Judges 19:14
The verse tells us, *“So they passed along and went their way, and the sun set on them near Gibeah which belongs to Benjamin.”* (v.14) This situation describes travelers continuing onward until dusk, determined to reach a place of lodging despite the approaching darkness. By highlighting that “the sun set on them,” Scripture emphasizes their urgency and the onset of nightfall, setting the stage for the sobering events that follow later in the chapter. In the broader context of the Book of Judges—likely written between 1380 and 1050 BC—this passage warns of a moral climate in which every man did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 21:25 NASB-95), preparing readers for the crucial lessons about hospitality, justice, and societal harmony.
Pointing out that they stopped “near Gibeah which belongs to Benjamin,” (v.14) reminds us that Gibeah was a significant city in the tribal territory of Benjamin, one of the twelve tribes of Israel tracing back to the youngest son of Jacob (around 1900 BC). Located roughly a few miles north of ancient Jerusalem, Gibeah’s name means “hill,” and this city would later become the home of King Saul (reigning around 1050–1010 BC). This information offers a glimpse of Gibeah’s importance and foreshadows the tension and warfare that can erupt when God’s people disregard His commandments and forget the covenant established with the patriarchs.
Given that the Book of Judges points to the need for righteous leadership and ultimately paves the way for the monarchy in Israel, this moment outside Gibeah anticipates the deeper spiritual significance carried forward into the New Testament, where Jesus Christ fulfills and perfects leadership (John 10:11 NASB-95). The sense of urgency in *“So they passed along and went their way”* (v.14) underscores that believers must rely on God’s guidance in the dark nights of our own spiritual journeys, looking to the true King who brings light to every circumstance.
They ventured onward until evening, highlighting the travelers’ trust in God’s provision.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 5:19-23 meaning. In the final part of the song of Deborah and Barak, they continue to celebrate Israel's victory over the Canaanite oppressors. The narrative shifts to a poetic description of the battle and the divine intervention that led to Israel's triumph.
- Genesis 19:1-3 meaning. Two angels appear to Lot in Sodom. Lot urges them to spend the night in his house and he prepares a feast for them.
- Genesis 19:34-38 meaning. The next day, the older sister convinced the younger sister to do what she had done the night before. Again, Lot was given too much wine and the younger daughter had sexual relations with him. Lot was unaware of this event also.