Judges 19:12 - His master said to him, “We won’t enter into the city of a foreigner that is not of the children of Israel; but we will pass over to Gibeah.”
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What does "Judges 19:12" mean?
This verse is a crucial part of a larger narrative in Judges 19, and understanding its meaning requires context. Here's a breakdown:
Context: A Levite and his concubine are traveling home from Bethlehem. As evening approaches, they are near Jebus (Jerusalem), which is inhabited by foreigners (non-Israelites).
"His Master Said To Him": "His master" refers to the Levite. He is speaking to his servant.
"We Won't Enter Into the City of a Foreigner That is Not of the Children of Israel": This is the core of the verse. The Levite is declaring his reluctance to stay in a city inhabited by non-Israelites (Jebus/Jerusalem). His reasons are likely a combination of:
Religious Purity: He may have felt that staying in a foreign city would compromise his religious observances or expose him to pagan influences.
Ethnic/Cultural Identity: He may have had a sense of cultural or ethnic separation and preferred to stay among his own people.
Safety Concerns: Foreign cities might have been seen as less safe for Israelites due to potential hostility or lack of hospitality.
Law/Customs: Deuteronomy 23:3-8 outlines restrictions regarding certain foreign nations and integration into the Israelite community. While not directly about lodging, it reflects the general sentiment of separation.
"But We Will Pass Over To Gibeah": Gibeah was an Israelite city in the territory of Benjamin. The Levite is choosing to travel further to find lodging in a city populated by Israelites. This implies that he believes he will receive better treatment and be safer among his own people.
In essence, the verse highlights a sense of separation and a preference for staying among Israelites rather than foreigners. This preference could stem from religious, cultural, safety, or legal/customary considerations.
Important Considerations:
Xenophobia and Hospitality: The story that unfolds after this verse is a tragedy. The Levite's decision to avoid a foreign city ultimately leads him to Gibeah, where he experiences horrific mistreatment. This raises questions about whether his prejudice against foreigners was justified or whether it led him into an even more dangerous situation.
Moral Ambiguity: The Book of Judges is known for its moral ambiguity. It depicts a time when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The Levite's actions and motivations are not presented as inherently good or bad. The reader is left to consider the complexities of his choices.
The verse is not simply a statement of fact; it is a window into the social, religious, and political climate of ancient Israel. It sets the stage for a disturbing narrative that challenges readers to think critically about identity, prejudice, and the importance of hospitality.
Judges 19:12 - His master said to him, “We won’t enter into the city of a foreigner that is not of the children of Israel; but we will pass over to Gibeah.”
What does "Judges 19:12" mean?
This verse is a crucial part of a larger narrative in Judges 19, and understanding its meaning requires context. Here's a breakdown:
Context: A Levite and his concubine are traveling home from Bethlehem. As evening approaches, they are near Jebus (Jerusalem), which is inhabited by foreigners (non-Israelites).
"His Master Said To Him": "His master" refers to the Levite. He is speaking to his servant.
"We Won't Enter Into the City of a Foreigner That is Not of the Children of Israel": This is the core of the verse. The Levite is declaring his reluctance to stay in a city inhabited by non-Israelites (Jebus/Jerusalem). His reasons are likely a combination of:
Religious Purity: He may have felt that staying in a foreign city would compromise his religious observances or expose him to pagan influences.
Ethnic/Cultural Identity: He may have had a sense of cultural or ethnic separation and preferred to stay among his own people.
Safety Concerns: Foreign cities might have been seen as less safe for Israelites due to potential hostility or lack of hospitality.
Law/Customs: Deuteronomy 23:3-8 outlines restrictions regarding certain foreign nations and integration into the Israelite community. While not directly about lodging, it reflects the general sentiment of separation.
"But We Will Pass Over To Gibeah": Gibeah was an Israelite city in the territory of Benjamin. The Levite is choosing to travel further to find lodging in a city populated by Israelites. This implies that he believes he will receive better treatment and be safer among his own people.
In essence, the verse highlights a sense of separation and a preference for staying among Israelites rather than foreigners. This preference could stem from religious, cultural, safety, or legal/customary considerations.
Important Considerations:
Xenophobia and Hospitality: The story that unfolds after this verse is a tragedy. The Levite's decision to avoid a foreign city ultimately leads him to Gibeah, where he experiences horrific mistreatment. This raises questions about whether his prejudice against foreigners was justified or whether it led him into an even more dangerous situation.
Moral Ambiguity: The Book of Judges is known for its moral ambiguity. It depicts a time when "everyone did what was right in their own eyes" (Judges 21:25). The Levite's actions and motivations are not presented as inherently good or bad. The reader is left to consider the complexities of his choices.
The verse is not simply a statement of fact; it is a window into the social, religious, and political climate of ancient Israel. It sets the stage for a disturbing narrative that challenges readers to think critically about identity, prejudice, and the importance of hospitality.