Judges 19:19

Judges 19:19 is spoken by a Levite traveler to an old man in Gibeah who has offered him hospitality. The verse assures the host that the Levite and his company are not a burden, as they are well-provisioned for their journey, stating, "Yet there is straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thine handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing."

Context

This verse is situated within one of the most disturbing and tragic narratives in the Book of Judges, beginning in Judges chapter 19. A Levite from the hill country of Ephraim is returning home with his concubine and servant. As night falls, they seek lodging in the Benjamite city of Gibeah. After waiting in the city square, an elderly man, also an Ephraimite sojourner, invites them into his home. The Levite's statement in verse 19 aims to alleviate any concern about being a financial strain on his potential host, highlighting their initial self-sufficiency before the horrific events that unfold later in the chapter. This account starkly illustrates the moral and spiritual decay of Israel during a time when "there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes."

Meaning and Key Themes

• Provision and Self-Sufficiency: The immediate meaning is clear: the Levite and his group are not beggars; they have ample supplies for their journey, including fodder for their animals ("straw and provender") and food and drink for themselves ("bread and wine"). This declaration emphasizes their current state of well-being and readiness.
• Hospitality Contrasted with Depravity: The verse stands in stark contrast to the profound wickedness that immediately follows. The old man's genuine hospitality is a rare light in a dark chapter, but it is quickly overshadowed by the vile actions of the men of Gibeah, who violently demand the Levite's concubine (Judges 19:22). This highlights the deep moral corruption prevalent in Israel during this period.
• Irony of "No Want": The Levite's assertion that "there is no want of any thing" becomes deeply ironic. While they physically lack nothing in terms of provisions, they are utterly lacking in safety, security, and moral decency from the society they encounter. This underscores the spiritual emptiness and chaos of the era.

Linguistic Insights

The term "provender" (Hebrew: mispo') refers to mixed feed or fodder for livestock, typically a mixture of grains and chopped straw. This detail emphasizes the comprehensive nature of their provisions, indicating they were prepared for a significant journey. The phrase "no want of any thing" signifies a state of complete sufficiency, a common expression of contentment or preparedness.

Practical Application and Reflection

Judges 19:19, while seemingly simple, serves as a poignant setup for the tragedy that follows. It reminds us that external provisions do not guarantee internal peace or safety in a morally corrupt environment. The narrative forces us to consider:

• The Value of True Hospitality: The old man's willingness to welcome strangers, despite the dangers of his own city, stands out as a commendable act, echoing biblical calls for practicing hospitality.
• Societal Responsibility: The chapter, and this verse in its context, is a grim reminder of what happens when a society lacks moral leadership and individuals abandon divine law, leading to anarchy and horrific acts.
• Beyond Material Sufficiency: While material needs are important, true security and well-being depend on the moral and spiritual health of a community. The Levite's material "no want" was tragically offset by a profound spiritual and moral "want" in the society around him.