Judges 19:11

When they were near Jebus and the day was almost gone, the servant said to his master, "Please, let us stop at this Jebusite city and spend the night here."

Study Bible

When they were near Jebus
Jebus is the ancient name for Jerusalem, a city that would later become central to Israel's history. At this time, it was inhabited by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe. The Israelites had not yet fully conquered the land, as seen in Joshua 15:63, where the Jebusites continued to dwell in Jerusalem. This highlights the incomplete obedience of Israel in driving out the inhabitants of the land as commanded by God.

and the day was almost gone
Traveling in ancient times was fraught with danger, especially as night approached. The lack of artificial lighting and the presence of bandits made it perilous to continue traveling after dark. This urgency underscores the need for a safe place to rest, reflecting the harsh realities of travel in the ancient Near East.

the servant said to his master
The servant's role here is significant, as servants often provided counsel and assistance to their masters. This interaction shows a level of respect and consideration between the servant and his master, which is consistent with the biblical principle of treating others with dignity, as seen in Colossians 4:1.

“Please, let us stop at this Jebusite city
The suggestion to stop at a Jebusite city indicates a pragmatic approach to travel, prioritizing safety over cultural or religious differences. The Jebusites were not Israelites, and stopping in their city could pose risks, yet the servant's concern for immediate safety takes precedence. This reflects the tension between practical needs and spiritual convictions, a theme seen throughout Scripture.

and spend the night here.”
Spending the night in a foreign city would require trust in God's protection, as seen in Psalm 4:8, which speaks of dwelling in safety through God's provision. This decision also foreshadows the events that follow, highlighting the moral and spiritual decline in Israel during the time of the Judges, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A central figure in this account, the Levite is traveling with his concubine and servant. His decisions and actions drive the events of this chapter.

2. The Servant
Accompanying the Levite, the servant suggests stopping in Jebus for the night, highlighting the practical concerns of their journey.

3. Jebus
The ancient name for Jerusalem, inhabited by the Jebusites at this time. It represents a place of potential refuge but also of foreign influence.

4. The Concubine
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, she is a key figure in the account, and her tragic fate is central to the unfolding events.

5. The Journey
The journey from Bethlehem to the hill country of Ephraim sets the stage for the events that follow, emphasizing themes of hospitality and safety.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Discernment
The Levite's decision-making process, including the choice of where to stay, underscores the need for discernment in our daily lives. We must seek God's guidance in our decisions.

Hospitality and Safety
The account raises questions about where we find safety and how we extend hospitality to others. As Christians, we are called to create safe and welcoming environments.

Cultural and Spiritual Influence
The presence of the Jebusites in Jerusalem serves as a reminder of the cultural and spiritual influences that can impact our lives. We must remain vigilant in maintaining our faith amidst external pressures.

Consequences of Moral Decay
The events in Judges 19 highlight the severe consequences of a society that has abandoned God's laws. This serves as a warning to uphold biblical values in our communities.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from the Levite's decision to avoid staying in Jebus, and how does this apply to our choices about where we seek refuge or community?

2. How does the theme of hospitality in Judges 19 compare to other biblical accounts, and what does this teach us about our responsibility to others?

3. In what ways do the cultural influences around us challenge our faith, and how can we remain steadfast in our beliefs?

4. How does the account in Judges 19 reflect the broader theme of moral decay in the Book of Judges, and what lessons can we draw for our society today?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a difficult decision about safety or hospitality. How did your faith guide you, and what biblical principles were most helpful?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The account of Lot in Sodom parallels the hospitality and moral decay themes found in Judges 19, highlighting the dangers of a society that has turned away from God.

Joshua 15:63
This verse notes that the Jebusites were not driven out of Jerusalem, providing historical context for the presence of Jebusites in Judges 19.

Matthew 10:14
Jesus' instructions to His disciples about finding a place to stay reflect the ongoing biblical theme of hospitality and the reception of strangers.