Judges 19:24

Behold, [here is] my daughter a maiden, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not so vile a thing.

Behold, here is my daughter {H1323} a maiden {H1330}, and his concubine {H6370}; them I will bring out {H3318} now, and humble {H6031} ye them, and do {H6213} with them what seemeth {H5869} good {H2896} unto you: but unto this man {H376} do {H6213} not so {H2063} vile {H5039} a thing {H1697}.

Here's my daughter, who's a virgin, and his concubine. I'll bring them out. Mistreat them, do what you want to them, but don't do such a degrading thing to this man."

Look, let me bring out my virgin daughter and the manโ€™s concubine, and you can use them and do with them as you wish. But do not do such a vile thing to this man.โ€

Behold, here is my daughter a virgin, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not any such folly.

Commentary

Context of Judges 19:24

Judges 19:24 is a deeply disturbing verse found within one of the Bible's most graphic and tragic narratives. This chapter recounts the story of a Levite, his concubine, and an old man in Gibeah, a city in the tribe of Benjamin. The Levite and his concubine seek lodging for the night, and an old Ephraimite man offers them hospitality. However, wicked men of the city surround the house, demanding that the old man bring out the Levite so they can sexually abuse him, echoing the demands made in Sodom in Genesis 19. In a desperate and morally reprehensible act of "protection" and misguided hospitality, the old man offers his virgin daughter and the Levite's concubine to the mob instead. This verse captures his shocking proposal, underscoring the extreme moral decay prevalent in Israel during this period, famously summarized by the recurring phrase: "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Profound Moral Depravity: This verse starkly illustrates the depths of human sin and societal breakdown when divine law and moral authority are disregarded. The offering of women for sexual violence is a horrifying perversion of hospitality and human dignity.
  • Objectification of Women: The passage treats women as property or objects to be used and abused to protect men or avoid a perceived greater offense. This reflects a tragic aspect of ancient patriarchal societies, though not condoned by God's ultimate standards.
  • Twisted Sense of Honor and Justice: The host's willingness to sacrifice his daughter and guest's concubine highlights a distorted moral compass, where the sexual assault of a man was considered a "vile thing" but the rape of women was deemed a lesser evil, or even a solution.
  • Consequences of Anarchy: The entire narrative of Judges 19, culminating in a civil war (Judges 20-21), serves as a cautionary tale about the chaos and injustice that arise when a nation lacks righteous leadership and individuals abandon God's commandments.

Linguistic Insights

  • "humble ye them" (ื”ื•ึผื ืขึทื ึผื•ึผ): The Hebrew verb 'anah (ืขื ื”) here carries the strong connotation of afflicting, violating, or humiliating, specifically in a sexual context. It unequivocally points to sexual assault.
  • "vile thing" (ื ึฐื‘ึธืœึธื” - nevalah): This term refers to an outrageous, disgraceful, or abhorrent act. In the Old Testament, nevalah is often used for acts of sexual immorality or extreme wickedness that bring shame and defilement upon the community, such as in Deuteronomy 22:21 regarding sexual sin. The host's application of this term solely to the proposed act against the Levite, while offering the women, underscores the profound moral perversion of the moment.

Practical Application

While Judges 19:24 depicts an extreme example of human depravity, it offers crucial lessons for today:

  • Upholding Human Dignity: This passage serves as a stark reminder of the inherent value and dignity of every individual, created in God's image (Genesis 1:27). It challenges us to condemn all forms of sexual violence, exploitation, and objectification.
  • The Importance of Moral Absolutes: The chaos in Judges stemmed from a society where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes." This underscores the need for clear moral guidelines, rooted in God's unchanging character and Word, to prevent societal decay and injustice.
  • Protecting the Vulnerable: The story highlights the tragic plight of the vulnerable when societal structures fail to protect them. It calls believers to advocate for justice, protect the innocent, and stand against oppression.
  • Consequences of Sin: This narrative powerfully illustrates the destructive and far-reaching consequences of unchecked sin, both individually and communally. It reminds us of the need for spiritual leadership and personal accountability to God's standards.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 19:8 (6 votes)

    Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as [is] good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

  • Deuteronomy 21:14 (4 votes)

    And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not make merchandise of her, because thou hast humbled her.

  • Genesis 34:2 (3 votes)

    And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her, and lay with her, and defiled her.

  • Romans 3:8 (2 votes)

    And not [rather], (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.