Levite and Concubine Judges 19

Judges 19:1 "And it came to pass in those days when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of Mount Ephraim who took to him a concubine out of Beth-lehem-judah."

Here in this chapter there is a story very much like in the story of Lot when the angels came to take him out of the city. Ironically, it is found in chapter 19 of Genesis. In spite of the fact that many women are available to the men they desire other men.

This is the story of a wandering Levite in a very depressing time, at least in this area of Canaan.
Certainly in the city of Gibeah. Events are such that it causes Israel to split and civil war erupts. Regardless of the political correctness of our day, the Bible still condemns same sex relations and so there is a great battle between Israel against the tribe of Benjamin where this trespass occurred. It would be useless to study the Bible and not adhere to its teachings:

Romans 1:25-27 "Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever, Amen For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and Likewise also the men leaving the natural use of the woman burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet."

This Bible is consistent concerning this matter.

Concerning the Levites, any city was suppose to take them in, for their position was not to receive inheritance but to be equal with the prosperity of those who possessed the land. It does not seem to be happening for this Levite planned to sleep in the street until an old man begged him to come into his house. v19-21.

v21 "So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink."

The men of the city came and demanded that the old man release the Levite to them so that they might abuse him. The old man offered his daughter instead and the Levite's concubine. The men of Gibeah declined the offer and continued to demand the man. (Genesis 19)The old man put out the concubine and she was abused all night. She was released at daybreak and she struggled back to the door of the old man's house.

(Note: I saw some parallel in this story and the condition of the nation Israel, due to space restraints, I did not go into it. You can see that Israel left God and went after other Gods as the woman left her husband)

v24 "Behold here is my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing."

I must look back to the glory days here. Israel was brought to this land through the parting of the Red Sea and Jordan. There were many victories in battle. Now in this land of milk and honey they have left God and succumbed to acts he finds repulsive.

We should note that these last chapters of Judges mentions that there was no king. Which leaves me to think that a king will soon come into the picture. As for now, the nation is torn apart internally.

The Levite sent a strong message v29 to the corners of Israel which brought them out to battle against the city of Gibeah but the city was protected by the tribe of Benjamin.

v30 "And it was so, that all that saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt unto this day consider of it, take advice, and speak your minds."

Psalms 111:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever."

Keyword: Bible Study, Old Testament, Judges, Israel, civil war, Levite, Milton Southerland