Judges 19:9

When the man got up to depart with his concubine and his servant, his father-in-law, the girl's father, said to him, "Look, the day is drawing to a close. Please spend the night. See, the day is almost over. Spend the night here, that your heart may be merry. Then you can get up early tomorrow for your journey home."

Study Bible

When the man got up to depart with his concubine and his servant
This phrase introduces the main characters involved in the narrative. The man is a Levite, a member of the tribe set apart for religious duties in Israel. The presence of a concubine highlights the cultural practices of the time, where concubinage was a socially accepted arrangement, though not God's ideal for marriage. The servant's inclusion indicates the man's social status and the practicalities of travel in ancient Israel.

his father-in-law, the girl’s father, said to him
The father-in-law's role is significant in the cultural context of hospitality and family honor. In ancient Near Eastern societies, the father-in-law had a vested interest in the well-being of his daughter and her household. This interaction reflects the familial bonds and obligations that were central to the social fabric of the time.

“Look, the day is drawing to a close. Please spend the night.
The father-in-law's insistence on staying reflects the cultural importance of hospitality. In biblical times, travel was fraught with danger, and night travel was particularly risky. Offering shelter was a way to ensure safety and demonstrate generosity, a virtue highly esteemed in the ancient world.

See, the day is almost over. Spend the night here, that your heart may be merry.
This repetition emphasizes the urgency and sincerity of the father-in-law's request. The phrase "that your heart may be merry" suggests a desire for the Levite to enjoy rest and fellowship, which aligns with the biblical theme of hospitality as a means of fostering community and joy.

Then you can get up early tomorrow for your journey home.”
The suggestion to leave early the next day indicates a practical concern for the Levite's safety and well-being. Traveling in daylight was safer and more efficient. This reflects the wisdom literature's emphasis on planning and prudence, as seen in Proverbs, where careful preparation is often commended.

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, whose tragic fate becomes a catalyst for the events that follow in the account.

3. The Father-in-law
The father of the concubine, who shows hospitality to the Levite and his daughter, urging them to stay longer.

4. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin where the Levite and his concubine seek shelter, leading to the subsequent events of violence and moral decay.

5. Bethlehem
The initial setting where the Levite goes to retrieve his concubine, and where the father-in-law resides.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
The account underscores the biblical value of hospitality. As Christians, we are called to welcome and care for others, reflecting God's love and grace.

Moral Decay and Its Consequences
The events in Gibeah serve as a warning about the dangers of moral decline and the societal impact of turning away from God's commandments.

The Role of Leadership
The Levite's actions and decisions highlight the responsibility of leaders to act justly and righteously, as their choices can have far-reaching consequences.

The Need for Godly Justice
The account calls believers to seek justice in accordance with God's standards, advocating for the oppressed and standing against evil.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hospitality shown by the father-in-law contrast with the actions of the men of 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 inform our understanding of societal issues today?

3. How does the Levite's decision-making process throughout the chapter serve as a lesson for us in seeking God's guidance in our own decisions?

4. What parallels can be drawn between the events in Gibeah and the account of Sodom and Gomorrah, and how do these accounts together emphasize the need for repentance and divine justice?

5. How can we, as modern believers, apply the lessons of Judges 19 to advocate for justice and righteousness in our communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

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

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

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