“And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah.”
Context:The book of Judges is set during a time in Israel’s history when they had no centralised government or king. The Israelites were led by judges, who were raised up by God to deliver them from their oppressors. However, this period was marked by a cycle of disobedience, idolatry, and moral decline among the people. Judges 19 is a particularly troubling chapter that depicts the moral decay and violence prevalent during that time.
Verse Analysis: Judges 19:1 introduces us to a certain Levite who was sojourning on the side of Mount Ephraim. A Levite was a member of the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for service in the tabernacle and later the temple. Instead of living in one of the cities designated for the Levites, this man chose to live on the side of Mount Ephraim, which was in the territory of the tribe of Ephraim.
The verse also mentions that the Levite took a concubine from Bethlehemjudah. A concubine was a woman who had a lower social status than a wife but had a recognised relationship with a man. The Levite’s actions in taking a concubine reflect the moral decline and disregard for God’s principles that were prevalent during this time.
The verse highlights two significant aspects:
- Moral Decline:The fact that the Levite had a concubine suggests a departure from God’s ideal for marriage and family. In the book of Genesis, God established marriage as a covenant between one man and one woman, reflecting His design for human relationships. The Levite’s choice to take a concubine indicates a disregard for God’s intention for marriage.
- Disregard for God’s Law:The phrase “when there was no king in Israel” implies a lack of proper authority and governance. Without a king or central authority, the people were more prone to follow their own desires and disregard God’s laws. This verse illustrates the moral chaos that ensued during this period of Israel’s history.
Lessons and Applications:
- God’s Design for Marriage:This verse reminds us of the importance of upholding God’s design for marriage. It serves as a reminder that marriage is meant to be a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, reflecting the loving and committed relationship between Christ and the Church.
- Consequences of Moral Decline:The events that unfold in Judges 19 and the following chapters demonstrate the tragic consequences of moral decline and the abandonment of God’s principles. The story highlights the brutal treatment of the concubine and the subsequent civil war that ensues. It serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of sin and the need for repentance and obedience to God.
- The Need for Godly Leadership:The mention of there being no king in Israel indicates the importance of godly leadership and governance. In the absence of a king, the people were left to their own devices, resulting in moral chaos. This highlights the significance of leaders who are committed to following God’s ways and leading others in righteousness.
Overall, Judges 19:1 serves as a reminder of the moral decline and chaos that can result when people disregard God’s principles and follow their own desires. It prompts us to reflect on the importance of upholding God’s design for marriage, the consequences of moral decline, and the need for godly leadership in our lives and communities.
