What does Judges 19:20 mean?
"And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street." - Judges 19:20
Judges 19:20 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street." This verse is part of the story of the Levite and his concubine, found in Judges 19. It tells the account of the horrific events that took place in the city of Gibeah, where the Levite and his concubine sought shelter for the night.
The story begins with the Levite and his concubine traveling through the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. They arrive in the city of Gibeah but find no one willing to offer them hospitality for the night. Finally, an old man sees them in the open square and invites them to stay at his house, urging them not to spend the night in the open street.
The significance of this verse lies in the themes of hospitality, protection, and the breakdown of societal norms. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was considered a sacred duty, and travelers were to be treated with kindness and respect. It was expected that strangers would be welcomed into the homes of the locals, provided with food and shelter, and protected from harm.
In this context, the old man's offer of shelter to the Levite and his concubine carries great significance. It demonstrates the old man's adherence to the cultural and moral code of hospitality, a stark contrast to the inhospitable treatment the travelers received from the people of Gibeah. The old man's words, "let all thy wants lie upon me," convey a deep sense of responsibility and duty toward the well-being of the Levite and his concubine, further emphasizing the importance of hospitality in the ancient Near Eastern society.
However, the underlying symbolism in this verse also foreshadows the tragedy that is about to unfold. The old man's warning to the travelers not to lodge in the street points to the dangers lurking outside the safety of his home. This cautionary statement serves as a grim indication of the violence and moral decay that have taken hold of the city of Gibeah, setting the stage for the harrowing events that follow.
Overall, Judges 19:20 reflects the breakdown of societal norms and the erosion of moral values in the city of Gibeah. It serves as a poignant commentary on the consequences of failing to uphold the principles of hospitality, protection, and kindness toward one's fellow human beings. The verse stands as a warning against the dangers of apathy and indifference, and the tragic outcomes that can result from the neglect of those in need.
In conclusion, Judges 19:20 is a powerful and thought-provoking verse that sheds light on the complexities of human behavior and the societal dynamics at play in the ancient world. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the enduring importance of hospitality, compassion, and the protection of the vulnerable. It prompts us to reflect on the moral and ethical responsibilities we have toward one another and the profound impact of our actions on the well-being of others.
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Judges 19:20 Artwork
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."
"And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street." - Judges 19:20
Judges 20:19 - "And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah."
"And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah." - Judges 20:19
Judges 15:20 - "And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years."
Judges 20:29 - "And Israel set liers in wait round about Gibeah."
Judges 20:20 - "And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them at Gibeah."
Judges 5:20 - "They fought from heaven; the stars in their courses fought against Sisera."
Judges 21:20 - "Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards;"
Judges 20:27 - "And the children of Israel enquired of the LORD, (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,"
Judges 20:44 - "And there fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand men; all these were men of valour."
Judges 20:24 - "And the children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day."
Judges 20:7 - "Behold, ye are all children of Israel; give here your advice and counsel."
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."
Ezekiel 20:4 - "Wilt thou judge them, son of man, wilt thou judge them? cause them to know the abominations of their fathers:"
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 14:20 - "But Samson's wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend."
Genesis 19-20
Genesis 20-19
Judges 1:20 - "And they gave Hebron unto Caleb, as Moses said: and he expelled thence the three sons of Anak."
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."
"And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years." - Judges 15:20
Judges 18:20 - "And the priest's heart was glad, and he took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the graven image, and went in the midst of the people."
Judges 20:9 - "But now this shall be the thing which we will do to Gibeah; we will go up by lot against it;"
Judges 20:11 - "So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one man."
Joshua 19:20 - "And Rabbith, and Kishion, and Abez,"
Judges 20:47 - "But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness unto the rock Rimmon, and abode in the rock Rimmon four months."
Judges 20:41 - "And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed: for they saw that evil was come upon them."
Judges 20:12 - "¶ And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is done among you?"