Judges 19:20

And the old man said, Peace [be] with thee; howsoever [let] all thy wants [lie] upon me; only lodge not in the street.

And the old {H2205} man {H376} said {H559}, Peace {H7965} be with thee; howsoever {H7535} let all thy wants {H4270} lie upon me; only lodge {H3885} not in the street {H7339}.

The old man said, "You're welcome to stay with me. I'll take care of anything you lack; just don't spend the night out in the open."

“Peace to you,” said the old man. “Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square.”

And the old man said, Peace be unto thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.

Commentary

Judges 19:20 captures a poignant moment of traditional hospitality amidst the escalating moral decay described in the Book of Judges. This verse introduces an old man, himself a sojourner in Gibeah, who extends a gracious invitation to a traveling Levite, his concubine, and his servant who are stranded without shelter as night falls.

Context

The narrative in Judges 19 is one of the darkest in the Old Testament, illustrating the profound spiritual and moral decline of Israel during the period when "there was no king in Israel, and every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The Levite and his company arrive in Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin, expecting the customary hospitality of the ancient Near East. However, no one offers them lodging, a stark contrast to the cultural norms of welcoming travelers. It is only this old Ephraimite man, himself an outsider in Gibeah, who steps forward to offer them refuge, highlighting his personal righteousness against the backdrop of the city's impending wickedness.

Key Themes

  • Hospitality and Provision: The old man's words, "Peace [be] with thee; howsoever [let] all thy wants [lie] upon me," are a generous pledge of complete provision and protection. This act stands as a beacon of true biblical hospitality, where the host takes on the responsibility for the guest's needs.
  • Safety and Shelter: His explicit instruction, "only lodge not in the street," underscores the dangers and vulnerabilities of being unsheltered, especially at night. It reflects a deep concern for the well-being of strangers.
  • Moral Contrast: The old man's virtuous act is set against the extreme depravity that soon unfolds in Gibeah. His personal integrity and adherence to ancient customs of welcome serve to amplify the profound wickedness of the city's inhabitants, who later commit heinous acts of violence.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Peace [be] with thee" translates the Hebrew word shalom (שַּולום). While often translated simply as "peace," shalom encompasses a much broader concept of wholeness, well-being, prosperity, security, and completeness. It implies a desire for the guest's holistic welfare. The subsequent phrase, "let all thy wants [lie] upon me," literally means "all your lacking upon me," indicating a complete assumption of responsibility for their needs, from food and drink to shelter and safety.

Practical Application

Judges 19:20 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of hospitality and compassion towards strangers and those in need. In a world that can often be indifferent or even hostile, the old man's selfless act encourages believers to extend kindness and provision, even when it might be inconvenient or risky. It highlights that genuine compassion can shine brightest in the darkest of circumstances. Furthermore, it challenges us to recognize the moral responsibility we have towards others, particularly those who are vulnerable, echoing the call to care for the "stranger within your gates" found throughout Scripture, such as in Deuteronomy 10:19.

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Cross-References

  • Judges 6:23 (3 votes)

    And the LORD said unto him, Peace [be] unto thee; fear not: thou shalt not die.

  • John 14:27 (2 votes)

    Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

  • Genesis 19:2 (2 votes)

    And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

  • Genesis 19:3 (2 votes)

    And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

  • 1 Peter 4:9 (2 votes)

    Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

  • 1 Samuel 25:6 (2 votes)

    And thus shall ye say to him that liveth [in prosperity], Peace [be] both to thee, and peace [be] to thine house, and peace [be] unto all that thou hast.

  • Romans 12:13 (2 votes)

    Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.