What does Judges 19:14 mean?
"And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin." - Judges 19:14
The Bible verse Judges 19:14 from the King James Version (KJV) reads:
"And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin."
This verse is part of the larger narrative found in the Book of Judges, which recounts a dark period in the history of the Israelites, marked by a cycle of disobedience, oppression, and deliverance. This particular passage is from the story of a Levite and his concubine, which serves as a harrowing example of the moral decay and depravity that characterized the time of the Judges.
Contextually, the verse comes at a pivotal moment in the story, as the Levite and his concubine are nearing their destination, seeking shelter in a town belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. They have been journeying for some time, and the sun is beginning to set as they approach Gibeah. This setting of the scene is significant as it sets the stage for the tragic events that are about to unfold in the following chapters.
The passage is rich in symbolism and themes that are woven throughout the narrative. One of the key themes in this story is the recurring lack of hospitality and care for others. The fact that the Levite and his concubine are traveling and seeking shelter highlights the vulnerability and dependence they have on the hospitality of others. The setting of the sun serves as a foreboding omen, signaling the dangers of being on the road after dark and the urgency for finding a safe haven for the night.
The mention of the town of Gibeah, belonging to the tribe of Benjamin, also holds symbolic significance. The tribe of Benjamin had a tumultuous history, and their territory was associated with a lack of moral uprightness and depravity. This setting foreshadows the horrific events that will transpire within the walls of Gibeah, as the men of the city display unimaginable cruelty and violence towards the Levite and his concubine, ultimately leading to her death.
The setting of the sun can also be interpreted as a metaphor for the moral darkness that pervades the entire story. As the sun goes down, the narrative descends further into a narrative of moral decay and depravity, mirroring the spiritual darkness that has enveloped the people of Israel during this time.
Another theme that emerges from this verse is the theme of journey and pilgrimage. Throughout the Bible, the motif of journeying holds deep spiritual significance, symbolizing the individual and collective journey of faith. In this passage, the Levite and his concubine are on a physical journey, seeking to find rest and refuge. However, their journey becomes emblematic of the trials and tribulations that often accompany the spiritual journey of the believer.
In conclusion, Judges 19:14, though a seemingly simple verse, is laden with rich thematic and symbolic meaning. It serves as a pivotal moment in the larger narrative, setting the stage for the tragic events that unfold. Through its portrayal of vulnerability, hospitality, and the descent into moral darkness, this verse resonates with the broader themes of the Book of Judges and provides valuable insights into the human condition and the need for redemption.
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Judges 19:14 - "And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin."
"And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin." - Judges 19:14
Judges 14:19 - "¶ And the Spirit of the LORD came upon him, and he went down to Ashkelon, and slew thirty men of them, and took their spoil, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father's house."
Judges 20:19 - "And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah."
Judges 19:19 - "Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing."
Judges 11:14 - "And Jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon:"
2 Chronicles 19:6 - "And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the LORD, who is with you in the judgment."
Judges 14:11 - "And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him."
Judges 14:1 - "And Samson went down to Timnath, and saw a woman in Timnath of the daughters of the Philistines."
Judges 3:14 - "So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years."
Judges 14:7 - "And he went down, and talked with the woman; and she pleased Samson well."
2 Chronicles 19:5 - "¶ And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city,"
Judges 5:19 - "The kings came and fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money."
Judges 14:14 - "And he said unto them, Out of the eater came forth meat, and out of the strong came forth sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle."
Judges 9:14 - "Then said all the trees unto the bramble, Come thou, and reign over us."
Judges 14:20 - "But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend."
Judges 12:14 - "And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, that rode on threescore and ten ass colts: and he judged Israel eight years."
Judges 19:7 - "And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again."
Judges 19:26 - "Then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man's house where her lord was, till it was light."
Numbers 19:14-19 Touching a dead is unclean
Genesis 19-14
Psalm 19:14
Deuteronomy 19:18 - "And the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness be a false witness, and hath testified falsely against his brother;"
Judges 19:21 - "So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink."
Romans 14:13 - "Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way."
Judges 1:19 - "And the LORD was with Judah; and he drave out the inhabitants of the mountain; but could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron."
Judges 19:20 - "And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street."
Luke 11:19 - "And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out? therefore shall they be your judges."
Deuteronomy 19:17 - "Then both the men, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days;"
Judges 19:12 - "And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah."