Judges 19:2
The verse tells us, *“But his concubine played the harlot against him, and she went away from him to her father’s house in Bethlehem in Judah, and was there for a period of four months” (v.2)*. In ancient Israel, having a concubine was not uncommon, but this passage tangibly expresses the relational turmoil that arises when faithfulness is broken. The wording *“played the harlot” (v.2)* describes her disloyalty—an act that communicated dishonor both to her husband and herself. By retreating to her father’s house, she sought a measure of refuge, which set the stage for the sorrowful events that fill the rest of Judges 19.
Geographically, *“Bethlehem in Judah” (v.2)* is a small town located about five miles south of Jerusalem, intricately connecting to significant biblical storylines. In the period of the judges (approximately 1400–1050 BC), Bethlehem was yet to become widely famous, but it eventually gained everlasting prominence as the birthplace of King David (who would come around 1010–970 BC) and, ultimately, the birthplace of Jesus the Messiah (Matthew 2:1, NASB-95). This location thus transforms from an obscure village in the days of the judges into the pivotal backdrop for God’s redemptive plan presented in the New Testament.
The four-month stay emphasizes the length of estrangement. The radical decision of the woman to *“go away from him” (v.2)* signaled a deep rift in their relationship. Her father’s involvement further indicates the complexities of familial structures in Israel during the time of the judges, showing how households and extended family networks dealt with marital and concubinage disputes. These patterns of tension, regret, and the quest for reconciliation foreshadow how God’s people will continuously struggle with cycles of unfaithfulness throughout the Book of Judges, seeking restoration and often needing deliverance much like humans do spiritually (Hebrews 7:25, NASB-95).
This verse focuses on the woman’s departure and the turmoil it caused, foreshadowing devastating consequences to come in subsequent verses.
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.
- Judges 1:22-26 meaning. The tribes Ephraim and Manasseh, with the Lord’s assistance, goes up against Bethel, previously known as Luz. They use a local man to find the city’s entrance, conquer Bethel, and spare the man’s family. The man then relocates to the land of the Hittites, where he builds a new city and names it Luz.
- Judges 2:1-5 meaning. The angel of the Lord delivers a message of rebuke to the Israelites at Bochim, reminding them of God’s faithfulness and their disobedience. The angel warns of the consequences of their actions, leading the people to weep and offer sacrifices to the Lord.