Judges 19:1-30
Q.1. How did the writer explain this horrible story? What was the concubine to the Levite? Why did the concubine return to her father? What did the Levite propose to do? – (Jdgs.19:1-3)
This story came from a time during the judges – when there was no king in Israel (Jdgs.19:1). Throughout the story we see how poorly women were regarded by the men. It is hard to believe that a man would suggest – Here is my virgin daughter and his concubine. Please let me bring them out that you may ravish them and do to them whatever you wish. But do not commit such an act of homosexual folly against this man (Jdgs.19:24). The concubine – played the harlot against him and then she returned to her father’s house, perhaps because the Levite did not treat her rightly. (Jdgs.19:2). The Levite seemed to learn the lesson, and – arose and went after her to speak tenderly to her in order to bring her back, taking with him his servant and a pair of donkeys (Jdgs.19:3). When she saw him – she brought him into her father’s house, and when the girl’s father saw him, he was glad to meet him (Jdgs.19:3). Her father was referred to as the Levite’s father-in-law (Jdgs.19:4,7,9).
Q.2. What kind of relationship did the Levite enjoy with his father-in-law? Why did the father detain the Levite? Why did they avoid staying at Jebus? Where did they stay at Gibeah? – (Jdgs.19:4-15)
The relationship between the Levite and his father-in-law seemed good. The Levite gladly received the middle eastern hospitality. It appears the father was very attached to his daughter. This probably explains the number of delays. However, eventually the Levite refused to stay and wanted to take his concubine back to the hill country of Ephraim. They bypassed Jebus (that would stay under Jebusite rule until taken by David to become his capital city) (2 Sam.5:6-9). The Levite did not feel safe in the region under the control of these foreigners (Jdgs.19:10-12). They decided to travel on to Gibeah which was in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin (Jdgs.19:13-14). Since no one offered them hospitality, they decided to stay in the city square (Jdgs.19:15).
Q.3. Why did the old man take them to his home? What did the men of the city demand? What offer did the old man make? What was the sordid aftermath? – (Jdgs.19:16-26)
An old man who came from the hill country of Ephraim, offered them hospitality at his place and urged them – do not spend the night in the open square (Jdgs.19:20). It soon became apparent why he gave this warning, for – while they were celebrating, behold, the men of the city, certain worthless fellows, surrounded the house, pounding the door; and they spoke to the owner of the house, the old man, saying, “Bring out the man who came into your house that we may have relations with him.” (Jdgs.19:22). The old man then offered the men his own virgin daughter and the Levite’s concubine (Jdgs.19:23-24). They grabbed the concubine and degraded her until morning. She escaped at dawn and returned to the old man’s place (Jdgs.19:25-26). This was a disgusting, despicable and cowardly act.
Q.4. Whom were these Benjamites like? What was the difference between a concubine and a wife? How did the Levite treat the woman? Why did he send pieces of her body throughout Israel? – (Jdgs.19:27-30 c.f. Gen.19:1-11)
History had repeated itself, as these Benjamites acted the same as the godless Sodomites (Jdgs.19:22-26 c.f. Gen.19:1-11). The Levite’s response to the ravaging of his concubine completely lacked love and respect, when he said – … “Get up and let us go,” but there was no answer. Then he placed her on the donkey; and the man arose and went to his home (Jdgs.19:28). Upon arriving home, he cut his concubine in twelve pieces – and sent her throughout the territory of Israel (Jdgs.19:29). This brought a dramatic response from the tribes – All who saw it said, “Nothing like this has ever happened or been seen from the day when the sons of Israel came up from the land of Egypt to this day. Consider it, take counsel, and speak up!” (Jdgs.19:30). When God sent His Son, He forever changed the plight of women, and placed them on a pedestal (1 Pet.3:8). That is a how a woman should be treated.