“And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father’s house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months.”
This verse is part of a larger narrative found in Judges 19, which recounts a tragic and disturbing incident involving an unnamed Levite, his concubine, and the people of Gibeah. To understand the significance of Judges 19:2:it’s essential to consider the broader context.
In Judges 19, the story begins with the Levite and his concubine leaving the city of Bethlehem and embarking on a journey to the Levite’s hometown. They encounter hospitality in the city of Gibeah, where they plan to spend the night. However, the people of Gibeah, known for their wickedness, surround the house where the Levite and his concubine are staying, demanding to engage in sexual acts with the Levite.
Deeply disturbed by this vile request, the Levite instead offers his concubine to the crowd, and she is brutally raped and abused throughout the night. The next morning, the Levite discovers her lifeless body at the doorstep. The Levite then takes her body and dismembers it into twelve pieces, sending one piece to each of the twelve tribes of Israel, highlighting the heinousness of the crime committed in Gibeah.
Returning to Judges 19:2:it briefly mentions that the concubine played the whore against the Levite and left him to return to her father’s house in Bethlehemjudah. The phrase “played the whore” signifies her unfaithfulness to the Levite. However, it is important to note that this verse does not provide further details or reasons for her actions. The story focuses more on the tragic events that unfolded in Gibeah.
The overall narrative in Judges 19 highlights the moral depravity and corruption of the people during that time period, as well as the consequences of such wickedness. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of righteousness and the dire consequences of abandoning God’s laws.
It’s crucial to approach biblical texts with sensitivity and care, recognizing the historical and cultural context in which they were written. While Judges 19:2 may depict a distressing incident, the Bible uses such stories to highlight the consequences of human sinfulness and to emphasize the need for justice, compassion, and adherence to God’s moral standards.
