Judges 19

Commentary

Judges 19 is a powerful and tragic story of a Levite and his concubine. The Levite, who is from the tribe of Ephraim, is traveling with his concubine and servant to his home in Bethlehem. Along the way, they stop in the town of Gibeah, which is in the territory of Benjamin. While there, they are met with hostility from the townspeople and are forced to stay in the home of an old man. The old man offers them hospitality and protection, but the townspeople demand that the Levite be handed over to them. The old man refuses and instead offers his own daughter and the Levite's concubine to the mob. The Levite agrees and the concubine is brutally raped and abused all night. The next morning, the Levite finds her dead on the doorstep and takes her body home with him. The story of Judges 19 is a tragic one that highlights the violence and injustice that was rampant in the ancient world. It is a reminder of the importance of hospitality and protection, and of the consequences of not providing it. It also serves as a warning to those who would take advantage of the vulnerable and powerless. The story of the Levite and his concubine is a powerful reminder of the need for justice and mercy in our world today.