“And he said unto her, Up, and let us be going. But none answered. Then the man took her up upon an ass, and the man rose up, and gat him unto his place”
Context:The passage comes from the book of Judges, which tells the story of Israel after the death of Joshua and before the establishment of the monarchy. This particular chapter recounts a disturbing incident known as the Levite’s Concubine. It involves a Levite who had a concubine, a secondary wife or female companion, and their journey home after visiting her father’s house in Bethlehem.
Historical Background:During this period, Israel was in a state of moral decline and spiritual apostasy. The book of Judges repeatedly emphasizes the Israelites’ cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. The events in Judges 19 occur at a time when “there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25).
The Levite’s Concubine:In Judges 19:1-28, the Levite and his concubine found themselves in Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin. They sought hospitality for the night but were instead subjected to severe mistreatment by the men of the city. The concubine was abused all night and died at the doorstep of the house where they were staying.
The Verse:In verse 28, the Levite speaks to the lifeless body of his concubine, urging her to get up so they can continue their journey. However, receiving no response, he places her on his donkey and carries her home. This verse depicts the desolation and tragedy of the situation.
Lessons and Themes:
- Moral decay and depravity:The passage highlights the deep moral corruption prevalent during that time, both within the city of Gibeah and among the people of Israel as a whole. It reveals the extent to which people had turned away from God’s commandments and lived according to their own desires.
- The consequences of sin:The Levite’s Concubine incident is a stark reminder of the consequences that result from a departure from God’s ways. The mistreatment, abuse, and ultimately the death of the concubine are a consequence of the prevailing moral decay and the people’s disregard for God’s law.
- The desperate state of God’s people:This passage demonstrates the desperate state of Israel during the time of the judges. The absence of righteous leadership and the people’s moral decay caused widespread suffering and lawlessness.
- The value of human life:The Levite’s actions in carrying his concubine’s lifeless body home reveal a sense of grief, respect, and care for the dead. This emphasizes the inherent value and dignity of human life, even in the midst of a morally bankrupt society.
- The need for God’s intervention:The events in Judges 19 serve as a precursor to the subsequent chapters, where God’s judgment falls upon the tribe of Benjamin due to their involvement in this heinous act. It underscores the need for divine intervention and righteous judgment to restore justice and order among the people.
Overall, Judges 19:28 serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of moral decay and the desperate need for God’s intervention in the lives of His people. It prompts us to reflect on the importance of upholding God’s standards of righteousness and to seek His guidance and leadership in our lives.
