Judges 19:10

*“But the man was not willing to spend the night, so he arose and departed and came to a place opposite Jebus (that is, Jerusalem). And there were with him a pair of saddled donkeys; his concubine also was with him.” (v.10)* In this passage, we encounter a Levite who chooses to continue his journey rather than spend the night at an unfamiliar location. This decision is significant because it underscores his reluctance to remain in a place he deems less desirable. By leaving late in the day, he positions himself for a journey that foreshadows an eventual confrontation in the broader story of Judges 19. The text clarifies that Jebus, later identified as Jerusalem, is the immediate setting across from which he finds himself. Jerusalem at this time (circa 14th century BC, although it would become more central to Hebrew life during the reigns of King David, who lived around 1010–970 BC, and King Solomon shortly after) was still predominantly under Jebusite occupation. This location detail indicates why the Levite opts not to stay, for it was not yet under the full influence of Israelite settlement.

*“…And there were with him a pair of saddled donkeys; his concubine also was with him.” (v.10)* gives a glimpse into the Levite’s immediate circumstances: he has resources for travel (the donkeys) and is traveling with his concubine. The mention of his concubine is central to the unfolding tragic events. In ancient Israel, concubines held a legally recognized status, though they were not full wives. The relationship dynamic, nevertheless, was bound by certain societal and covenant expectations. In the overall timeline of Israel's judges (a period estimated from about 1375 to 1050 BC), these stories highlight moral and social turmoil that the nation experienced when they strayed from God’s design. This fractured societal structure sets the stage for the events that will follow, reflecting Israel's need for a unified leader—ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, whose reconciling work underscores the restoration of broken relationships (Romans 5:10 NASB-95).

There is an underlying sense of urgency and caution in the Levite’s choice to leave for a potentially safer destination, rather than risking the hospitality of the night in an unfamiliar environment. Though he presses on, the text implies the difficulties of traveling after sunset, especially with a concubine and donkeys in tow. This journey becomes a catalyst for the larger narrative of Judges 19, demonstrating the consequences of moral confusion and the absence of godly leadership. The flight from Jebus points to the Levite’s determination to avoid hostile territory, but it also highlights the reality that Israel itself was fractured at the time, lacking unity and clear direction (Judges 21:25 NASB-95).

The Levite's decision to depart Jebus instead of lodging there foreshadows the danger and tragedy that will meet him and his concubine.