Judges 19:27

In the morning, when her master got up and opened the doors of the house to go out on his journey, there was his concubine, collapsed in the doorway of the house, with her hands on the threshold.

Study Bible

When her master got up in the morning
This phrase introduces the tragic conclusion of a deeply disturbing narrative. The term "master" here refers to the Levite, a man of religious standing, which heightens the moral and ethical implications of the events. In Hebrew, the word for "master" is "אָדוֹן" (adon), often used to denote authority or ownership. This highlights the patriarchal and hierarchical structures prevalent in ancient Israelite society, where women were often seen as property. The Levite's actions, or lack thereof, are a stark reminder of the moral decay and lawlessness during the time of the Judges, a period characterized by the repeated refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

and opened the door of the house
The act of opening the door signifies a transition from the private to the public sphere. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the threshold of a house was a place of vulnerability and exposure. The door, in this context, symbolizes the boundary between safety and danger, between the known and the unknown. The Levite's opening of the door is both literal and metaphorical, as it reveals the consequences of the previous night's events and exposes the societal breakdown that allowed such an atrocity to occur.

and stepped out to continue on his way
This phrase indicates a sense of routine and normalcy, as if the Levite intended to proceed with his journey without acknowledging the gravity of the situation. The Hebrew verb "to continue" (יָלַךְ, yalak) often implies movement or progression. However, in this context, it underscores the Levite's moral failure and indifference. His readiness to move on without addressing the horror that transpired reflects a deeper spiritual malaise, a departure from the covenantal responsibilities that should have guided his actions.

there lay his concubine
The presence of the concubine at the threshold is a poignant and tragic image. The term "concubine" (פִּילֶגֶשׁ, pilegesh) denotes a secondary wife or a woman of lower status, highlighting the societal norms that devalued her life. Her position at the door serves as a silent testimony to the violence and injustice she suffered. This moment calls the reader to reflect on the sanctity of life and the inherent dignity of every individual, created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

fallen in the doorway of the house
The imagery of the concubine "fallen" in the doorway is laden with symbolism. The Hebrew root for "fallen" (נָפַל, naphal) can imply being cast down or defeated. Her lifeless body at the threshold is a stark indictment of the Levite's failure to protect and honor her. It also serves as a metaphor for the spiritual and moral collapse of Israel during this period. The doorway, once a place of welcome and protection, becomes a site of tragedy and judgment.

with her hands on the threshold
The detail of her hands on the threshold is both haunting and significant. In ancient cultures, the threshold was often considered sacred, a place of transition and covenant. Her hands reaching out to the threshold may symbolize a desperate plea for sanctuary and justice that went unanswered. This image challenges the reader to consider the weight of communal and individual responsibility in upholding justice and mercy, core tenets of the biblical faith. It serves as a call to action for believers to be agents of change, ensuring that such cries for help are never ignored.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A man from the tribe of Levi, who was traveling with his concubine. He is central to the account and his actions are pivotal in the unfolding events.

2. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, who suffered abuse and ultimately died. Her tragic fate is a catalyst for the subsequent events in Israel.

3. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin where the events took place. It becomes infamous for the wickedness that occurred there.

4. The House
The location where the Levite and his concubine sought refuge. It becomes a place of horror and tragedy.

5. The Master
Refers to the Levite, who is described as the master of the concubine, highlighting the social and relational dynamics of the time.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Gibeah illustrate the depths of moral decay that can occur when a society turns away from God's laws. This serves as a warning to maintain personal and communal holiness.

The Value of Human Life
The tragic fate of the concubine underscores the value of human life and the importance of treating every individual with dignity and respect, as all are made in the image of God.

The Role of Leadership
The Levite's actions, or lack thereof, highlight the responsibility of leaders to protect and care for those under their charge. This calls for godly leadership in families, churches, and communities.

The Need for Justice
The account calls for justice in the face of wrongdoing. It challenges believers to advocate for justice and righteousness in their own contexts.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways does the account of Judges 19 parallel the account of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, and what lessons can we draw from these parallels?

3. How can we apply the lessons of leadership and responsibility from the Levite's actions to our roles in family, church, and society today?

4. What does the treatment of the concubine in Judges 19 teach us about the importance of valuing and protecting human life in our current cultural context?

5. How can we, as Christians, actively pursue justice and righteousness in our communities, drawing from the lessons of Judges 19 and other related scriptures?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Sodom and Gomorrah shares thematic elements with Judges 19, particularly the themes of hospitality, wickedness, and divine judgment.

Deuteronomy 22
Provides laws concerning sexual morality and the treatment of women, which contrast sharply with the events in Judges 19.

Hosea 9
Hosea references Gibeah as a symbol of Israel's sin, indicating the lasting impact of the events described in Judges 19.