What does Judges 19:26 mean?
"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." - Judges 19:26

Judges 19:26 in the King James Version of the Bible reads: "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."
This verse is part of the story of the Levite's Concubine, found in the book of Judges. The story is set in a time of moral and spiritual decline in Israel, and serves as a sobering illustration of the consequences of sin and lawlessness. The story is filled with themes of violence, betrayal, and the degradation of humanity.
The verse specifically describes the moment when the woman, who had been brutally abused and left for dead, finally makes her way to the doorstep of the man's house where her "lord" (referring to the Levite) was staying. The use of the term "lord" to refer to the Levite reflects the societal structure and patriarchal norms of the time, where men held positions of authority and power over women.
The fact that the woman falls down at the door of the man's house in the dawning of the day is significant. It shows the desperate state she is in, having endured great suffering throughout the night. Her arrival at the house signifies a call for help and protection, and her falling down at the door illustrates her weakness and vulnerability. The mention of waiting until it was light also adds to the sense of desperation and urgency, as the woman's situation is dire and she needs assistance as soon as possible.
The context of this verse is essential for understanding its significance. The story of the Levite's Concubine begins in Judges 19 and tells of a Levite who travels to the city of Gibeah with his concubine. While staying there, they are taken in by an old man. However, men of the city come and demand to have sex with the Levite. In an act of desperation and cowardice, the Levite offers his concubine to the men, who then brutally rape and abuse her throughout the night, leading to her eventual death.
The themes present in this verse and the larger story of the Levite's Concubine include the pervasiveness of sin and evil, the depravity of humanity, and the consequences of lawlessness. The story exposes the moral decay and lack of justice in the society at the time and serves as a warning against the dangers of abandoning God's laws and principles.
Symbolism is also evident in this verse. The woman's arrival at the door of the man's house can be seen as a call for refuge and deliverance. It symbolizes the cry for help from those who have been victimized and marginalized. The mention of waiting till it was light can symbolize the hope for a new beginning and the coming of a brighter future after a period of darkness and suffering.
In conclusion, Judges 19:26 from the King James Version of the Bible is a poignant and sobering verse that is part of a larger story highlighting the moral and spiritual decay of a society. It carries themes of violence, betrayal, and the degradation of humanity, while also symbolizing the cry for deliverance and the hope for a brighter future. The verse serves as a cautionary tale and a reminder of the consequences of straying from God's laws and principles.
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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."
"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." - Judges 19:26
Judges 3:26 - "And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath."
Exodus 18:26 - "And they judged the people at all seasons: the hard causes they brought unto Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves."
Genesis 19-26
Matthew 19:26
Judges 20:19 - "And the children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah."
1 Chronicles 26:29 - "¶ Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges."
John 19:26-27
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 9:26 - "And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brethren, and went over to Shechem: and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him."
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 1:26 - "And the man went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name thereof Luz: which is the name thereof unto this day."
Isaiah 1:26 - "And I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, The city of righteousness, the faithful city."
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 18:26 - "And the children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house."
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."
Judges 19:7 - "And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again."
Genesis 26:19 - "And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water."
Joshua 19:26 - "And Alammelech, and Amad, and Misheal; and reacheth to Carmel westward, and to Shihor-libnath;"
Acts 26:6 - "And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers:"
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."
1 Chronicles 26:19 - "These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, and among the sons of Merari."
Matthew 26:19 - "And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them; and they made ready the passover."
Proverbs 26:19 - "So is the man that deceiveth his neighbour, and saith, Am not I in sport?"
Acts 26:19 - "Whereupon, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision:"
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."