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Judges 19

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‹ Chapter 18 Judges — All Chapters Chapter 20 ›

1 Now in those days, when there was no king in Israel, a Levite who lived in the remote hill country of Ephraim took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. 2 But she was unfaithful to him and left him to return to her father’s house in Bethlehem in Judah. After she had been there four months, 3 her husband got up and went after her to speak kindly to her and bring her back, taking his servant and a pair of donkeys. So the girl brought him into her father’s house, and when her father saw him, he gladly welcomed him. 4 His father-in-law, the girl’s father, persuaded him to stay, so he remained with him three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there. 5 On the fourth day, they got up early in the morning and prepared to depart, but the girl’s father said to his son-in-law, “Refresh your heart with a morsel of bread, and then you can go." 6 So they sat down and the two of them ate and drank together. Then the girl’s father said to the man, “Please agree to stay overnight and let your heart be merry." 7 The man got up to depart, but his father-in-law persuaded him, so he stayed there that night. 8 On the fifth day, he got up early in the morning to depart, but the girl’s father said, “Please refresh your heart.” So they waited until late afternoon and the two of them ate. 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." 10 But the man was unwilling to spend the night. He got up and departed, and arrived opposite Jebus (that is, Jerusalem), with his two saddled donkeys and his concubine. 11 When they were near Jebus and the day was almost gone, the servant said to his master, “Please, let us stop at this Jebusite city and spend the night here." 12 But his master replied, “We will not turn aside to the city of foreigners, where there are no Israelites. We will go on to Gibeah." 13 He continued, “Come, let us try to reach one of these towns to spend the night in Gibeah or Ramah." 14 So they continued on their journey, and the sun set as they neared Gibeah in Benjamin. 15 They stopped to go in and lodge in Gibeah. The Levite went in and sat down in the city square, but no one would take them into his home for the night. 16 That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was residing in Gibeah (the men of that place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the field. 17 When he looked up and saw the traveler in the city square, the old man asked, “Where are you going, and where have you come from?" 18 The Levite replied, “We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the remote hill country of Ephraim, where I am from. I went to Bethlehem in Judah, and now I am going to the house of the LORD; but no one has taken me into his home, 19 even though there is both straw and feed for our donkeys, and bread and wine for me and the maidservant and young man with me. There is nothing that we, your servants, lack." 20 “Peace to you,” said the old man. “Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square." 21 So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank. 22 While they were enjoying themselves, suddenly the wicked men of the city surrounded the house. Pounding on the door, they said to the old man who owned the house, “Bring out the man who came to your house, so we can have relations with him!" 23 The owner of the house went out and said to them, “No, my brothers, do not do this wicked thing! After all, this man is a guest in my house. Do not commit this outrage. 24 Look, let me bring out my virgin daughter and the man’s concubine, and you can use them and do with them as you wish. But do not do such a vile thing to this man." 25 But the men would not listen to him. So the Levite took his concubine and sent her outside to them, and they raped her and abused her throughout the night, and at dawn they let her go. 26 Early that morning, the woman went back to the house where her master was staying, collapsed at the doorway, and lay there until it was light. 27 In the morning, when her master got up and opened the doors of the house to go out on his journey, there was his concubine, collapsed in the doorway of the house, with her hands on the threshold. 28 “Get up,” he told her. “Let us go.” But there was no response. So the man put her on his donkey and set out for home. 29 When he reached his house, he picked up a knife, took hold of his concubine, cut her limb by limb into twelve pieces, and sent her throughout the territory of Israel. 30 And everyone who saw it said, “Nothing like this has been seen or done from the day the Israelites came out of the land of Egypt until this day. Think it over, take counsel, and speak up!"

‹ Chapter 18 Judges — All Chapters Chapter 20 ›

Study Notes — Judges 19

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Chapter Summary

The chapter begins with a Levite who takes a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah, but she is unfaithful to him and returns to her father's house. After four months, the Levite goes to retrieve her, and they set out on a journey to his home. However, they are forced to stop in Gibeah, where they are refused hospitality by the locals. Instead, an old man takes them in, but the men of Gibeah demand that the Levite be handed over to them, intending to commit a horrific act. To save himself, the Levite gives them his concubine, who is brutally abused and killed. The Levite then takes her body, cuts it into twelve pieces, and sends them to the twelve tribes of Israel, sparking a civil war that ultimately leads to the near-destruction of the tribe of Benjamin. This tragic event is a stark reminder of the chaos and destruction that can result when humanity rejects God's law and embraces sin.

Context for the Chapter

Judges 19 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Judges, which tells the story of Israel's history from the death of Joshua to the time of Samuel. The chapter is situated in a period of spiritual and moral decline, where 'everyone did as they saw fit' (Judges 19:1). This context is essential for understanding the significance of the events that unfold in the chapter, as well as the broader themes of the book of Judges. The chapter also points forward to the coming of a king who will bring order and justice to Israel, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

The story of Judges 19 serves as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice and mercy. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the need to seek God's guidance and authority in our lives, rather than relying on our own strength and wisdom. We are also called to demonstrate kindness, compassion, and hospitality towards others, recognizing the inherent value and dignity of every human being.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Judges 19 tells the story of a Levite and his concubine who are brutally mistreated by the men of Gibeah. This event sparks a civil war that ultimately leads to the near-destruction of the tribe of Benjamin. The chapter highlights the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice and mercy. As we read this chapter, we are reminded of the need to seek God's guidance and authority in our lives, rather than relying on our own strength and wisdom. In Judges 19:1, we see the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God.

Voices from the Church

“The depths of human depravity are a terrible thing to contemplate, but it is a necessary contemplation, for it is only when we see the depths of our own sin that we can truly appreciate the heights of God's grace.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The story of Judges 19 is a stark reminder of the consequences of human rebellion against God. It highlights the need for spiritual leadership and the importance of seeking God's guidance and authority in our lives.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. Introduction to the Story (19:1-2) — The chapter begins with a Levite who takes a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah, but she is unfaithful to him and returns to her father's house.
  2. The Journey to Gibeah (19:3-10) — The Levite goes to retrieve his concubine, and they set out on a journey to his home. However, they are forced to stop in Gibeah, where they are refused hospitality by the locals.
  3. The Tragic Events in Gibeah (19:11-28) — The men of Gibeah demand that the Levite be handed over to them, intending to commit a horrific act. To save himself, the Levite gives them his concubine, who is brutally abused and killed.
  4. The Aftermath of the Tragedy (19:29-30) — The Levite takes his concubine's body, cuts it into twelve pieces, and sends them to the twelve tribes of Israel, sparking a civil war that ultimately leads to the near-destruction of the tribe of Benjamin.
  5. Conclusion and Application (19:29-30) — The chapter serves as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice and mercy. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the need to seek God's guidance and authority in our lives, rather than relying on our own strength and wisdom.

Core Doctrines

Total Depravity
The story of Judges 19 highlights the depths of human depravity, emphasizing the need for God's redemption and the importance of seeking His justice and mercy.
The Importance of Leadership
The chapter emphasizes the need for spiritual leadership and authority in society, highlighting the dangers of human autonomy and the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom.
The Value of Human Life
The tragic events of Judges 19 serve as a stark reminder of the inherent value and dignity of every human being, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating kindness, compassion, and hospitality towards others.
The Consequences of Sin
The chapter highlights the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God, emphasizing the need for repentance and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy.

Lessons from Judges 19

  1. The Dangers of Human Autonomy — The chapter highlights the dangers of human autonomy and the importance of seeking God's guidance and authority in our lives.
  2. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the need for spiritual leadership and authority in society, highlighting the dangers of human autonomy and the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom.
  3. The Value of Human Life — The tragic events of Judges 19 serve as a stark reminder of the inherent value and dignity of every human being, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating kindness, compassion, and hospitality towards others.
  4. The Consequences of Sin — The chapter highlights the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God, emphasizing the need for repentance and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy.
  5. The Need for Redemption — The story of Judges 19 serves as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice and mercy, highlighting the need for redemption and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy.

Themes from Judges 19

  1. The Depths of Human Depravity — The chapter highlights the depths of human depravity, emphasizing the need for God's redemption and the importance of seeking His justice and mercy.
  2. The Importance of Spiritual Leadership — The chapter emphasizes the need for spiritual leadership and authority in society, highlighting the dangers of human autonomy and the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom.
  3. The Value of Human Life — The tragic events of Judges 19 serve as a stark reminder of the inherent value and dignity of every human being, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating kindness, compassion, and hospitality towards others.
  4. The Consequences of Sin — The chapter highlights the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God, emphasizing the need for repentance and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy.
  5. The Need for Redemption — The story of Judges 19 serves as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice and mercy, highlighting the need for redemption and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does the phrase 'everyone did as they saw fit' reveal about the spiritual and moral condition of Israel in this chapter?
  2. How does the story of Judges 19 serve as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice and mercy?
  3. What does the chapter reveal about the importance of spiritual leadership and authority in society?
  4. How does the tragic event in Gibeah highlight the need for kindness, compassion, and hospitality towards others?
  5. What does the chapter teach us about the consequences of human sin and rebellion against God?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. Introduction to the Story (19:1-2)

19:1 The chapter begins with a Levite who takes a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah, but she is unfaithful to him and returns to her father's house.
19:2 The concubine's actions are described as a grave sin, highlighting the depths of human depravity and the need for God's redemption.

2. The Journey to Gibeah (19:3-10)

19:3 The Levite goes to retrieve his concubine, and they set out on a journey to his home.
19:4 The Levite and his concubine stop in Gibeah, where they are refused hospitality by the locals.

3. The Tragic Events in Gibeah (19:11-28)

19:11 The men of Gibeah demand that the Levite be handed over to them, intending to commit a horrific act.
19:12 The Levite gives them his concubine, who is brutally abused and killed.

4. The Aftermath of the Tragedy (19:29-30)

19:29 The Levite takes his concubine's body, cuts it into twelve pieces, and sends them to the twelve tribes of Israel, sparking a civil war that ultimately leads to the near-destruction of the tribe of Benjamin.
19:30 The chapter concludes with a sense of devastation and tragedy, highlighting the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the historical context of Judges 19?

The chapter is situated in a period of spiritual and moral decline, where 'everyone did as they saw fit' (Judges 19:1). This context is essential for understanding the significance of the events that unfold in the chapter, as well as the broader themes of the book of Judges.

What is the significance of the Levite's concubine in the chapter?

The concubine represents the vulnerable and the oppressed, highlighting the need for justice and compassion in society. Her tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the inherent value and dignity of every human being, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating kindness, compassion, and hospitality towards others.

What does the chapter teach us about the consequences of sin?

The chapter highlights the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God, emphasizing the need for repentance and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy. The tragic events of Judges 19 serve as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice and mercy.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Judges 19:1 → Genesis 19:1-11 The story of Judges 19 is reminiscent of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice and mercy.
2 Judges 19:2 → Deuteronomy 17:14-20 The chapter emphasizes the need for spiritual leadership and authority in society, highlighting the dangers of human autonomy and the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom.
3 Judges 19:11 → Psalm 14:1-3 The men of Gibeah are described as foolish and wicked, highlighting the depths of human depravity and the need for God's redemption.
4 Judges 19:12 → Romans 1:18-32 The tragic events of Judges 19 serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God, emphasizing the need for repentance and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy.
5 Judges 19:29 → Hosea 8:1-14 The chapter concludes with a sense of devastation and tragedy, highlighting the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God.
6 Judges 19:30 → Matthew 24:12 The chapter serves as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice and mercy, highlighting the need for redemption and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy.
7 Judges 19:1 → 1 Samuel 8:1-9 The chapter highlights the need for spiritual leadership and authority in society, emphasizing the dangers of human autonomy and the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom.
8 Judges 19:2 → Luke 17:26-30 The tragic events of Judges 19 serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God, emphasizing the need for repentance and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy.
9 Judges 19:11 → 2 Peter 2:4-10 The men of Gibeah are described as foolish and wicked, highlighting the depths of human depravity and the need for God's redemption.
10 Judges 19:12 → Jude 1:7 The tragic events of Judges 19 serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God, emphasizing the need for repentance and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy.

Sermons on Judges 19

SermonDescription
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Ruth by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of holding onto something that is no longer rightfully ours. He refers to the book of Revelation, where a scroll with seven seals
Chuck Smith (Through the Bible) Judges 17-21 by Chuck Smith In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of submitting our lives to God as king. He highlights the negative consequences of people living according to their own desire
Greg Locke Why Isn't Someone Yelling Rape? by Greg Locke In this sermon, the preacher discusses his experience at a Christ-centered addictions program in Rockford, Illinois. He criticizes the lack of seriousness and reverence in the mini
G. Campbell Morgan The Message of Judges by G. Campbell Morgan G. Campbell Morgan delivers a powerful sermon on 'The Message of Judges,' emphasizing the deterioration of a nation through religious apostasy, political disorganization, and socia
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Judges by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the persistent nature of evil habits in our lives, likening them to the Canaanites who resisted being dislodged from the land. He reminds us that as believers
Chuck Smith Judges 19:22 by Chuck Smith Chuck Smith addresses the dark period in Israel's history as depicted in Judges 19:22, illustrating the moral decline that leads to depravity and the eventual judgment of God. He d

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Judges 19

Matthew Henry's commentary on Judges 19 emphasizes the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God. The chapter highlights the depths of human depravity, emphasizing the need for God's redemption and the importance of seeking His justice and mercy. As Henry notes, 'the sin of the men of Gibeah was a great and grievous one, and it is a wonder that God did not cut them off sooner.' The chapter serves as a warning against the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's justice and mercy, highlighting the need for redemption and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness and mercy. In (Judges 19:1), we see the devastating consequences of human sin and rebellion against God, and the importance of seeking God's guidance and authority in our lives. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

The Lack of Hospitality

The men of Gibeah refuse to show hospitality to the Levite and his concubine, highlighting the importance of kindness and generosity towards others. This lack of hospitality ultimately leads to tragic consequences.

The Dangers of Mob Mentality

The men of Gibeah are driven by a mob mentality, demanding that the Levite be handed over to them. This serves as a warning against the dangers of groupthink and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of opposition.

The Importance of Leadership

The chapter highlights the need for spiritual leadership and authority in society. The lack of a king in Israel leads to chaos and moral decay, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's guidance and wisdom.

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