Text: Judges 19
Theme: A Levite and the Problem
Introduction:
Judges 19-21 contains a most tragic story of the wickedness of the men of Gibeah, patronized by the tribe of Benjamin, for which that tribe was severely chastised and almost entirely cut off by the rest of the tribes (Matthew Henry). The Danites' idolatry and Benjamin’s' immorality were at the core. The story in Judges 19 is a text of terror, and tragedy and is not relevant to Sunday School teaching. Judges 19 contains a story of misogyny, subjugation, rape, murder, and dismemberment. Judges 19:2-10 refers to a Levite and his Wife. Judges 19:11-21 say about the halt at Gibeah. Judges 19:22-30 says the gang rape and death of the woman at Gibeah.
A Levite and a concubine:
A Levite from the hill country of Ephraim has taken a concubine from Judah. The word concubine is often associated with sexually explicit relationships, a woman used for a man’s pleasure without legal protection. However, in some cultures, a concubine can represent a lower-status wife who has not received a bride price. But in the OT, a concubine was a lawful wife who was guaranteed only food, clothing, and marital privileges (Exodus 21:7-11; Deuteronomy 21:10-14). In OT many prominent men had concubines, namely, Abraham (Genesis 25:6), Jacob (Genesis 35:22), Caleb (1 Chronicles 2:46), Saul (2 Samuel 3:7), David (2 Samuel 5:13), Solomon (1 Kings 11:3 – 300 concubines), and Rehoboam (2 Chronicles 11:21).
This Levite lived in a remote area controlled by the tribe of Ephraim. He arranged to take a woman from Bethlehem, in the territory of the tribe of Judah, as a concubine. A concubine was a servant and a lesser wife. Typical concubines were women from families with little wealth or status. They would be supported and cared for, but not given the same rights as a full spouse. This Levite's concubine was unfaithful and returned to her hometown. Then Levite went after her, after four months, and brought her to his house.
Travel and Stay at Gibeah:
During the period of the Judges, it was dangerous to travel in the daytime (Judges 5:6) and even more so at night. The above Levi journeyed and stayed in one of the cities of Judah rather than the Gentiles for safety. So, he didn’t stay in the city of Jebus. The Levi didn't want to stay in Jerusalem because it was in the hands of the pagan Jebusites. So, he pressed on four miles to Gibeah so he could be with his own people. He reached Gibeah’s city square and waited according to ancient Near Eastern custom, to receive hospitality. Unfortunately, there was not a good reception and hospitality. There was not a fear of God in Gibeah as against the command of God (Leviticus 19:33-34, Leviticus 25:35, Matthew 25:35, Hebrews 13:2). The men at Gibeah were Sodomites (Genesis 19:5). During the time of the Judges, Israel was as bad as Sodom and Gomorrah. This sin was a scar on the life of Israel, so it is said, as in the days of Gibeah (Hosea 9:9); sinned from the days of Gibeah (Hosea 10:9).
Dead Concubine and National Justice:
The Levite physically forces his concubine outside and into the hands of the mob. They raped and beat her, and released her shortly before the sun rises. She collapsed at the doorstep (Judges 19:25–26). The Levite picked up her corpse travelled to his home in Ephraim. There, he cut her body into pieces and sent her to the twelve tribes calling for justice (Judges 19:27–29). LXX has the following additional words: “And he instructed the men whom he sent out, ‘Thus you will say to every male Israelite: “There has never been anything like this from the day the Israelites left Egypt till the present day.”’ The reaction was recorded in Judges 19:30: “Everyone who saw it was saying to one another, “Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came out of Egypt. Just imagine! We must do something! So, speak up!”
Discussion: How do we react to the spiritual decay of the Church?
(Ref: Enduring Word Commentary; Austin Precept; bible ref; bible.org; Bible Hub).
