Judges 19:23

The owner of the house went out and said to them, "No, my brothers, do not do this wicked thing! After all, this man is a guest in my house. Do not commit this outrage.

Study Bible

But the man, the owner of the house
This phrase introduces the central figure in this verse, the host, who is responsible for the safety and well-being of his guest. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty, and the host was expected to protect those under his roof. The Hebrew word for "owner" (בַּעַל, ba'al) can also mean "master" or "lord," indicating his authority and responsibility over the household. This reflects the cultural and moral obligation to defend and safeguard guests, a principle deeply embedded in the social fabric of the time.

went out and said to them
The action of going out signifies the host's willingness to confront the threat directly, a courageous act given the circumstances. The Hebrew verb "went out" (יָצָא, yatsa) often implies a deliberate and purposeful action. This highlights the host's determination to address the situation, despite the potential danger to himself. His confrontation with the men outside underscores the gravity of the situation and his commitment to uphold the values of hospitality and protection.

No, my brothers
Addressing the men as "brothers" is an attempt to appeal to their sense of kinship and shared values. The term "brothers" (אֲחַי, achai) is used to establish a common ground, suggesting that they should act in a manner befitting their relationship. This appeal to brotherhood is a rhetorical strategy aimed at invoking a sense of community and moral responsibility, urging them to reconsider their intentions.

do not act so wickedly
The plea to refrain from wickedness is a direct condemnation of the intended actions. The Hebrew word for "wickedly" (רָעָה, ra'ah) conveys a sense of moral corruption and evil. This highlights the severity of the proposed actions and the host's recognition of their inherent immorality. The host's appeal is not just a personal request but a call to adhere to the moral and ethical standards expected within the community.

Since this man has come into my house
This phrase emphasizes the sacred bond of hospitality. The act of coming into one's house (בָּא אֶל־בֵּיתִי, ba el-bayti) signifies entering into a covenant of protection and care. In ancient times, a guest was considered under the host's protection, and any harm to the guest was seen as a grave violation of social norms. The host's reminder of this bond underscores the seriousness of the obligation to protect those who seek refuge under one's roof.

do not commit this disgraceful thing
The term "disgraceful" (נְבָלָה, nebalah) is used to describe actions that are not only morally wrong but also bring shame and dishonor. This word is often associated with acts that violate the fundamental principles of decency and respect. The host's use of this term is a strong denunciation of the proposed actions, highlighting their potential to bring shame upon the community and violate the divine laws that govern righteous behavior.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A man from the tribe of Levi, traveling with his concubine, who seeks shelter in Gibeah.

2. The Old Man
The owner of the house in Gibeah who offers hospitality to the Levite and his concubine.

3. The Men of Gibeah
Residents of the city who act wickedly by demanding to abuse the Levite.

4. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin, where the events unfold.

5. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, who becomes a tragic victim in the account.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
The old man's actions remind us of the biblical call to show hospitality and protect those under our care.

The Depravity of Sin
The wickedness of the men of Gibeah serves as a stark reminder of the depths of human sinfulness when God’s laws are ignored.

The Role of Community
The failure of the community in Gibeah to protect the innocent highlights the importance of communal responsibility in upholding righteousness.

Moral Courage
The old man's attempt to protect his guests, despite the threat, challenges us to stand up against evil, even when it is difficult.

Consequences of Turning from God
The account illustrates the chaos and moral decay that ensue when a society turns away from God’s commandments.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the old man in Judges 19:23 challenge our understanding of hospitality and protection in our own lives?

2. In what ways does the account of Judges 19 parallel the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and what lessons can we draw from these similarities?

3. How can we, as a community, ensure that we are upholding righteousness and protecting the vulnerable among us?

4. What does this passage teach us about the consequences of ignoring God’s laws, and how can we apply this understanding to our current societal context?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to stand up against wrongdoing. How can the old man's actions inspire you to act with moral courage in the future?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Sodom and Gomorrah, where Lot offers hospitality and faces a similar situation with the men of the city.

Deuteronomy 22
Discusses laws regarding sexual immorality and the protection of individuals, highlighting the gravity of the sin in Judges 19.

Romans 1
Paul speaks about the depravity of humanity when they turn away from God, which can be seen in the actions of the men of Gibeah.

Matthew 25
Jesus teaches about hospitality and caring for the stranger, contrasting the actions of the old man with the men of Gibeah.