lot in Sodom parallels the hospitality and moral decay themes found in Judges 19, highlighting the dangers of a society that has turned away from God.

Joshua 15:63
This verse notes that the Jebusites were not driven out of Jerusalem, providing historical context for the presence of Jebusites in Judges 19.

Matthew 10:14
Jesus' instructions to His disciples about finding a place to stay reflect the ongoing biblical theme of hospitality and the reception of strangers.