What does Judges 19:3 mean?
“And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.” — Judges 19:3
The Bible verse Judges 19:3 from the King James Version reads, "And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him."
This verse is part of the book of Judges, which is the seventh book of the Bible and is named after its main characters, the judges who served as leaders and deliverers for the Israelites during a time of moral and political corruption. The book of Judges is known for its recounting of dark and troubling events, and this particular verse is no exception.
The context of Judges 19:3 is important for understanding its significance within the larger narrative. The verse is part of the story of a Levite and his concubine, which is one of the most disturbing and tragic narratives in the Bible. The story begins with the Levite traveling with his concubine and stopping in the city of Gibeah, which is located in the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. The couple is taken in by an old man who offers them hospitality. However, the men of the city surround the house and demand that the Levite be brought out to them so that they may sodomize him. In an attempt to protect himself, the Levite offers his concubine to the mob, and she is brutally raped and abused all night. In the morning, the Levite finds her lying at the doorstep, and when he realizes that she is dead, he callously places her body on his donkey and takes her home.
The verse Judges 19:3 occurs at the beginning of the story, when the Levite goes to speak "friendly" to his concubine in an attempt to bring her back after they had an argument. The use of the word "friendly" is significant, as it suggests a superficial attempt at reconciliation rather than genuine care and concern for his wife. Additionally, the reference to the Levite bringing a couple of asses and his servant with him further underscores the lack of genuine love and compassion in this relationship. The Levite's actions and attitudes towards his concubine throughout the story are indicative of the societal and moral corruption that plagues the time of the judges.
The imagery and symbolism in this verse are powerful and disturbing. The presence of the donkeys and the servant indicate a sense of ownership and control over the concubine, rather than a loving and equal partnership. Additionally, the fact that the concubine is taken into her father's house and that he rejoices to meet the Levite speaks to the societal norms and expectations of the time, where women were seen as property and their worth was often tied to the actions and decisions of men. The patriarchal nature of ancient Israelite society is evident in this verse and throughout the story, and it serves as a commentary on the mistreatment and devaluation of women.
The themes present in Judges 19:3 are deeply troubling and highly relevant to contemporary discussions of gender, power, and morality. The verse and the story as a whole serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of societal corruption and moral decay. The narrative forces readers to confront the darkness and depravity that can emerge when people abandon the principles of justice, compassion, and respect for others.
In conclusion, Judges 19:3 is a verse that is part of a larger narrative that addresses themes of moral and societal corruption, gender dynamics, and the mistreatment of women. The verse serves as a powerful and disturbing commentary on the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of societal decay. It is a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding principles of justice, compassion, and empathy in all aspects of life.
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Artwork for Judges 19:3
Judges 19:3 - "And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him."
"And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him." - Judges 19:3
Judges 3:19 - "But he himself turned again from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand unto thee, O king: who said, Keep silence. And all that stood by him went out from him."
Judges 3:31
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."
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."
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."
Zephaniah 3:3 - "Her princes within her are roaring lions; her judges are evening wolves; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow."
Judges 10:3 - "¶ And after him arose Jair, a Gileadite, and judged Israel twenty and two years."
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."
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."
Judges 3:6 - "And they took their daughters to be their wives, and gave their daughters to their sons, and served their gods."
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."
Judges 3:11 - "And the land had rest forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died."
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 3:14 - "So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab eighteen years."
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 13:3 make the Angel of the Lord male
Judges 3:3 - "Namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath."
Judges 3:5 - "¶ And the children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hivites, and Jebusites:"
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."
Judges 3:26 - "And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath."
Judges 19:13 - "And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah."
Judges 19:4 - "And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there."