Judges 19:17

Commentary on Judges 19:17 KJV

Judges 19:17 introduces a pivotal moment in one of the Bible's most disturbing narratives, setting the stage for the tragic events that unfold in Gibeah. The verse reads, "And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?"

Context

This verse is situated within the book of Judges, a period in ancient Israel characterized by a cycle of apostasy, oppression, and deliverance. Crucially, the book repeatedly states that "there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 17:6; also Judges 21:25). This narrative follows a Levite who is traveling from Bethlehem-judah with his concubine and servant, seeking lodging for the night. They deliberately bypass Jebus (Jerusalem, which was still controlled by Jebusites) and arrive in Gibeah of Benjamin, hoping to find a place to stay. The old man's inquiry marks the first sign of human interaction in a city that will soon reveal its profound moral corruption.

Key Themes

• Hospitality and its Absence: The old man's questions ("Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?") are typical ancient Near Eastern greetings, often preceding an offer of shelter. This initial inquiry hints at the customary expectation of hospitality for travelers. However, the stark reality of Gibeah is that no one else in the city square offers the Levite and his company lodging, highlighting a profound societal decay and the breakdown of communal responsibility. The old man, a sojourner himself, becomes the only one to extend this vital courtesy, contrasting sharply with the city's inhabitants.
• Moral Decline and Lawlessness: This seemingly innocuous exchange serves as a chilling prelude to the extreme depravity and violence that will define Gibeah's character in the subsequent verses. The lack of spontaneous hospitality in the public square foreshadows the city's deeper moral sickness, where the basic tenets of human decency and protection for guests are disregarded.
• Vulnerability of Travelers: The scene underscores the precarious position of travelers in a society without strong central authority or moral compass. The Levite, a man of God, and his companions are left exposed in the city's street, dependent on the goodwill of strangers, which is largely absent.

Linguistic Insights

The term "wayfaring man" (Hebrew: 'oreach) simply means a traveler or a sojourner. The old man's questions, "Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?", are a common formula for initiating conversation with a stranger, inquiring about their destination and origin. This would typically be followed by an offer of food and lodging, as was the custom in a culture where inns were rare and hospitality was a sacred duty, often seen as a test of righteousness (compare with Lot's hospitality in Sodom).

Practical Application

Judges 19:17, though brief, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of hospitality and the dangers of moral apathy within a community.

• Embrace True Hospitality: The old man's actions stand in stark contrast to the rest of Gibeah. This verse challenges us to consider our own willingness to welcome strangers and those in need, reflecting a core Biblical value (Hebrews 13:2).
• Beware of Societal Decay: The lack of basic human kindness and the subsequent horrific events in Gibeah illustrate how a society can spiral into depravity when moral standards erode and "every man does what is right in his own eyes." It's a call to uphold righteousness and compassion in our communities.
• Discernment and Safety: While hospitality is vital, the narrative also implicitly teaches the need for discernment in dangerous environments. The Levite's choice of Gibeah, despite its known wickedness (implied by the subsequent events), highlights the peril of neglecting spiritual and moral warnings.