Judges 19:15 meaning

The landscape of Israel during the time of Judges was marked by a severe moral decay and profound social disintegration. The events surrounding the treatment of the Levite and his concubine in Gibeah illustrate a terrifying absence of hospitality and respect for the vulnerable, signifying a broader spiritual crisis among the Israelites. Hospitality, a cherished cultural value, was neglected as the people chose self-interest over fellowship, leading to catastrophic consequences.

In Judges 19:15, the refusal of the Gibeahites to offer shelter to the Levite, despite the clear moral obligation to accommodate their kin, highlights a chilling transformation of societal values. This refusal shows an alarming level of hostility towards strangers, which became emblematic of Israel’s moral decline. The stark contrast with the hospitality later shown by an old man reveals a community deeply divided, operating with what was "right in their own eyes" rather than adhering to divine law. The scripture serves as a sober reminder of the dangers of turning from God's commandments and the resulting societal chaos that ensues when moral standards collapse.