Judges 19:7

The man got up to depart, but his father-in-law persuaded him, so he stayed there that night.

Study Bible

The man got up to depart
This phrase indicates the Levite's intention to leave his father-in-law's house. In the broader context of Judges 19, the Levite had been staying with his concubine's father for several days. The Levite's decision to depart reflects the cultural practice of hospitality, where guests were often encouraged to stay longer. This moment also highlights the transient nature of life during the period of the Judges, where travel was common due to the decentralized tribal society.

but his father-in-law persuaded him
The father-in-law's persuasion is a reflection of the Near Eastern custom of hospitality, which was highly valued. This act of persuasion can be seen as a form of social obligation, where the host seeks to honor the guest by extending their stay. It also underscores the father-in-law's desire to maintain familial bonds and perhaps ensure the well-being of his daughter, the Levite's concubine. This interaction can be compared to other biblical instances of hospitality, such as Abraham's reception of the three visitors in Genesis 18.

so he stayed there that night
The Levite's decision to stay another night demonstrates the effectiveness of the father-in-law's persuasion and the cultural weight of hospitality. This delay sets the stage for the subsequent events in Gibeah, which are pivotal in the narrative of Judges 19. The phrase also serves as a reminder of the importance of timing and divine providence in biblical narratives, where seemingly small decisions can lead to significant outcomes. The concept of staying or delaying is seen in other biblical stories, such as Lot's hesitation to leave Sodom in Genesis 19, which also had profound consequences.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A central figure in this account, the Levite is traveling with his concubine. His actions and decisions are pivotal to the unfolding events in Judges 19.

2. The Father-in-law
The father of the Levite's concubine, who shows hospitality to the Levite and persuades him to stay longer than intended.

3. Bethlehem
The city in Judah where the concubine's father resides and where the Levite initially travels to retrieve her.

4. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, whose tragic fate becomes a catalyst for the events that follow in the account.

5. Gibeah
A city in the territory of Benjamin, where the Levite and his concubine seek lodging, leading to the subsequent events of violence and moral decay.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
Hospitality is a recurring theme in Scripture, and its absence in Gibeah highlights the moral decay of the society. As Christians, we are called to be hospitable, reflecting God's love to others.

The Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Judges 19 serve as a warning of what happens when a society turns away from God's laws. It is a call for believers to uphold righteousness and justice in their communities.

The Role of Leadership and Responsibility
The Levite's decisions and the lack of leadership in Israel during this time illustrate the need for godly leadership. Believers are encouraged to seek and support leaders who follow God's ways.

The Value of Women in Scripture
The tragic fate of the concubine in this account underscores the need for valuing and protecting women, as all are made in the image of God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hospitality shown by the father-in-law contrast with the lack of hospitality in Gibeah, and what can we learn from this about biblical hospitality?

2. In what ways does the account of Judges 19 reflect the moral and spiritual state of Israel during the time of the Judges, and how can this serve as a warning for us today?

3. How does the account of Judges 19 challenge us to consider the role of leadership and responsibility in our own lives and communities?

4. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate the value and dignity of every person, as seen through the lens of this account and other Scriptures?

5. How can we apply the lessons of Judges 19 to ensure that our communities reflect God's justice and righteousness, rather than the moral decay depicted in this chapter?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Sodom and Gomorrah shares thematic elements with Judges 19, particularly regarding hospitality and moral corruption.

Deuteronomy 10:19
This verse emphasizes the importance of showing love and hospitality to strangers, contrasting with the inhospitable actions seen in Gibeah.

Romans 12:13
Encourages believers to practice hospitality, a principle that is starkly absent in the events of Judges 19.