What is the meaning of Judges 19:21? So he brought him to his house “So he brought him to his house …” (Judges 19:21a) - The old man of Gibeah willingly opens his own door to the traveling Levite. In a culture where strangers often suffered danger (Genesis 19:1–3), this act models God-honoring hospitality. - Scripture consistently commends such welcome: Abraham urges the three visitors to “rest under the tree” (Genesis 18:2-5), and Hebrews 13:2 reminds believers, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers.” - By physically taking the Levite into his personal dwelling, the host accepts full responsibility for the visitor’s safety—crucial, because verse 22 will expose the town’s moral decay. and fed his donkeys “… and fed his donkeys.” (Judges 19:21b) - Providing fodder for the traveler’s animals signals thorough care, not bare-minimum kindness. Earlier, Rebekah’s family rushed to “unload the camels” and give them straw and feed (Genesis 24:31-32). - Proverbs 12:10 notes, “A righteous man regards the life of his animal,” underscoring that godly compassion extends even to beasts of burden. - The old man recognizes that real hospitality looks after every legitimate need, reflecting the Creator who watches over “man and beast alike” (Psalm 36:6). And they washed their feet “… And they washed their feet …” (Judges 19:21c) - Foot washing was a refreshing courtesy after dusty travel (Genesis 18:4; 1 Timothy 5:10). - It also symbolized welcome, intimacy, and the removal of past grime—echoing how Christ later washed His disciples’ feet to display humble service (John 13:5-15). - Here it prepares the guests for table fellowship, setting a stark moral contrast with the filth of sin soon revealed in Gibeah. and ate and drank “… and ate and drank.” (Judges 19:21d) - Sharing a meal sealed the bond between host and guest (Genesis 31:54; Luke 24:30). - Eating together proclaims acceptance and peace—anticipating the future Messianic banquet where the redeemed will “eat and drink at My table in My kingdom” (Luke 22:30). - Within Judges 19, this peaceful scene heightens the later outrage: a household practicing covenant kindness is confronted by a town bent on covenant violation. summary Judges 19:21 paints a four-step picture of true hospitality—welcome into the home, care for livestock, personal refreshment, and table fellowship. Each action matches earlier biblical examples, showing how God expects His people to treat strangers. The verse serves as a moral spotlight: the old man’s kindness magnifies the wickedness that soon erupts in Gibeah, reminding readers that righteousness is measured not only by private piety but by tangible love toward vulnerable travelers. |
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