Judges 19:13

He continued, "Come, let us try to reach one of these towns to spend the night in Gibeah or Ramah."

Study Bible

He continued,
This phrase indicates ongoing dialogue, suggesting a narrative progression. The speaker is the Levite, who is traveling with his concubine and servant. This continuation implies a decision-making process, highlighting the urgency and necessity of finding shelter before nightfall.

“Come,
The invitation "Come" is a call to action, emphasizing the need for unity and cooperation among the travelers. It reflects the Levite's leadership role and his responsibility for the safety of his companions.

let us try to reach
The phrase "let us try to reach" suggests a sense of urgency and determination. It indicates the travelers are aware of the dangers of traveling at night, especially in a time when lawlessness was prevalent in Israel, as described in the broader context of the Book of Judges.

one of these towns
The reference to "one of these towns" indicates the proximity of multiple settlements, offering potential refuge. This reflects the tribal allotments in the land of Israel, where towns were often close to one another, providing options for travelers.

to spend the night
Spending the night in a town was a common practice for travelers seeking safety and hospitality. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a significant social obligation, and townspeople were expected to offer shelter to strangers.

in Gibeah
Gibeah was a town in the territory of Benjamin. It later becomes infamous for the events that unfold in this chapter, leading to a civil war in Israel. Gibeah's mention here foreshadows the tragic events that will occur, highlighting the moral decline in Israel during this period.

or Ramah.”
Ramah was another town in the territory of Benjamin, located near Gibeah. It was a significant location in Israel's history, later becoming the home of the prophet Samuel. The choice between Gibeah and Ramah underscores the Levite's desire to find a safe haven, unaware of the impending danger in Gibeah.

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 are pivotal to the unfolding events.

2. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, whose tragic fate becomes a catalyst for the subsequent events in Israel.

3. The Servant
Accompanies the Levite and the concubine on their journey, offering practical suggestions during their travel.

4. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin, where the Levite and his party decide to spend the night. It becomes the setting for the horrific events that follow.

5. Ramah
Another town mentioned as a potential place to stay, located near Gibeah, but ultimately not chosen by the travelers.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Discernment
The Levite's decision to stay in Gibeah rather than Ramah underscores the need for discernment in our choices. We must seek God's guidance in our daily decisions to avoid potential pitfalls.

Hospitality and Community
The lack of hospitality in Gibeah serves as a reminder of the biblical call to love and care for strangers. As Christians, we are called to be welcoming and compassionate.

Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Gibeah illustrate the dangers of a society that turns away from God's laws. We must strive to uphold righteousness and justice in our communities.

The Ripple Effect of Sin
The account shows how individual sin can lead to widespread consequences. It is crucial to address sin at its root to prevent further harm.

Bible Study Questions

1. What factors might have influenced the Levite's decision to stay in Gibeah instead of Ramah, and how can we apply discernment in our own decision-making processes?

2. How does the lack of hospitality in Gibeah contrast with biblical teachings on hospitality, and what practical steps can we take to be more welcoming in our communities?

3. In what ways does the moral decay in Gibeah reflect challenges in our society today, and how can Christians work to uphold God's standards?

4. How do the events in Judges 19 demonstrate the ripple effect of sin, and what can we learn about addressing sin in our own lives and communities?

5. How can the account of the Levite and his concubine inform our understanding of justice and the importance of seeking God's guidance in difficult situations?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Judges 20
The aftermath of the events in Gibeah leads to a civil war in Israel, showing the consequences of sin and injustice.

Luke 10:30-37
The Parable of the Good Samaritan contrasts the lack of hospitality and compassion in Gibeah with the Samaritan's actions.