Judges 19:16

KJV

¶ And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which [was] also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place [were] Benjamites.

KJV (with Strong's)

And, behold, there came {H935} an old {H2205} man {H376} from his work {H4639} out of the field {H7704} at even {H6153}, which was also {H376} of mount {H2022} Ephraim {H669}; and he sojourned {H1481} in Gibeah {H1390}: but the men {H582} of the place {H4725} were Benjamites {H1145}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In time, at nightfall, an old man came from his work in the field. He was from the Efrayim hills and was staying in Giv'ah, although the residents were of Binyamin.

Berean Standard Bible

That evening an old man from the hill country of Ephraim, who was residing in Gibeah (the men of that place were Benjamites), came in from his work in the field.

American Standard Version

And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even: now the man was of the hill-country of Ephraim, and he sojourned in Gibeah; but the men of the place were Benjamites.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 19:16 introduces a pivotal figure in the unfolding tragedy of the Levite and his concubine: an old man from Mount Ephraim who, despite sojourning in Gibeah himself, extends the vital hospitality that the native Benjamite inhabitants of the city shamefully withheld. This verse starkly contrasts the prevailing moral decay of the era with an unexpected act of compassion, setting the immediate stage for the horrific events that follow and foreshadowing the deep-seated wickedness of Gibeah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 19:16 appears at a critical juncture in the narrative, immediately following the Levite's desperate search for lodging in Gibeah. The preceding verses [Judges 19:10-15](/judges/19-10-15 "Judges 19:10-15 - The Levite Seeks Lodging") detail their journey from Bethlehem, their decision to bypass Jebus (Jerusalem, still held by Jebusites), and their arrival in Gibeah, a city within the territory of Benjamin. The Levite's initial hope that fellow Israelites would offer hospitality is met with silence; no one in Gibeah invites them in. This verse marks the dramatic, providential entry of the "old man," whose appearance provides a stark counterpoint to the city's inhospitable residents. His timely intervention sets the stage for his crucial offer of shelter and, tragically, for the subsequent unfolding of the night's depraved events, directly preceding the old man's invitation in [Judges 19:17-21](/judges/19-17-21 "Judges 19:17-21 - The Old Man's Hospitality").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges chronicles a turbulent and morally chaotic period in Israel's history, often summarized by the chilling refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). This era reflects a profound breakdown of central authority, tribal unity, and adherence to Mosaic law. Hospitality was a sacred and non-negotiable custom in the ancient Near East, essential for the survival and safety of travelers. To refuse lodging, especially to fellow Israelites, was a grave offense, akin to a breach of covenantal duty. Gibeah, located in the territory of Benjamin, was a significant city, later becoming the first capital of Israel under King Saul. The old man's origin from "mount Ephraim" is highly significant, indicating he was not a native Benjamite but a sojourner. This detail underscores the profound irony that an outsider, a resident alien, would uphold a fundamental Israelite custom where the native inhabitants failed so miserably.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Judges 19 and the broader book. Firstly, it powerfully underscores the **perversion of hospitality**, a sacred covenantal obligation, by the Benjamites of Gibeah. Their failure stands in sharp contrast to the old man's righteous act, immediately signaling the profound **moral and spiritual decay** prevalent in Israel, particularly within the tribe of Benjamin. This moral collapse sets the stage for the extreme wickedness that follows. Secondly, the explicit mention of the "Benjamites" subtly introduces the theme of **tribal disunity and corruption**, foreshadowing the devastating civil war that will erupt in [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - The Civil War Against Benjamin") as a direct consequence of Gibeah's actions. Finally, the old man's status as a "sojourner" highlights the **vulnerability of the outsider** and the importance of compassion, a theme deeply embedded in the Torah's commands to care for the alien and stranger (e.g., [Deuteronomy 10:19](/deuteronomy/10-19 "Deuteronomy 10:19 - Love the Sojourner")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **old man (Hebrew, _zâqên'_):** The term זָקֵן (_zâqên_) refers to an elder, someone of advanced age, often implying wisdom, experience, and a respected position within the community. In this narrative, the "old man" serves as a stark moral contrast to the younger, depraved "men of the place." His age may symbolize a remnant of older, more righteous Israelite values, highlighting the severe generational and moral decline that has afflicted the nation.
* **even (Hebrew, _ʻereb'_):** The word עֶרֶב (_ʻereb_) denotes the time of dusk or evening. This seemingly simple detail is crucial, as it signifies the end of the day, the natural time when travelers would urgently seek shelter for the night. The lateness of the hour underscores the Levite's increasing vulnerability and the critical need for lodging, making the old man's appearance and offer of hospitality all the more timely and significant, as darkness often symbolizes danger and moral obscurity in biblical narratives.
* **sojourned (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** The verb גּוּר (_gûwr_) means to "turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest)." The old man's status as a sojourner (_ger_) in Gibeah is profoundly significant. It means he is not a native Benjamite but a resident alien, much like the Levite and his company are travelers seeking temporary lodging. This shared experience of being an outsider likely fosters empathy and compels him to offer the hospitality that the native inhabitants, who should have known better, conspicuously refused.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even":** This clause introduces the unexpected and providential arrival of a key figure. The phrase "behold" (וְהִנֵּה, _v'hinneh_) serves as an interjection, drawing immediate attention to his appearance and signaling his importance in the unfolding drama. His origin "from his work out of the field" suggests a humble, diligent, and perhaps righteous individual, contrasting sharply with the implied idleness or depravity of the Gibeahites who offered no welcome. The timing "at even" emphasizes the critical need for shelter and the approaching darkness, both literally and figuratively, setting a tense atmosphere.
* **"which [was] also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah":** This part of the verse provides crucial demographic and social details about the old man. His tribal origin from "mount Ephraim" places him outside the territory of Benjamin, emphatically stating that he is not a native of Gibeah. The fact that he "sojourned in Gibeah" means he himself was a resident alien, a temporary dweller. This status immediately creates a bond of understanding and shared experience with the traveling Levite, a fellow sojourner in a foreign place. This detail powerfully underscores the irony that an outsider, rather than the indigenous population, upholds the sacred custom of hospitality.
* **"but the men of the place [were] Benjamites.":** This final clause serves as a stark, ominous, and morally damning contrast. The conjunction "but" (וְ) emphasizes the radical distinction between the compassionate old man and the local inhabitants. The explicit mention that "the men of the place [were] Benjamites" is not merely a geographical identifier but a loaded statement. It immediately implicates the tribe of Benjamin in the impending wickedness, setting the stage for the horrific events that unfold and providing the tribal context for the subsequent civil war in [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - The Civil War Against Benjamin"). It tragically highlights the profound moral failure of an entire tribal segment of Israel, demonstrating how far they had fallen from covenantal ideals.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 19:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message and heighten the narrative's tension. **Contrast** is paramount, immediately juxtaposing the righteous, hospitable old man—a sojourner himself—with the morally bankrupt and inhospitable native Benjamites of Gibeah. This striking opposition underscores the depth of Israel's moral decay. The verse also utilizes **foreshadowing**, particularly in the explicit mention that "the men of the place [were] Benjamites." This detail, seemingly innocuous, subtly hints at the coming depravity of the Gibeahites and the violent tribal conflict that will engulf Israel, as the reader is implicitly warned about the character of this particular tribe. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **irony** present: the one who offers life-saving hospitality is not a native resident, who would be expected to do so, but an outsider, a fellow sojourner. This inversion of expectations highlights the profound moral inversion within Israel during the period of the Judges, where fundamental covenantal duties were abandoned by those who should have upheld them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 19:16 is a poignant theological statement on the dire state of Israel's moral and spiritual health during the period of the Judges. It vividly illustrates the devastating consequences of a society where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," leading to a profound breakdown of covenantal obligations, including the sacred duty of hospitality. The old man's act of kindness, though ultimately unable to avert the full tragedy, stands as a beacon of righteousness in a city steeped in depravity, highlighting that even in the darkest times, God preserves a remnant of those who uphold His commands. This verse underscores that true godliness is often found not in tribal affiliation or geographical location, but in the heart that extends compassion and adheres to divine principles, even when the surrounding culture has abandoned them. It serves as a grim echo of Sodom's sin and a stark warning against the abandonment of basic human decency and divine law.

* [Genesis 19:1-11](/genesis/19-1-11 "Genesis 19:1-11 - Lot's Hospitality in Sodom and the City's Depravity")
* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality and Contributing to the Needs of the Saints")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do Not Forget to Show Hospitality to Strangers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Judges 19:16, despite its grim context, offers a powerful and enduring call to hospitality and compassion in a world often marked by indifference or hostility. The old man's willingness to open his home to strangers, even as a sojourner himself, stands as a stark challenge to believers today. It reminds us that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but finds expression in tangible acts of love and care for others, especially those who are vulnerable, marginalized, or in desperate need of refuge. In a society that can be increasingly isolated and self-focused, this narrative compels us to consider our own posture towards "strangers"—whether they are new neighbors, immigrants, refugees, or those simply outside our usual social circles. The failure of the Gibeahites serves as a sobering warning about the dangers of communal apathy and the moral decay that can fester when basic human kindness is abandoned. Our homes and communities, as expressions of God's kingdom, should be places of radical welcome, reflecting the open arms of God's grace and embodying the love He commands us to show to all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the old man's act of hospitality, despite his own status as a sojourner, challenge my willingness to welcome strangers and those in need?**
* **What are the "Gibeahs" in my own community or culture where hospitality and compassion are conspicuously absent, and how can I respond?**
* **In what practical ways can my home or community become a more intentional place of refuge and welcome for others, especially those who are vulnerable?**
* **How does the moral decay of Gibeah serve as a warning for contemporary society, and what role do I play in upholding biblical values of love and justice?**

### FAQ
**Why is the old man's tribal origin (Mount Ephraim) significant?**

Answer: The old man's origin from "Mount Ephraim" is highly significant because it immediately establishes him as an outsider in Gibeah, which was a Benjaminite city. This detail highlights a crucial contrast: the native inhabitants of Gibeah, who should have extended hospitality as fellow Israelites in accordance with the Law, failed to do so. Instead, it was a sojourner, someone from a different tribe (Ephraim), who understood the plight of the traveling Levite and offered refuge. This not only underscores the profound moral failure of the Benjamites but also suggests that true righteousness and adherence to covenantal commands were not confined to specific tribes or locations, but could be found in individuals who chose to act righteously, even as foreigners in a corrupt place. It emphasizes that personal character, not tribal affiliation, determined one's adherence to God's ways during this chaotic period.

**How does this verse foreshadow the later events in Judges?**

Answer: Judges 19:16 powerfully foreshadows the horrific events that unfold in the rest of chapter 19 and the subsequent civil war in [Judges 20](/judges/20 "Judges 20 - The Civil War Against Benjamin"). The explicit mention that "the men of the place [were] Benjamites" is a critical detail. It immediately implicates the tribe of Benjamin in the impending depravity, signaling to the reader that this particular tribal segment is morally corrupt and capable of extreme wickedness. The initial lack of hospitality is merely the first symptom of a deeper, more pervasive moral rot that will soon manifest in the unspeakable gang rape and murder of the concubine. This verse thus sets the stage for the extreme violence and moral chaos that will lead to the near annihilation of the tribe of Benjamin, demonstrating the severe consequences of a society that has abandoned God's laws and basic human decency.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 19:16, with its stark contrast between the old man's hospitality and Gibeah's depravity, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the old man offered temporary shelter, Jesus is the ultimate host who offers eternal refuge and belonging. He is the divine "sojourner" who "came to his own, and his own people did not receive him" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own")), experiencing rejection far greater than the Levite, ultimately being cast out and crucified. Yet, unlike the inhospitable Gibeahites, Christ extends an open invitation to all who are weary and burdened, promising rest for their souls ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me")). His earthly life exemplified perfect hospitality, welcoming outcasts, sinners, and the marginalized, embodying the very essence of God's boundless love for strangers. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke down the dividing wall of hostility, making those who were once "aliens and strangers" fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The new heavens and new earth, the New Jerusalem, represent the ultimate fulfillment of divine hospitality, where God Himself will dwell with His people, and there will be no more sorrow or pain, for He will wipe every tear from His eyes ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "Revelation 21:3-4 - God's Dwelling with Humanity and the End of Suffering")). Thus, the old man's act of kindness, though imperfect and limited in its scope, points forward to the perfect, saving hospitality of Christ, who welcomes all into His eternal kingdom and provides the ultimate dwelling place.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 104:23

Man goeth forth unto his work and to his labour until the evening.

Judges 19:1

¶ And it came to pass in those days, when [there was] no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah.

Judges 19:14

And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them [when they were] by Gibeah, which [belongeth] to Benjamin.

Proverbs 13:11

¶ Wealth [gotten] by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labour shall increase.

Proverbs 14:23

¶ In all labour there is profit: but the talk of the lips [tendeth] only to penury.

Ecclesiastes 1:13

And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all [things] that are done under heaven: this sore travail hath God given to the sons of man to be exercised therewith.

Genesis 3:19

In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou [art], and unto dust shalt thou return.