Judges 19:26
In the midst of the dark and disturbing events of Judges 19, we find a heartbreaking snapshot in verse 26. The text declares, *“As the day began to dawn, the woman came and fell down at the doorway of the man’s house where her master was, until full daylight”* (Judges 19:26). At this point in the story, the woman—who had suffered terrible abuse—struggles back to the very threshold of safety, only to collapse there. The mention of daybreak highlights the contrast between the evils committed under the veil of night and the coming light of morning. Yet, even with daylight approaching, the darkness surrounding this scene remains oppressive.
The wording, *“fell down at the doorway of the man’s house where her master was”* (Judges 19:26), underscores the tragic reality that her last moments were spent reaching for help. Neither her master nor anyone inside the house came to her aid during those final hours. This sets in stark relief the depth of moral decay in Israel at the time, a condition repeatedly noted throughout the Book of Judges when “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25, NASB-95). By placing her fragile form at the entryway, Scripture forces us to confront the callousness of people who should have offered care and compassion.
Furthermore, the verse ends with *“until full daylight”* (Judges 19:26), revealing that she lay there unnoticed or unassisted for an extended period. This sad detail calls to mind the many times in the Bible when someone in distress relies on the mercy of others for deliverance. The hopelessness of the situation can stimulate reflection on how Jesus, the Light of the World (John 8:12, NASB-95), calls His followers to be watchful and compassionate to those who suffer. In stark contrast to the neglect displayed here, Jesus embodies mercy and models sacrificial love—qualities that stand out most vividly against a backdrop of cruelty.
God’s people must never grow indifferent to suffering.
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 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.
- Acts 11:19-26 meaning. Gentiles in Antioch Believe in Jesus: At the murder of Stephen years prior, a persecution against the church began. Due to the persecution, believing Jews spread out to regions like Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, initially preaching about Jesus only to Jews. However, some began preaching to Greeks in Antioch. A significant number of Greeks believed in Jesus. Hearing this, the Jerusalem church sends Barnabas to Antioch, who, seeing God at work among the Antiochians, further encourages the believers in their faith. Barnabas then seeks Saul (Paul) to join him in teaching the rapidly growing community. Paul ministers there for a year.
- 2 Kings 18:26-37 meaning. Rabshakeh finishes his propaganda campaign of fearmongering aimed at convincing Jerusalem to surrender to the king of Assyria.