Judges 19:8

On the fifth day, he got up early in the morning to depart, but the girl's father said, "Please refresh your heart." So they waited until late afternoon and the two of them ate.

Study Bible

On the fifth day
The phrase "On the fifth day" indicates a continuation of a narrative that involves hospitality and delay. In the Hebrew context, the number five can symbolize grace or God's goodness. The repetition of days suggests a cultural norm of extended hospitality, which was a significant aspect of ancient Near Eastern customs. This extended stay reflects the father's desire to ensure the well-being and safety of his daughter and her husband, emphasizing the importance of family bonds and care.

he got up early in the morning to depart
The action of getting up early signifies a sense of urgency or determination. In the Hebrew culture, early rising was often associated with diligence and purpose. The Levite's intention to depart early suggests his desire to return home, highlighting the tension between hospitality and the need to fulfill one's responsibilities. This reflects the biblical theme of balancing duty to family and community with personal obligations.

but the girl’s father said
The girl's father plays a pivotal role in this narrative, representing the voice of hospitality and concern. His intervention underscores the patriarchal structure of the society, where the father had significant influence over family matters. His words are a reminder of the cultural expectation to care for guests and ensure their comfort, reflecting the biblical principle of loving one's neighbor.

Please refresh your heart
This phrase is an invitation to rest and be rejuvenated, both physically and emotionally. In Hebrew, the heart often symbolizes the center of one's being, encompassing emotions, thoughts, and will. The father's plea to "refresh your heart" is an expression of genuine care and concern, encouraging the Levite to find peace and strength before continuing his journey. This reflects the biblical theme of rest and renewal, which is essential for spiritual and physical well-being.

So they waited until late afternoon
The decision to wait until late afternoon indicates a yielding to the father's request, showing respect and acceptance of his hospitality. This delay can be seen as a divine appointment, where God's timing is at work even in seemingly mundane decisions. The waiting period serves as a reminder of the importance of patience and trust in God's provision and timing.

and the two of them ate together
Sharing a meal in the ancient Near Eastern context was a profound act of fellowship and communion. Eating together symbolized peace, unity, and mutual respect. This act of breaking bread together reinforces the bond between the Levite and his father-in-law, highlighting the biblical value of community and relationship. It serves as a reminder of the importance of fellowship in the Christian life, where believers are called to share in each other's lives and support one another in love.

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 Concubine
The Levite's concubine, who had left him and returned to her father's house in Bethlehem. Her account is central to the events of Judges 19.

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

4. Bethlehem
The town where the concubine's father lives and where the Levite goes to retrieve her.

5. The Journey
The Levite's journey back home with his concubine, which sets the stage for the subsequent events in Gibeah.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
Hospitality is a recurring theme in the Bible, and the actions of the father-in-law in Judges 19:8 remind us of its significance. As Christians, we are called to be hospitable, reflecting God's love and care.

The Dangers of Delay
The Levite's extended stay due to his father-in-law's persuasion can serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of delay and procrastination in our spiritual and daily lives.

Moral Decay and Its Consequences
The events in Judges 19 highlight the moral decay of society when God's laws are ignored. This serves as a warning to maintain our moral and spiritual integrity.

The Role of Leadership
As a Levite, the man in the account had a role of spiritual leadership. His actions remind us of the responsibility leaders have to act righteously and guide others in faith.

Seeking God's Guidance
The account encourages believers to seek God's guidance in decision-making, rather than relying solely on human persuasion or convenience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hospitality shown by the father-in-law in Judges 19:8 compare to other examples of hospitality in the Bible, and what can we learn from these examples?

2. In what ways can the account of the Levite and his concubine serve as a warning about the consequences of moral and spiritual decay in society?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in our decision-making processes, as seen in the account of Judges 19?

4. What responsibilities do spiritual leaders have in guiding others, and how can the Levite's actions inform our understanding of these responsibilities?

5. How can we balance the need for hospitality with the need to prioritize our spiritual commitments, as seen in the interactions between the Levite and his father-in-law?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The hospitality and subsequent events in Gibeah echo the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting themes of hospitality and moral decay.

Luke 10:38-42
The account of Mary and Martha, where hospitality is also a theme, but with a focus on spiritual priorities.

Hebrews 13:2
Encourages believers to show hospitality, as some have entertained angels without knowing it, contrasting the hospitality shown in Judges 19.