Judges 19:21

So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.

So he brought {H935} him into his house {H1004}, and gave provender {H1101} unto the asses {H2543}: and they washed {H7364} their feet {H7272}, and did eat {H398} and drink {H8354}.

So he brought him home and gave food to the donkeys. Then they washed their feet, and ate and drank.

So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank.

So he brought him into his house, and gave the asses fodder; and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.

Commentary

Commentary on Judges 19:21 (KJV)

Judges 19:21 describes a moment of traditional hospitality offered to a traveling Levite, his concubine, and his servant in the town of Gibeah. This verse stands in stark contrast to the horrific events that immediately follow, highlighting the moral depravity prevalent in Israel during the period of the Judges.

Context

The book of Judges frequently depicts a cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. Judges 19-21, however, plunges into one of the darkest narratives, illustrating the depth of Israel's moral decay when "there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The Levite, having traveled from Bethlehem, arrives in Gibeah of Benjamin seeking lodging. Despite the evening hour, no one from the town initially offers them shelter, a significant breach of ancient Near Eastern custom. It is an old man, himself a sojourner from Ephraim, who extends genuine biblical hospitality. This act of kindness sets the stage for the shocking wickedness that the inhabitants of Gibeah soon display.

Key Themes

  • Hospitality vs. Depravity: This verse beautifully portrays the ancient virtue of hospitality—providing shelter, food, and rest for weary travelers. This act of grace from the old man serves as a stark foil to the surrounding society's moral corruption, especially the men of Gibeah who later commit heinous acts.
  • Preparation for Rest: The acts of giving "provender unto the asses" (food for the animals) and allowing the travelers to "wash their feet, and did eat and drink" were essential customs for travelers. Washing feet was a necessary and humble service after dusty journeys, signifying welcome and an invitation to rest.
  • Foreshadowing: The peace and provision described here are tragically brief. The reader, knowing the broader narrative, recognizes this moment of comfort as a calm before a devastating storm, emphasizing the shocking nature of the ensuing events.

Linguistic Insights

The term "provender" (Hebrew: mispo') refers to fodder or mixed feed for animals, indicating the old man's thoroughness in caring for the entire traveling party, including their beasts of burden. The phrase "washed their feet" (Hebrew: rachatsu raglehem) signifies more than just cleanliness; it was a deeply ingrained social custom of providing comfort and refreshment to guests, often performed by servants or hosts themselves as a sign of welcome and respect.

Practical Application

Judges 19:21, though a small detail in a dark narrative, reminds us of the enduring value of human kindness and hospitality. In a world often marked by indifference or hostility, extending a helping hand, offering comfort, or simply providing for the basic needs of others remains a powerful act of virtue. It underscores that even in the midst of societal decay, individual acts of goodness can shine brightly. This verse challenges us to consider how we treat strangers and those in need, reflecting the timeless biblical call to compassion and selfless service.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 43:24 (3 votes)

    And the man brought the men into Joseph's house, and gave [them] water, and they washed their feet; and he gave their asses provender.

  • Luke 7:44 (3 votes)

    And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped [them] with the hairs of her head.

  • Genesis 18:4 (3 votes)

    Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:

  • 2 Samuel 11:8 (2 votes)

    And David said to Uriah, Go down to thy house, and wash thy feet. And Uriah departed out of the king's house, and there followed him a mess [of meat] from the king.

  • 1 Timothy 5:10 (2 votes)

    Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.

  • Genesis 24:32 (2 votes)

    And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that [were] with him.

  • Genesis 24:33 (2 votes)

    And there was set [meat] before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.