Judges 19:3

her husband got up and went after her to speak kindly to her and bring her back, taking his servant and a pair of donkeys. So the girl brought him into her father's house, and when her father saw him, he gladly welcomed him.

Study Bible

her husband got up and went after her
This phrase indicates the Levite's initiative to reconcile with his concubine, reflecting the cultural norms of marriage and reconciliation in ancient Israel. The Levite's action can be seen as a pursuit of restoration, aligning with biblical themes of seeking reconciliation (Matthew 5:23-24).

to speak kindly to her
The intention to speak kindly suggests a desire for peace and restoration. This reflects the biblical principle of using gentle words to heal relationships (Proverbs 15:1). It also highlights the importance of communication in resolving conflicts.

and bring her back
The Levite's goal was to restore the relationship and bring his concubine back home. This act of bringing back can be seen as a type of redemption, similar to how God seeks to bring back His people to Himself (Hosea 2:14-20).

taking his servant and a pair of donkeys
The mention of a servant and donkeys indicates preparation for a journey, suggesting the Levite's commitment to the reconciliation process. The use of donkeys for travel was common in ancient times, reflecting the practical aspects of life in that era.

So the girl brought him into her father’s house
The concubine's action of bringing the Levite into her father's house shows a willingness to reconcile. This setting in the father's house is significant, as it was a place of protection and familial authority, often seen in biblical narratives (Genesis 24:28).

and when her father saw him, he gladly welcomed him
The father's glad welcome indicates a positive reception and a desire for peace. Hospitality was a crucial cultural value in ancient Israel, and the father's response aligns with the biblical emphasis on welcoming others (Hebrews 13:2). This act of welcoming can also be seen as a reflection of God's open arms to those who return to Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
The central male figure in this account, a Levite from the hill country of Ephraim, who seeks to reconcile with his concubine.

2. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine who had left him and returned to her father's house in Bethlehem in Judah.

3. The Servant
Accompanies the Levite on his journey to retrieve his concubine.

4. The Father-in-law
The concubine's father, who welcomes the Levite into his home.

5. Bethlehem in Judah
The location where the concubine had returned and where the Levite travels to reconcile with her.

Teaching Points

Pursuit of Reconciliation
The Levite's journey to speak kindly to his concubine demonstrates the importance of pursuing reconciliation in relationships. As believers, we are called to seek peace and restoration with others.

Hospitality and Welcome
The father-in-law's glad welcome of the Levite underscores the biblical value of hospitality. We are encouraged to open our homes and hearts to others, reflecting God's love and grace.

The Role of Servants
The presence of the servant in this account reminds us of the importance of community and support in our endeavors. We are not meant to journey alone but to rely on the help and encouragement of others.

Cultural Context and Family Dynamics
Understanding the cultural and familial dynamics at play in this account can help us navigate our own complex family relationships with wisdom and grace.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the Levite's decision to pursue his concubine teach us about the importance of reconciliation in our own relationships?

2. How can we practice hospitality in our daily lives, and what impact might this have on our communities?

3. In what ways can we rely on the support of others, like the Levite's servant, in our spiritual journeys?

4. How do the themes of reconciliation and forgiveness in Judges 19:3 connect with the account of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15?

5. What cultural or familial challenges do we face today that are similar to those in the account, and how can we address them biblically?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 34
The account of Dinah and Shechem, which also involves themes of family honor and reconciliation.

Hosea 3
Hosea's pursuit of his unfaithful wife, Gomer, parallels the Levite's pursuit of his concubine, highlighting themes of redemption and reconciliation.

Luke 15:11-32
The Parable of the Prodigal Son, which similarly involves a journey of reconciliation and forgiveness within a family context.