Judges 19:17
When we read, *“And he lifted up his eyes and saw the traveler in the open square of the city; and the old man said, ‘Where are you going, and where do you come from?’”* (v.17), we are observing an act of attention and concern from an unnamed man in the narrative. This scene takes place in Gibeah—a city inhabited by people from the tribe of Benjamin in the territory of ancient Israel. During the period of the judges (roughly 1375–1050 BC), tribal and familial ties greatly influenced where one stayed and how one was welcomed. In this verse, the old man’s notice of the traveler and his question underscore the importance placed on hospitality, a recurring theme throughout biblical accounts. In the culture of that time, approaching strangers in a city square was common practice, reflecting a communal mindset that contrasts with the violence and discord that also characterized the time of the judges.
By asking, *“Where are you going, and where do you come from?”* (v.17), the old man shows genuine interest in both the journey and background of this traveler. Though he remains unnamed in the verse, the old man himself was likely from the hill country of Ephraim, living in Gibeah as a sojourner. Ephraim’s hill country lay in central Israel, north of Jerusalem, and it was a region settled by the tribe of Ephraim, descendants of Joseph. The old man’s presence in Benjamin’s territory underscores the inter-tribal movement of individuals in this era. Historically, this was a tumultuous period without a unifying king, when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25, NASB-95). Yet, here we see an example of compassion in an otherwise dark and unsettling chapter of Israel’s past.
The old man’s hospitality mirrors God’s desire for His people to care for others, just as Jesus later taught the value of welcoming strangers (Matthew 25:35, NASB-95). The traveler, who needed a place to rest, was invited off the streets and into an environment of potential safety. This scene invites us to reflect on how hospitality is a commandment deeply woven through Scripture, pointing ultimately to Christ’s message of love, care, and neighborly kindness (Luke 10:25–37, NASB-95).
He welcomes the weary traveler with concern and steps into a role of compassion.
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 4:17-22 meaning. This passage narrates the surprising and decisive role of a woman named Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite, in the defeat of Sisera. After fleeing the battle, Sisera seeks refuge in Jael’s tent, where she deceptively offers him hospitality. However, once Sisera falls asleep, Jael takes initiative and marks her place in Israel’s redemptive history.
- Deuteronomy 25:17-19 meaning. Moses urged the Israelites to remember to wipe out the Amalekites when they are settled in the Promised Land. This was in response to the brutality the Amalekites showed when they attacked the Israelites during the exodus from Egypt.
- 1 Peter 1:17-19 meaning. God’s children are to live their lives on earth with a healthy respect for their heavenly Father because He will hold them accountable for their work and because they know the high value of the cost of their redemption.