Judges 19:26

Early that morning, the woman went back to the house where her master was staying, collapsed at the doorway, and lay there until it was light.

Study Bible

Early that morning
This phrase indicates the time of day, suggesting a new beginning or a transition. In biblical narratives, mornings often symbolize hope or a fresh start, yet here it contrasts with the tragic events that have unfolded. The timing underscores the urgency and desperation of the woman's situation.

the woman went back to the house
The woman, a concubine, is central to this narrative. Her return to the house signifies her attempt to seek refuge or safety, highlighting her vulnerability. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, a concubine held a lower status than a wife, which may have contributed to her mistreatment and the events leading to this moment.

where her master was staying
The term "master" reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society, where women were often under the authority of male figures. This relationship dynamic is crucial to understanding the power imbalance and the lack of protection she experienced. The Levite, her master, represents a failure of leadership and protection, themes prevalent in the Book of Judges.

collapsed at the doorway
Her collapse at the doorway is symbolic of her exhaustion and the culmination of her suffering. Doorways in biblical literature can represent transitions or thresholds between safety and danger. Her position at the threshold underscores her tragic plight and the failure of the household to provide sanctuary.

and lay there until it was light
The phrase "until it was light" suggests a period of waiting and suffering through the night, a common biblical motif representing trials or tribulations. The arrival of light often symbolizes revelation or judgment. In this context, it foreshadows the grim discovery and the subsequent actions that lead to the Levite's call for justice, albeit through shocking means. This moment also serves as a prelude to the broader narrative of moral decay and the need for righteous leadership in Israel, themes that resonate throughout the Book of Judges.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A man from the tribe of Levi, who was traveling with his concubine. He plays a central role in the events of Judges 19.

2. The Concubine
The woman who was the Levite's concubine. Her tragic fate is a pivotal part of the account.

3. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin where the events of Judges 19 take place. It becomes infamous for the wickedness displayed by its inhabitants.

4. The Old Man
A resident of Gibeah who offers hospitality to the Levite and his concubine, highlighting the cultural importance of hospitality in ancient Israel.

5. The Benjamites
The men of Gibeah who commit a grievous sin against the Levite's concubine, leading to a national crisis in Israel.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Gibeah serve as a stark reminder of what happens when a society turns away from God's laws and embraces wickedness.

The Importance of Hospitality
The old man's actions contrast with the wickedness of the townspeople, emphasizing the biblical value of hospitality and care for strangers.

The Role of Women in Scripture
The tragic fate of the concubine highlights the vulnerability of women in ancient times and calls for a reflection on how we treat the marginalized today.

Corporate Responsibility
The collective sin of the Benjamites and the subsequent national crisis illustrate the concept of corporate responsibility and the need for communal repentance.

God's Justice and Mercy
While the account is one of judgment, it also points to the need for God's mercy and the hope of redemption through Christ.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of the Levite and his concubine in Judges 19 reflect the moral and spiritual state of Israel during the time of the Judges?

2. In what ways does the hospitality shown by the old man in Gibeah contrast with the actions of the townspeople, and what can we learn from this about biblical hospitality?

3. How does the treatment of the concubine in Judges 19 challenge us to consider the value and dignity of every human life, especially the vulnerable?

4. What parallels can you draw between the events in Gibeah and the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and what do these accounts teach us about God's view of sin and justice?

5. How can the themes of corporate responsibility and communal repentance in Judges 19 be applied to the church today, especially in addressing societal sins?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Sodom and Gomorrah parallels the events in Gibeah, highlighting themes of hospitality, wickedness, and divine judgment.

Deuteronomy 22
Discusses laws regarding sexual immorality and the protection of women, providing a backdrop for understanding the gravity of the crime in Judges 19.

Hosea 9:9
References the depravity of Gibeah, indicating the long-lasting infamy of the events described in Judges 19.

Romans 1:24-32
Paul's description of human depravity and the consequences of turning away from God echoes the moral decline seen in Gibeah.