The account of the lack of hospitality in Gibeah is a significant narrative found in the Book of Judges, specifically in Judges 19. This account highlights the moral and social decay present in Israel during the time of the judges, a period marked by the repeated refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

Context and Setting

The narrative begins with a Levite who takes a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. After a period of estrangement, the Levite goes to her father's house to bring her back. On their return journey, they decide to spend the night in Gibeah, a town belonging to the tribe of Benjamin. The expectation of hospitality, a deeply ingrained cultural and religious duty in ancient Israel, is central to the unfolding events.

The Failure of Hospitality

Upon entering Gibeah, the Levite and his concubine sit in the town square, anticipating an invitation to stay in someone's home, as was customary. However, the people of Gibeah fail to extend hospitality, leaving them vulnerable and exposed. This lack of hospitality is a stark violation of the social norms and expectations of the time, reflecting the spiritual and moral decline in Israel.

Eventually, an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who is residing in Gibeah, offers them shelter. He warns them not to spend the night in the square, indicating the danger and depravity present in the town. This act of kindness by the old man contrasts sharply with the indifference of the townspeople.

The Atrocity in Gibeah

The narrative takes a darker turn when the men of Gibeah surround the old man's house, demanding to have relations with the Levite. This mirrors the infamous account of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting the depth of Gibeah's wickedness. The old man pleads with them, offering his own daughter and the Levite's concubine instead, a decision that underscores the desperate and tragic circumstances.

The men of Gibeah seize the concubine and abuse her throughout the night, leading to her death. In the morning, the Levite finds her lifeless at the doorstep. This horrific event serves as a catalyst for the subsequent civil war between the tribe of Benjamin and the rest of Israel.

Biblical and Theological Implications

The lack of hospitality in Gibeah is not merely a social faux pas but a profound moral failure with severe consequences. Hospitality in the ancient Near East was a sacred duty, reflecting one's relationship with God and neighbor. The breach of this duty in Gibeah reveals the extent of Israel's spiritual decline and sets the stage for divine judgment.

The narrative also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral relativism and the absence of righteous leadership. The chaos and violence that ensue from Gibeah's sin illustrate the need for godly governance and adherence to God's laws.

References in Scripture

The account of Gibeah is referenced later in Scripture as a symbol of Israel's sin and rebellion. Hosea 9:9 states, "They have deeply corrupted themselves as in the days of Gibeah; He will remember their iniquity; He will punish their sins." This reference underscores the lasting impact of Gibeah's actions on Israel's collective conscience and history.

In summary, the lack of hospitality in Gibeah is a poignant reminder of the consequences of forsaking God's commandments and the societal decay that follows when individuals and communities turn away from divine principles.