Judges 19:8

On the fifth day, he got up early in the morning to depart, but the girl's father said, "Please refresh your heart." So they waited until late afternoon and the two of them ate.

Study Bible

On the fifth day
The mention of the "fifth day" indicates a prolonged stay, suggesting the cultural importance of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern societies. Hospitality was a significant social duty, often involving extended visits. This extended stay also reflects the father's desire to ensure the well-being and safety of his daughter and her husband.

he got up early in the morning to depart
Rising early to travel was common in ancient times to avoid the heat of the day. This phrase indicates the Levite's intention to leave promptly, possibly due to a sense of urgency or responsibility. Early departure is also seen in other biblical narratives, such as Abraham's early rising in Genesis 22:3, indicating a readiness to fulfill one's duty.

but the girl’s father said, “Please refresh your heart.”
The father’s request to "refresh your heart" is an invitation to rest and eat, reflecting the cultural emphasis on hospitality and care for guests. This phrase underscores the father's persistent hospitality, which can be seen as both genuine concern and a possible reluctance to let his daughter leave. The heart in biblical terms often refers to the center of one's being, including emotions and will, suggesting a holistic refreshment.

So they waited until late afternoon
The delay until "late afternoon" shows the father's success in persuading the Levite to stay longer. This waiting period may symbolize the tension between duty and hospitality. The late afternoon departure would have been risky due to the dangers of traveling at night, highlighting the narrative's underlying tension and foreshadowing the subsequent events.

and the two of them ate
The act of eating together signifies fellowship and agreement. In biblical culture, sharing a meal was a sign of peace and relationship. This meal could be seen as a final act of hospitality before the Levite's departure, emphasizing the father's care and the social customs of the time. Eating together is a recurring theme in Scripture, often symbolizing unity and covenant, as seen in the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-28).

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 Concubine
The Levite's concubine, who had left him and returned to her father's house in Bethlehem. Her account is central to the events of Judges 19.

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

4. Bethlehem
The town where the concubine's father lives and where the Levite goes to retrieve her.

5. The Journey
The Levite's journey back home with his concubine, which sets the stage for the subsequent events in Gibeah.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
Hospitality is a recurring theme in the Bible, and the actions of the father-in-law in Judges 19:8 remind us of its significance. As Christians, we are called to be hospitable, reflecting God's love and care.

The Dangers of Delay
The Levite's extended stay due to his father-in-law's persuasion can serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of delay and procrastination in our spiritual and daily lives.

Moral Decay and Its Consequences
The events in Judges 19 highlight the moral decay of society when God's laws are ignored. This serves as a warning to maintain our moral and spiritual integrity.

The Role of Leadership
As a Levite, the man in the account had a role of spiritual leadership. His actions remind us of the responsibility leaders have to act righteously and guide others in faith.

Seeking God's Guidance
The account encourages believers to seek God's guidance in decision-making, rather than relying solely on human persuasion or convenience.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hospitality shown by the father-in-law in Judges 19:8 compare to other examples of hospitality in the Bible, and what can we learn from these examples?

2. In what ways can the account of the Levite and his concubine serve as a warning about the consequences of moral and spiritual decay in society?

3. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in our decision-making processes, as seen in the account of Judges 19?

4. What responsibilities do spiritual leaders have in guiding others, and how can the Levite's actions inform our understanding of these responsibilities?

5. How can we balance the need for hospitality with the need to prioritize our spiritual commitments, as seen in the interactions between the Levite and his father-in-law?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The hospitality and subsequent events in Gibeah echo the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting themes of hospitality and moral decay.

Luke 10:38-42
The account of Mary and Martha, where hospitality is also a theme, but with a focus on spiritual priorities.

Hebrews 13:2
Encourages believers to show hospitality, as some have entertained angels without knowing it, contrasting the hospitality shown in Judges 19.