Judges 19:22

While they were enjoying themselves, suddenly the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they said to the old man who owned the house, "Bring out the man who came to your house, so we can have relations with him!"

Study Bible

While they were enjoying themselves
This phrase indicates a moment of hospitality and fellowship, a common cultural practice in ancient Israel. Hospitality was a sacred duty, and sharing a meal was a sign of peace and friendship. The setting is reminiscent of Genesis 19, where Lot entertains angels in Sodom, highlighting the contrast between the host's intentions and the impending wickedness.

suddenly the wicked men of the city surrounded the house
The suddenness underscores the unexpected nature of evil, often catching people off guard. The "wicked men" are described similarly to the men of Sodom, suggesting a pervasive moral decay in Israel during the time of the Judges, a period marked by the repeated cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. This reflects the theme of Israel's need for a righteous king, as noted in Judges 21:25.

Pounding on the door
This aggressive action signifies the urgency and violence of the men's intentions. Doors in biblical times were often simple wooden structures, easily breached, symbolizing the vulnerability of the household. The act of pounding also echoes the persistent nature of sin, as seen in Genesis 4:7, where sin is described as crouching at the door.

they said to the old man who owned the house
The old man represents the head of the household, responsible for the protection and well-being of his guests. His role is crucial in the narrative, as he is expected to uphold the cultural and moral duty of hospitality. This mirrors the responsibility of leaders in Israel to protect and guide their people, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament.

“Bring out the man who came to your house
This demand is a direct violation of the sacred duty of hospitality, which required the host to protect his guests at all costs. The request echoes the depravity of Sodom in Genesis 19:5, illustrating the moral decline in Israel. It serves as a warning of the consequences of turning away from God's laws.

so we can have relations with him!”
The phrase reveals the intent of sexual violence, a grievous sin in the eyes of God. This act of intended homosexual rape is condemned in Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26-27, highlighting the severity of the sin. The narrative foreshadows the need for a savior, as the moral corruption of humanity necessitates divine intervention, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who offers redemption and restoration.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A central figure in this account, the Levite is traveling with his concubine. His actions and decisions play a crucial role in the unfolding events.

2. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, who is tragically victimized in this account, highlighting the severe moral decline in Israel during this period.

3. The Old Man
An Ephraimite living in Gibeah who offers hospitality to the Levite and his concubine, demonstrating a contrast between his kindness and the wickedness of the townspeople.

4. The Men of Gibeah
Residents of the Benjamite town of Gibeah, whose actions reflect the moral corruption prevalent in Israel at the time.

5. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin, where the events of Judges 19:22 take place, illustrating the lawlessness and depravity in Israel.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Moral Relativism
The account in Judges 19:22 illustrates the dangers of a society where there is no absolute moral standard, leading to chaos and suffering.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
The absence of strong, godly leadership in Israel during this time resulted in moral decay, emphasizing the need for leaders who uphold God's laws.

Hospitality and Protection
The old man's offer of hospitality contrasts with the wickedness of the townspeople, reminding believers of the biblical call to protect and care for others.

The Depravity of Sin
The actions of the men of Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of the depths of human sinfulness when people turn away from God.

The Need for Repentance and Restoration
This account underscores the need for repentance and turning back to God to restore righteousness and justice in society.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Judges 19:22 reflect the overall spiritual condition of Israel during the time of the Judges, and what lessons can we learn about the importance of following God's laws?

2. In what ways does the account of Judges 19:22 parallel the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and what does this tell us about the nature of sin and God's judgment?

3. How can the actions of the old man in offering hospitality and protection serve as a model for Christians today in showing love and care for others?

4. What are the dangers of moral relativism as seen in Judges 19:22, and how can Christians uphold biblical truth in a society that often rejects absolute moral standards?

5. How does the absence of godly leadership contribute to the events in Judges 19:22, and what qualities should we look for in leaders within the church and community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The events in Judges 19:22 parallel the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, where the men of the city also sought to commit grievous sin against visitors, highlighting a recurring theme of human depravity.

Romans 1
This passage discusses the consequences of turning away from God, which can be seen in the moral decay and lawlessness depicted in Judges 19.

Deuteronomy 12:8
This verse warns against doing what is right in one's own eyes, a theme that is evident in the chaotic and sinful behavior of the Israelites during the time of the Judges.