Judges 19:20

"Peace to you," said the old man. "Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square."

Study Bible

Peace to you
This phrase is a common greeting in the ancient Near East, reflecting a wish for well-being and harmony. The Hebrew word for "peace" is "shalom," which encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a sense of completeness and wholeness. In the context of Judges 19, this greeting is offered by an old man to a traveling Levite, suggesting a desire to extend hospitality and safety in a time of moral and social chaos in Israel. The greeting is significant as it contrasts with the violence and disorder that follows in the narrative, highlighting the scarcity of true peace in the land.

said the old man
The old man in this passage is a resident of Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin. His age may imply wisdom and experience, and his actions demonstrate a sense of responsibility and hospitality, which were highly valued in ancient Israelite culture. The old man's willingness to offer shelter to the Levite and his companions is a stark contrast to the inhospitable and dangerous environment of Gibeah, underscoring the breakdown of social norms during the time of the Judges.

Let me supply
This phrase indicates the old man's readiness to provide for the needs of the Levite and his party. The Hebrew root "sakal" can mean to provide or to act wisely, suggesting that the old man is not only offering physical sustenance but also acting prudently in a situation where neglecting hospitality could lead to dire consequences. This act of provision is a reflection of the biblical principle of caring for strangers and travelers, as seen in other parts of Scripture.

whatever you need
The offer to supply "whatever you need" demonstrates the old man's generosity and the cultural importance of hospitality. In the ancient world, travelers were often dependent on the kindness of strangers for food, shelter, and protection. This phrase underscores the comprehensive nature of the old man's offer, indicating that he is willing to go to great lengths to ensure the well-being of his guests, which is a reflection of the biblical mandate to love one's neighbor.

Only do not spend the night in the square
This warning reveals the dangerous conditions in Gibeah, where spending the night in the open square could lead to harm. The square was typically a place of gathering and commerce, but in this context, it is portrayed as unsafe. The old man's insistence on not staying in the square highlights the moral decay and lawlessness prevalent in Israel during the time of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This admonition foreshadows the tragic events that follow and serves as a reminder of the need for righteous leadership and societal order.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Old Man
An elderly man from the hill country of Ephraim, residing in Gibeah, who offers hospitality to the traveling Levite, his concubine, and servant.

2. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin, where the events of Judges 19 unfold. It becomes infamous for the wickedness displayed by its inhabitants.

3. The Levite
A man traveling with his concubine and servant, seeking shelter in Gibeah after retrieving his concubine from her father's house.

4. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, who had previously left him and returned to her father's house in Bethlehem.

5. The Servant
Accompanies the Levite and his concubine on their journey, playing a minor role in the account.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
The old man's offer of shelter in Judges 19:20 ("Peace to you," said the old man. "Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square.") highlights the biblical value of hospitality. Christians are called to be hospitable, reflecting God's love and care.

Moral Decay and Its Consequences
The events in Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of moral decay and societal neglect of God's laws. Believers are encouraged to uphold righteousness and justice in their communities.

The Role of the Stranger
The account challenges us to consider how we treat strangers and those in need. It calls for a reflection on our attitudes and actions towards those who are different or marginalized.

Community Responsibility
The account underscores the responsibility of a community to protect and care for its members and visitors. Christians are urged to foster communities that reflect God's justice and compassion.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the old man's hospitality in Judges 19:20 reflect biblical teachings on hospitality, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the account of Gibeah parallel the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and what lessons can we learn about societal morality?

3. How do the actions of the old man contrast with those of the Gibeah residents, and what does this teach us about individual versus communal responsibility?

4. Reflect on a time when you were in need of hospitality or assistance. How did the experience shape your understanding of Christian community?

5. Considering Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25:35-40, how can we as individuals and churches better practice hospitality and care for strangers in our midst?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

Leviticus 19:34
The command to love the stranger and treat them as native-born, contrasting with the inhospitable actions of the Gibeah residents.

Hebrews 13:2
Encourages hospitality, reminding believers that some have entertained angels unawares, contrasting with the inhospitable actions in Gibeah.

Matthew 25:35-40
Jesus' teaching on serving "the least of these" as serving Him, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and care for others.