Judges 19:11 meaning
In this troubling narrative, the Levite and his concubine are faced with a dire choice for lodging as night approaches. Despite having the option to stay in Jebus, a city inhabited by Canaanites, the Levite opts instead for Gibeah, a town among his fellow Israelites. This decision reflects profound societal expectations regarding hospitality, which was considered sacred in the ancient Near East. Sadly, the Levite's encounter in Gibeah starkly contrasts with the hospitality he seeks; he finds himself in a community that is not only inhospitable but also morally decayed. This setting foreshadows the horrific events that ensue, which highlight the pervasive decline of ethical standards among God's chosen people. Judges 19:11 underscores the eerie decline in social cohesion, suggesting that the very heart of Israel's community was tainted by rejection of the stranger and neighbor alike.
The Levite's choice to avoid Jebus, where he anticipated hostility, only leads him into a far worse situation, revealing that moral decay within a community can create a far more perilous environment than that suggested by its external associations.
This quick summary was autogenerated by AI. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing: [email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 1:11-15 meaning. Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, successfully captures the city and marries Achsah. Achsah then asks Caleb for a field and additional water resources, and Caleb grants her the upper and lower springs.
- Judges 2:11-15 meaning. The Israelites fall into idolatry, abandoning the Lord to serve the Baals and Ashtaroth. This disobedience provokes God's anger, leading to their oppression by enemies and severe distress, as He fulfills the warnings given to them.
- Revelation 19:11-16 meaning. John sees the moment of Jesus's second coming. In contrast to Christ's first advent (that of a poor suffering servant, born in a stable, riding a donkey), now Christ comes down from Heaven on a white horse, His eyes flaming with fire, crowned with many crowns, His robe dipped in blood, and armies of heaven following Him on white horses. He comes to judge and to wage war on His enemies, a sword proceeding from His mouth. He will rule with a rod of iron, and will crush the antichrist and his followers like grapes in a wine press. He is the King of all kings, and the Lord over all lords.