READ JUDGES 19
GO DEEPER
By reading this story, it is probable that you feel a sense of unease (which is appropriate). Among the many dreadful acts of treachery depicted in the Old Testament, the passage today stands out as one of the most disgraceful moments in Israel's history. It lacks a hero or any optimism, but rather showcases a profound and lasting wickedness resulting from Israel's prolonged defiance of God and detachment from the truth. As we hold the belief that all scripture is inspired by God and beneficial (2 Timothy 3:16), we aim to glean insights from each passage preserved for us by the Holy Spirit.
The main characters in this narrative are a Levite and his wife, who is identified as a concubine. Levites were the clan responsible for producing priests in Israel, but this particular man chooses to marry a woman who likely had previous relationships with other men (and she proves to be unfaithful once again). There are echoes of Hosea's story in this context, but unlike Hosea, the Levite is not depicted as a servant of God. It becomes evident that he is a coward who prioritizes his pleasure, self-preservation, and self-righteousness, while expecting righteousness from others. When the Levite finally decides to take his wife back home, her father persuades him to stay for night after night. Although he initially plans to leave, he quickly changes his mind and remains due to persuasion. The Levite's actions are driven not by conviction or purpose, but by his convenience. He stays for one night, feasts and drinks, stays another night, and the cycle continues, with each passing day fading away.
When he eventually departs with his spouse, he aims to reach an Israeli settlement rather than a pagan one. He hopes to encounter hospitality and a moral fiber in the community that he lacks himself. They are eventually welcomed into a man's residence, only to be confronted by knocks on the door that night. The immoral men of the town demand to have sexual relations with him. The host suggests sacrificing his own virgin daughter to appease the mob. However, the Levite sends his wife, whom he has only just been reunited with, into the group of men. The two callous men then close the door behind her and retire for the night as she is subjected to rape throughout the evening - offered as a sacrifice for the sake of their own safety. Upon waking in the morning, the Levite sets out to bring his wife back home, but discovers her lifeless body lying on the doorstep.
Instead of showing any regret or empathy, instead of contemplating his wrongdoing, self-centeredness, and flaws, he chooses to portray his wife as a representation of widespread moral corruption in the region. Being self-righteous can prevent us from recognizing our faults and understanding God's compassion. The Levite mutilates his wife's corpse into twelve parts and sends them to the Israelite tribes as a form of condemnation for their lack of faith—a lack of faith that he also embodies.
Let's pray for God to reveal any self-righteousness that may be clouding our perspective as we reflect on this impactful narrative, and seek wisdom and understanding from this somber chapter of history.
QUESTIONS
1. Please paraphrase the following passage:
Reread verse 1. What is the author's intention in emphasizing that there is no one overseeing Israel?
2. How can we derive lessons from challenging and unsettling passages like the one we have just read today?
3. Reflect on Micah 6:8. In what manner does God call upon you to demonstrate justice, compassion, and humility in your daily walk with Him? Pray for God's followers to embody these qualities in their lives.