Judges 19:20-20:26

Here's a lesson designed for absolute beginners, exploring a challenging but important text from the book of Judges.

Hook

Ever felt like you're just trying to get from Point A to Point B, but life throws a massive, unexpected detour your way? Maybe you're just trying to go home after a long trip, and suddenly you're caught in a situation that feels impossibly complicated and deeply upsetting. We've all been there, right? You make plans, you have expectations, and then reality hits, often in a way that’s hard to process or even describe. This ancient story from the Bible, found in the book of Judges, feels like that kind of moment. It’s a story that starts with a traveler trying to find a place to stay for the night and escalates into something truly horrific. It’s not an easy read, but it touches on fundamental questions about community, responsibility, and what happens when things go terribly wrong. Today, we’re going to gently unpack a small but significant part of this narrative, looking at how hospitality can be offered, and what we can learn from the initial interactions, even before the story takes its dark turn. We'll focus on a moment of unexpected kindness and the underlying motivations behind it, offering a glimmer of humanity in a world that often feels chaotic.

Context

This story comes from a very specific time and place in ancient Israelite history.

Who/When/Where

• When: The book of Judges is set during a period after the Israelites entered the Promised Land but before they had a unified monarchy (a king). This means there wasn't a central government to maintain order. Think of it as a time of tribal leaders and local strongmen.
• Who: The main characters are a Levite (a member of the priestly tribe, but in this context, a more general term for someone with a religious or scholarly background), his concubine (a woman who lived with a man and had a recognized status, but not the same legal standing as a wife), her father (who is also a Levite), and an old man in the town of Gibeah.
• Where: The story takes place in the land of Canaan, specifically in the tribal territory of Benjamin, near a town called Gibeah. The journey begins in Bethlehem (in Judah) and heads towards the hill country of Ephraim.

One Key Term Defined

• Concubine: A woman who lived with a man and had a recognized status, but not the same legal standing as a wife.

Text Snapshot

Here’s a snippet from the beginning of our text, focusing on the Levite’s journey and his encounter with the old man in Gibeah:

"The man set out, with an attendant and a pair of donkeys, and went after her to woo her and to win her back. [...] Then the man, his concubine, and his attendant started to leave. His father-in-law, the young woman’s father, said to him, “Look, the day is waning toward evening; do stop for the night. See, the day is declining; spend the night here and enjoy yourself. You can start early tomorrow on your journey and head for home.” But the man refused to stay for the night. He set out and traveled as far as the vicinity of Jebus—that is, Jerusalem; he had with him a pair of laden donkeys, and his concubine was with him. Since they were close to Jebus, and the day was very far spent, the attendant said to his master, “Let us turn aside to this town of the Jebusites and spend the night in it.” But his master said to him, “We will not turn aside to a town of aliens who are not of Israel, but will continue to Gibeah. Come,” he said to his attendant, “let us approach one of those places and spend the night either in Gibeah or in Ramah.” So they traveled on, and the sun set when they were near Gibeah of Benjamin. They turned off there and went in to spend the night in Gibeah. He went and sat down in the town square, but nobody took them indoors to spend the night. In the evening, an old man came along from his property outside the town. [...] “Where,” the old man inquired, “are you going to, and where do you come from?” He replied, “We are traveling from Bethlehem in Judah to the other end of the hill country of Ephraim. [...] and nobody has taken me indoors. We have both bruised straw and feed for our donkeys, and bread and wine for me and your handmaid, and for the attendant with your servants. We lack nothing.” “Rest easy,” said the old man. “Let me take care of all your needs. Do not on any account spend the night in the square.” And he took him into his house. He mixed fodder for the donkeys; then they bathed their feet and ate and drank." (Judges 19:20-24, paraphrased with verse references)

Close Reading

This passage, while brief, gives us a lot to think about regarding hospitality and community. Even before the truly horrific events unfold, we see some important dynamics at play.

Insight 1: The Power of "No" (and the Persistence of "Yes")

The Levite is insistent on leaving. His father-in-law, perhaps trying to make amends for his daughter’s departure or simply wanting to be a good host, urges him to stay.

• The Levite's Refusal: The text says, "But the man refused to stay for the night." He's on a mission (to get his concubine back) and has a destination in mind. He’s in control of his immediate plans.
• The Father-in-law's Persistence: The father-in-law doesn't just say it once. He keeps offering, "pressed him," "stayed with him three days," "pressed him," "stayed with him three days," "kept urging him until he turned back," and "kept urging him until he turned back." He’s really trying to get the Levite to relax and accept his hospitality.
• What it shows us: This back-and-forth highlights the tension between individual plans and the obligations of hospitality. The Levite has a goal, but he's also being nudged by social norms and a host's desire to provide. Sometimes, saying "no" is hard, especially when someone is being so insistent and seemingly kind.

Insight 2: Navigating "Us" vs. "Them"

The Levite's journey takes him near Jebus (which would later become Jerusalem), a non-Israelite city. His decision about where to spend the night reveals something about the social landscape of the time.

• The Attendant's Suggestion: His attendant, perhaps more practical or less concerned with ethnic boundaries, suggests stopping in Jebus: "Let us turn aside to this town of the Jebusites and spend the night in it.”
• The Levite's Rejection: The Levite’s response is quite firm: “We will not turn aside to a town of aliens who are not of Israel, but will continue to Gibeah.” He draws a clear line between Israelites and non-Israelites.
• What it shows us: This is a crucial moment. It shows that in this "no king in Israel" era, belonging to a tribe or an ethnic group was a very big deal. There was a sense of solidarity among Israelites, and a wariness, even fear, of those outside their community. Even though Gibeah is a town within Israelite territory, the fact that it's inhabited by Benjaminites and not his own tribe (Ephraim) might also play a role in his initial uncertainty about finding lodging.

Insight 3: The Unexpected Kindness of Strangers (and the Search for Shelter)

When the Levite and his party finally arrive in Gibeah as night falls, they find themselves in a difficult situation: no one offers them lodging.

• The Town Square Dilemma: They sit "in the town square, but nobody took them indoors to spend the night." This is a stark contrast to the hospitality the Levite experienced with his father-in-law. In ancient societies, offering shelter to travelers was a significant act of kindness and a social duty.
• The Old Man's Intervention: Just as despair might be setting in, an old man from the town appears. He sees them and immediately asks where they're going and where they're from. He then offers them a place to stay: “Rest easy,” said the old man. “Let me take care of all your needs. Do not on any account spend the night in the square.”
• What it shows us: This old man represents a different kind of community ideal. He’s willing to open his home to strangers, even when his neighbors are not. His actions are generous and proactive. He even insists on providing for them: "all your needs are upon me." This shows a deep understanding of the mitzvah (commandment) of hospitality, going beyond the basic act of providing shelter. He understands that true hospitality means ensuring the guest is comfortable and provided for. The commentary from Metzudat David explains this beautifully: "Let me take care of all your needs. Do not on any account spend the night in the square." He’s saying, “Don’t worry about anything, I’ll take care of it. Just don’t stay out in the square.” It’s a profound act of generosity.

Apply It

This week, let's focus on the idea of extending kindness, even in small ways, to those around us.

Your Practice: The "Comforting Word" Challenge

1. The Goal: For the next seven days, find one opportunity each day to offer a "comforting word" or a small gesture of kindness to someone you encounter. This could be a stranger, a colleague, a family member, or a friend.
2. How to Do It (Under 60 seconds):
   • Day 1: When you see someone looking a bit stressed or rushed, offer a genuine smile and say, "Hope you have a good day!"
   • Day 2: If a cashier or server at a store or restaurant seems tired, make eye contact and say, "Thanks so much for your help today."
   • Day 3: Notice a neighbor struggling with groceries or taking out the trash? Offer a quick "Can I give you a hand with that?" even if they decline.
   • Day 4: When someone shares a small success or a good piece of news, respond with an enthusiastic "That's wonderful to hear!"
   • Day 5: If you're in a group conversation and someone is speaking, offer a nod of agreement or a supportive "I see your point."
   • Day 6: Send a quick text or email to a friend or family member saying, "Thinking of you!" or "Hope you're doing well."
   • Day 7: When someone holds a door for you, don't just walk through. Make sure to say, "Thank you, I appreciate that!"
3. Why it matters: Just like the old man in Gibeah, our small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day. They can offer a moment of peace, recognition, and connection in a world that sometimes feels indifferent. This practice is about being present and choosing compassion, even for a moment.

Chevruta Mini

Grab a friend (or imagine you’re chatting with one!) and discuss these questions:

Question 1: The Unseen Needs

The old man in Gibeah says, "Let me take care of all your needs. Do not on any account spend the night in the square." He insists on providing everything, not just a place to sleep. What does this tell us about what "needs" might encompass beyond just physical shelter? How can we be more aware of the "unseen needs" of people around us, even if they don't explicitly ask for help?

Question 2: Community Responsibilities

The Levite initially avoids the non-Israelite town. Later, when he arrives in an Israelite town (Gibeah), he still struggles to find hospitality. What does this contrast suggest about the idea of community and responsibility in this period? If everyone is supposed to look out for each other as Israelites, why do you think the Levite had such a hard time finding a place to stay in Gibeah?

Takeaway

Small acts of hospitality and kindness can be powerful beacons of humanity, even in challenging circumstances.

Citations

• Judges 19:20-20:26 (Sefaria): https://www.sefaria.org/Judges_19%3A20-20%3A26
• Metzudat David on Judges 19:20:1: https://www.sefaria.org/Metzudat_David_on_Judges.19.20.1
• Metzudat David on Judges 19:20:2: https://www.sefaria.org/Metzudat_David_on_Judges.19.20.2
• Minchat Shai on Judges 19:20:1: https://www.sefaria.org/Minchat_Shai_on_Judges.19.20.1
• Malbim on Judges 19:20:1: https://www.sefaria.org/Malbim_on_Judges.19.20.1
• Steinsaltz on Judges 19:20: https://www.sefaria.org/Steinsaltz_on_Judges.19.20
• Abarbanel on Judges 19:20:1: https://www.sefaria.org/Abarbanel_on_Judges.19.20.1