Judges 19:15
The verse describes the travelers’ arrival and reception in Gibeah, saying: *“So they turned aside there in order to enter and lodge in Gibeah. When they entered, they sat down in the open square of the city, for no one took them into his house to spend the night.”* (v.15) Gibeah was a town located in the territory of Benjamin, roughly three miles north of Jerusalem. This region was central to the tribe’s inheritance after the Israelites entered Canaan (Joshua 18:11–28 NASB-95), marking Gibeah as a settlement that should have been shaped by Israel’s covenantal obligations of neighborly welcome. The fact that these travelers, which included a Levite, went unwelcomed in a community meant to reflect God’s ways highlights a significant breach of hospitality.
The lack of hospitality in Gibeah evokes the larger narrative of the book of Judges, which took place around 1350 to 1050 BC, a period marked by repeated cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. *“When they entered, they sat down in the open square of the city…”* (v.15) depicts a striking picture of vulnerability: the travelers hoped someone would offer them the customary lodging expected in ancient Israelite society, but *“…no one took them into his house to spend the night.”* (v.15) The social norms of that time normally mandated generosity to sojourners (Leviticus 19:33–34 NASB-95). Their isolation here foreshadows a looming moral crisis that unfolds later in Judges 19.
From a broader biblical perspective, the lack of care shown in this verse contrasts with how Jesus calls His followers to practice love and kindness (John 13:34–35 NASB-95). This dire moment in Gibeah, introduced by *“…for no one took them into his house to spend the night.”* (v.15), underscores the need for godly compassion in a fractured world—a principle further evidenced by Jesus’ teaching of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29–37 NASB-95).
No hospitality in Gibeah shows the desperate condition of Israel’s communal life and highlights how God’s standards of compassion were neglected.
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:
- Deuteronomy 19:15-21 meaning. Moses addressed the matter of witnesses and testimony in the Israelite community.
- Judges 1:11-15 meaning. Caleb offers his daughter Achsah in marriage to whoever captures Kiriath-sepher. Othniel, Caleb’s nephew, successfully captures the city and marries Achsah. Achsah then asks Caleb for a field and additional water resources, and Caleb grants her the upper and lower springs.
- Judges 3:15-25 meaning. In response to Israel’s cry for help, God raises up Ehud, a Benjamite, as a deliverer. Using a clever and daring strategy, Ehud assassinates Eglon, the oppressive king of Moab, motivating Israel’s return to the Lord.