Judges 19:19 depicts a Levite’s self-sufficient request for shelter in a Benjamite town, foregrounding a story where hospitality was tragically withheld despite abundant supplies.
As the passage explains, “Yet there is both straw and fodder for our donkeys, and also bread and wine for me, your maidservant, and the young man who is with your servants; there is no lack of anything.” (v.19) This statement is made by a traveling Levite who has stopped in Gibeah, a Benjamite city located north of Jerusalem in the land of Israel, during the time of the Judges (circa 1375-1050 B.C.). Israel was then a self-governing nation under God’s covenant, but it repeatedly fell into patterns of disobedience in these years. The Levite’s claim that there was “no lack of anything” underscores that he brought sufficient provisions for himself, his companions, and his donkeys, and did not intend to become a burden on the local citizens. Instead, his hope was that someone in Gibeah would show him hospitality for the night, as was customary in that culture.
“Yet there is both straw and fodder for our donkeys…” (v.19) highlights the Levite’s readiness, suggesting that he had ample feed for his animals. Straw and fodder were essential supplies for travelers who journeyed through the mountainous roads of Benjamin. During the period of the Judges, providing lodging or refusing it could mean life or death, given the potential threats from bandits or hostile strangers. This hint of self-sufficiency rhetorically removed any reason for the city’s inhabitants to deny the Levite coverage, since he would not be a financial burden. Nevertheless, the broader chapter describes the tragic unfolding of the night in Gibeah, where some of the men of the city committed a grievous act against the Levite’s household, demonstrating just how far Israel had strayed from the covenant’s call to love one’s neighbor.“…and also bread and wine for me, your maidservant, and the young man who is with your servants…” (v.19) shows that not only did the Levite bring sustenance for his donkeys, he also had enough to provide for himself and those with him. Hospitality in the ancient Near East customarily included offering meals, drinks, and lodging, especially to travelers who were fellow Israelites (Leviticus 19:33-34). By stating that he already had his own provisions, the Levite made a respectful request—he was not presuming on anyone’s resources. But as the chapter continues, it becomes apparent that the moral decay in Gibeah overshadowed these customary kindnesses, igniting the horrific events that followed.No lack of anything: Judges 19:19 conveys the Levite’s confidence that he was fully prepared and only needed a safe place to stay, highlighting the cultural importance of hospitality and foreshadowing the contrast between proper care for strangers and the appalling reception he actually received.
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Judges 19:19 meaning
As the passage explains, “Yet there is both straw and fodder for our donkeys, and also bread and wine for me, your maidservant, and the young man who is with your servants; there is no lack of anything.” (v.19) This statement is made by a traveling Levite who has stopped in Gibeah, a Benjamite city located north of Jerusalem in the land of Israel, during the time of the Judges (circa 1375-1050 B.C.). Israel was then a self-governing nation under God’s covenant, but it repeatedly fell into patterns of disobedience in these years. The Levite’s claim that there was “no lack of anything” underscores that he brought sufficient provisions for himself, his companions, and his donkeys, and did not intend to become a burden on the local citizens. Instead, his hope was that someone in Gibeah would show him hospitality for the night, as was customary in that culture.
“Yet there is both straw and fodder for our donkeys…” (v.19) highlights the Levite’s readiness, suggesting that he had ample feed for his animals. Straw and fodder were essential supplies for travelers who journeyed through the mountainous roads of Benjamin. During the period of the Judges, providing lodging or refusing it could mean life or death, given the potential threats from bandits or hostile strangers. This hint of self-sufficiency rhetorically removed any reason for the city’s inhabitants to deny the Levite coverage, since he would not be a financial burden. Nevertheless, the broader chapter describes the tragic unfolding of the night in Gibeah, where some of the men of the city committed a grievous act against the Levite’s household, demonstrating just how far Israel had strayed from the covenant’s call to love one’s neighbor.“…and also bread and wine for me, your maidservant, and the young man who is with your servants…” (v.19) shows that not only did the Levite bring sustenance for his donkeys, he also had enough to provide for himself and those with him. Hospitality in the ancient Near East customarily included offering meals, drinks, and lodging, especially to travelers who were fellow Israelites (Leviticus 19:33-34). By stating that he already had his own provisions, the Levite made a respectful request—he was not presuming on anyone’s resources. But as the chapter continues, it becomes apparent that the moral decay in Gibeah overshadowed these customary kindnesses, igniting the horrific events that followed.No lack of anything: Judges 19:19 conveys the Levite’s confidence that he was fully prepared and only needed a safe place to stay, highlighting the cultural importance of hospitality and foreshadowing the contrast between proper care for strangers and the appalling reception he actually received.