Judges 19:28

"Get up," he told her. "Let us go." But there was no response. So the man put her on his donkey and set out for home.

Study Bible

“Get up,” he told her.
This phrase reflects the Levite's command to his concubine after a night of horrific abuse. The Levite's words are stark and lack compassion, highlighting the moral decay present in Israel during the time of the Judges. This period was marked by a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, as described throughout the Book of Judges. The Levite's command can be seen as indicative of the societal breakdown and the lack of respect for human dignity, especially towards women, which was prevalent in that era.

“Let us go.”
The Levite's insistence on leaving quickly suggests a desire to escape the scene of the crime and avoid further confrontation or shame. This reflects the broader theme in Judges of individuals acting in their own interest rather than seeking justice or righteousness. The phrase also underscores the transient and unstable nature of life during the time of the Judges, where there was no king in Israel, and everyone did what was right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25).

But there was no response.
This tragic statement indicates the concubine's death or near-death state, a result of the brutal events she endured. Her silence is a powerful testament to the consequences of unchecked sin and the failure of the community to protect the vulnerable. It also serves as a narrative device to highlight the Levite's callousness and the gravity of the situation, as he does not immediately recognize or respond to her condition.

So the man put her on his donkey
The act of placing her on the donkey signifies the Levite's practical response to the situation, yet it also underscores his detachment and lack of emotional engagement. In biblical times, a donkey was a common means of transport, symbolizing the burdens people carried. This image can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual and moral burdens borne by Israel due to their disobedience and idolatry.

and set out for home.
The Levite's return home with his concubine's body marks the beginning of a series of events that lead to civil war within Israel (Judges 20). This journey back home is not just a physical return but also a narrative turning point that exposes the deep-seated issues within the nation. The Levite's actions, and the subsequent response of the tribes of Israel, illustrate the need for righteous leadership and foreshadow the eventual establishment of monarchy in Israel, which would bring a semblance of order and justice.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A man from the tribe of Levi, who is central to this account. He is traveling with his concubine and servant.

2. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, who has been brutally abused and is found unresponsive.

3. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin where the tragic events unfold.

4. The Old Man
A resident of Gibeah who offers hospitality to the Levite and his concubine.

5. The Benjamites
The men of Gibeah who commit the heinous act against the concubine.

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 moral standards.

The Importance of Hospitality and Protection
The old man's initial act of hospitality contrasts sharply with the violence that follows, highlighting the biblical call to protect and care for others.

The Role of Leadership and Accountability
The Levite's actions, or lack thereof, raise questions about leadership and responsibility in times of crisis.

The Need for Justice and Righteousness
This passage underscores the necessity of justice and righteousness in a community, as the absence of these leads to chaos and suffering.

Reflecting on Our Own Communities
Encourages believers to examine their own communities for areas where moral decay might be present and to take action to uphold God's standards.

Bible Study Questions

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

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 apply the principles of hospitality and protection in our own lives and communities today?

4. What responsibilities do we have as Christians to address and prevent moral decay in our society?

5. How can we ensure that justice and righteousness are upheld in our communities, and what role does the church play in this effort?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Sodom and Gomorrah, where similar acts of violence and immorality occur, highlighting the depravity present in both accounts.

Deuteronomy 22:25-27
Discusses the laws regarding sexual violence, providing a backdrop for understanding the gravity of the crime committed in Judges 19.

Romans 1:24-32
Describes the consequences of turning away from God, which can lead to moral decay similar to what is seen in Gibeah.

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