Judges 19:19

even though there is both straw and feed for our donkeys, and bread and wine for me and the maidservant and young man with me. There is nothing that we, your servants, lack."

Study Bible

even though there is both straw and feed for our donkeys
In the ancient Near East, hospitality was a crucial cultural value. Travelers often relied on the generosity of others for lodging and sustenance. The mention of straw and feed indicates preparation for the journey, showing responsibility and self-sufficiency. Straw was used as bedding and feed for the donkeys, essential for travel. This reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and their dependence on animals for transportation and labor.

and bread and wine for me
Bread and wine were staples in the diet of ancient Israelites, symbolizing sustenance and fellowship. Bread, often unleavened, was a daily necessity, while wine was a common beverage, sometimes used for purification and celebration. This phrase highlights the provision for basic needs, echoing themes of God's provision seen throughout Scripture, such as in the manna provided in the wilderness (Exodus 16).

and the maidservant and young man with me
The presence of a maidservant and a young man indicates a small traveling party, suggesting the Levite's social status and need for assistance. Servants were common in households, and their inclusion underscores the communal aspect of travel and survival. This reflects the social structures of the time, where households often included extended family and servants.

There is nothing that we, your servants, lack.”
This statement emphasizes the Levite's preparedness and humility. By referring to themselves as "your servants," they acknowledge the social customs of deference and respect towards potential hosts. The assertion of lacking nothing suggests a readiness to be self-sufficient, yet it also serves as an invitation for hospitality, a test of the host's generosity. This mirrors the biblical theme of God providing for His people, as seen in Psalm 23:1, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A central figure in this account, the Levite is traveling with his concubine and servant. His role as a Levite indicates a religious background, which adds complexity to the unfolding events.

2. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, whose tragic fate becomes a pivotal point in the account, highlighting themes of hospitality, protection, and societal decay.

3. The Servant
Accompanying the Levite and his concubine, the servant plays a supporting role in the journey, representing the broader household and community dynamics.

4. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin, where the events unfold. Gibeah's lack of hospitality and moral corruption are central to the account's themes.

5. The Old Man
An inhabitant of Gibeah who offers hospitality to the travelers, contrasting with the town's general lack of hospitality.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
Hospitality is a recurring biblical theme, reflecting God's love and care. The lack of hospitality in Gibeah serves as a warning against societal and spiritual decay.

Moral and Spiritual Decay
The events in Gibeah illustrate the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Believers are called to uphold righteousness and justice in their communities.

Provision and Contentment
The Levite's statement of having all they need ("There is nothing we lack") reflects a mindset of contentment and trust in God's provision, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Community Responsibility
The account challenges communities to protect and care for the vulnerable, emphasizing collective responsibility in upholding God's standards.

The Role of the Righteous
The old man's actions in offering hospitality highlight the impact one righteous person can have in a corrupt society, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the lack of hospitality in Gibeah compare to the biblical call to welcome strangers, and what can we learn from this contrast?

2. In what ways does the account of the Levite and his concubine reflect the moral and spiritual state of Israel during the time of the Judges?

3. How can we apply the principle of contentment, as expressed by the Levite in Judges 19:19, to our own lives today?

4. What responsibilities do we have as a community of believers to protect and care for the vulnerable, and how can we actively fulfill these responsibilities?

5. How can the actions of the old man in Gibeah inspire us to be agents of righteousness and hospitality in our own communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Luke 10:25-37
The Parable of the Good Samaritan contrasts the lack of hospitality in Gibeah with the Samaritan's compassion, emphasizing the call to love and care for others.

Hebrews 13:2
This verse encourages hospitality, reminding believers of the importance of welcoming strangers, which is starkly absent in Gibeah.