Judges 19:21

When the traveling Levite and his concubine arrived in Gibeah, an elderly gentleman from the region of Ephraim extended a gracious welcome. Reflecting on that generous gesture, the scripture says, *“So he took him into his house and gave the donkeys fodder, and they washed their feet and ate and drank.”* (v.21) The district of Gibeah was located in the tribal territory of Benjamin, north of Jerusalem, during the time of the judges (approximately 1370–1050 BC), when Israel had no central ruler and individuals often did as they saw fit, leading to a society frequently lacking unity and compassion. By opening his home, the older man displayed a hospitable spirit that was scarce—yet precious—in those turbulent times.

The act of providing fodder for the donkeys, washing the visitors’ feet, and offering them food and drink represents the deep-rooted Middle Eastern custom of caring for one’s guest. In a broader scriptural view, hospitality is richly commended because it reflects the heart of God, who cares for the vulnerable and the needy (Luke 14:12–14, NASB-95). This gesture mirrors later teachings of Jesus, who often emphasized the virtue of sharing a meal and providing comfort to those in need. By welcoming the weary traveler, the older man not only met a tangible necessity but also performed a moral act endorsing the sacred principle of loving one’s neighbor.

In its historical context, *“So he took him into his house and gave the donkeys fodder, and they washed their feet and ate and drank.”* (v.21) provides a glimpse of how individual acts of generosity shone like small beacons of hope, even amidst the dark era presented in the Book of Judges. This moment of kindness underscores the capacity for righteousness in a community that was often characterized by moral decline. It serves as a reminder that acts of kindness, no matter how simple, stand out all the more in challenging times.

This verse illustrates a simple act of hospitality shining in a world marked by chaos.