“And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.”
Context:The book of Judges is a historical account of Israel after the death of Joshua, when the people of Israel were governed by various judges. Judges 19 tells a troubling story about an incident in Gibeah, which highlights the moral and spiritual decline of the nation during that time.
Setting:In this verse, an old man encounters a Levite traveller and offers him hospitality. The Levite, along with his concubine, had been travelling and needed a place to stay for the night. The old man urges him not to stay in the street, emphasising the importance of providing shelter and safety.
Hospitality:Hospitality was highly valued in the biblical culture, and offering it was considered an act of kindness and righteousness. The old man’s greeting, “Peace be with thee,” reflects his desire for the traveller’s well-being and safety. He willingly takes responsibility for meeting the traveller’s needs and ensures that he is not left stranded in the street.
The Levite’s response:The Levite’s situation is somewhat unusual, as he and his concubine were not able to find lodging in the city earlier (Judges 19:15). Instead, they had to spend the night in an open square. The old man’s offer to provide shelter demonstrates compassion and care for a stranger, especially considering the dangerous circumstances the Levite and his concubine faced.
Lessons and application:This verse highlights the importance of hospitality and caring for the needs of others, particularly those who are vulnerable or in distress. It reminds us to extend a helping hand to those in need and to create an environment of safety and provision.
The larger narrative:It’s essential to note that the story of Judges 19 contains dark and disturbing events. The following chapters describe the horrific treatment of the Levite’s concubine and the subsequent consequences that befell Israel. While this particular verse focuses on a positive act of hospitality, it is crucial to read the entire passage in its broader context to understand the overarching message and implications of the narrative.
Remember that the Bible is a complex collection of books with various literary genres, historical contexts, and overarching themes. Studying individual verses is valuable, but it’s also important to examine them in light of the surrounding passages and the overall message of the biblical book.
