Topical Bible: Adultery: The Levite's Concubine

◄ Adultery: The Levite's Concubine ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The account of the Levite's concubine is a harrowing narrative found in the Book of Judges, chapters 19 to 21. This account is set during a time when "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25, BSB). It serves as a stark illustration of the moral and social chaos that can ensue when God's laws are disregarded, particularly the commandment against adultery.

Background and Context

The narrative begins with a Levite residing in the remote hill country of Ephraim. He takes a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah, but she is unfaithful to him and returns to her father's house (Judges 19:1-2, BSB). After four months, the Levite goes to persuade her to return. The concubine's infidelity is a critical element, as it sets the stage for the subsequent events, highlighting the breakdown of marital fidelity and the consequences of such actions.

The Journey and the Crime

Upon reconciling, the Levite and his concubine begin their journey back to Ephraim. They decide to spend the night in Gibeah, a town of the Benjamites. An old man offers them hospitality, but the men of the city, described as "wicked men," surround the house, demanding to have relations with the Levite (Judges 19:22, BSB). In a tragic turn, the Levite sends out his concubine to them, and she is brutally abused throughout the night, leading to her death.

Moral and Social Implications

The incident in Gibeah is reminiscent of the sin of Sodom (Genesis 19), underscoring the depth of moral decay in Israel. The Levite's decision to offer his concubine to the mob reflects a profound failure to protect and honor the sanctity of the marital relationship, even in its concubinal form. This act of adultery, compounded by violence, serves as a grim reminder of the societal collapse that follows when God's commandments are ignored.

The Aftermath and Civil War

The Levite's response to the atrocity is to dismember his concubine's body and send the pieces throughout Israel, inciting outrage and uniting the tribes against Benjamin. This leads to a civil war, resulting in the near annihilation of the Benjamites (Judges 20-21, BSB). The narrative illustrates the destructive ripple effects of adultery and lawlessness, affecting not only individuals but entire communities and tribes.

Theological Reflections

From a theological perspective, the account of the Levite's concubine serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of forsaking God's design for marriage and sexual purity. It highlights the importance of fidelity and the protective boundaries established by God's law. The narrative also underscores the need for righteous leadership and adherence to divine commandments to maintain social order and justice.

Conclusion

The account of the Levite's concubine is a sobering reminder of the chaos that ensues when God's laws are abandoned. It calls believers to uphold the sanctity of marriage and to seek justice and righteousness in their communities.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 19:2
And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him to her father's house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months.
Nave's Topical Index