Judges 19:21

So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank.

Study Bible

So he brought him to his house
This phrase highlights the cultural importance of hospitality in ancient Israel. Hospitality was a sacred duty, especially in a time when inns were rare and travel was perilous. The host's willingness to bring a stranger into his home reflects the values seen in other biblical narratives, such as Abraham's hospitality to the three visitors in Genesis 18. This act of kindness is a stark contrast to the inhospitable and dangerous environment of Gibeah, where the Levite initially found no one willing to take him in.

and fed his donkeys.
Providing for the donkeys indicates a comprehensive hospitality that extends beyond the human guests to their animals. In the agrarian society of ancient Israel, animals were valuable assets, essential for travel and work. This care for the donkeys underscores the host's generosity and thoroughness in ensuring the well-being of his guests. It also reflects the biblical principle of stewardship over creation, as seen in Proverbs 12:10, which states, "A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal."

And they washed their feet
Foot washing was a common practice in the ancient Near East due to the dusty roads and the use of sandals. It was a gesture of welcome and comfort, often performed by servants. This act symbolizes cleansing and refreshment, preparing the guests for rest and fellowship. In the New Testament, Jesus washing the disciples' feet in John 13 serves as a profound example of humility and service, echoing the hospitality shown here.

and ate and drank.
Sharing a meal signifies fellowship and peace. In biblical times, eating together was a sign of acceptance and community. This meal contrasts with the violence and immorality that later unfolds in the narrative, highlighting the initial peace and safety within the host's home. The act of eating and drinking together is a recurring theme in Scripture, symbolizing covenant relationships, as seen in the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-29), where Jesus establishes the New Covenant with His disciples.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A central figure in this account, the Levite is traveling with his concubine and servant. His journey and the events that unfold highlight themes of hospitality and moral decay in Israel.

2. The Old Man
An Ephraimite living in Gibeah, he offers hospitality to the Levite and his companions. His actions contrast with the inhospitable and wicked behavior of the townspeople.

3. Gibeah
A town in the territory of Benjamin, Gibeah becomes the setting for the unfolding tragedy. It serves as a backdrop for examining the moral state of Israel during this period.

4. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine is a pivotal character whose tragic fate underscores the themes of violence and the breakdown of social order.

5. The Donkeys
While seemingly minor, the mention of the donkeys being fed highlights the completeness of the old man's hospitality, extending care to both man and beast.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
Hospitality is a recurring biblical theme, reflecting God's love and care. As Christians, we are called to extend hospitality to others, reflecting Christ's love in our actions.

Moral Decay and Its Consequences
The events in Gibeah serve as a warning about the consequences of turning away from God's laws. We must remain vigilant in upholding biblical values in our communities.

Care for All Creation
The mention of feeding the donkeys reminds us of our responsibility to care for all of God's creation, reflecting stewardship and compassion.

The Role of the Stranger
The old man's willingness to help strangers challenges us to consider how we treat those who are different or unknown to us, encouraging us to act with kindness and generosity.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hospitality shown by the old man in Judges 19:21 compare to other biblical examples of hospitality, and what can we learn from these examples?

2. In what ways does the moral decay in Gibeah reflect challenges we face in today's society, and how can we address these issues as Christians?

3. How does the practice of washing feet in Judges 19:21 relate to Jesus' actions in the New Testament, and what does this teach us about service and humility?

4. What responsibilities do we have as stewards of God's creation, as illustrated by the care for the donkeys in this passage?

5. How can we apply the principles of hospitality and kindness to strangers in our daily lives, and what impact might this have on our communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The theme of hospitality in Judges 19:21 can be connected to Genesis 18, where Abraham shows hospitality to three visitors. This parallel highlights the cultural and spiritual importance of hospitality in ancient Israel.

The moral decay in Gibeah can be compared to the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19, drawing a parallel between the two accounts and emphasizing the need for righteousness.

The washing of feet, as seen in this verse, is a practice also found in John 13, where Jesus washes the disciples' feet, symbolizing service and humility.