Judges 19:20 - The old man said, “Peace be to you; how ever let me supply all your needs. Just don’t sleep in the street.”
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What does "Judges 19:20" mean?
This verse from Judges 19:20 reflects a key aspect of ancient Near Eastern hospitality and the social obligations surrounding it. Let's break it down:
"The old man said, “Peace be to you;”": This is a standard greeting, a blessing offering well-being. It's a way of welcoming the traveler and acknowledging their presence in a friendly way. In Hebrew, it would be "Shalom."
"how ever let me supply all your needs.": This is the crux of the verse. The old man is offering complete hospitality. "All your needs" likely encompasses food, drink, shelter, fodder for their animals (if they had any), and anything else required for comfort and safety. This was a moral imperative in those times. Travelers were vulnerable, and it was considered a duty to provide for them.
"Just don’t sleep in the street.”": This highlights the potential danger faced by the traveler. Sleeping in the street was dangerous because of exposure to the elements (weather, wild animals), and more importantly, the risk of violence and robbery. It was also considered shameful for a community to allow a stranger to sleep exposed in their streets. The old man is emphasizing that the traveler's safety and well-being are his priority.
In essence, the verse demonstrates:
Hospitality as a Sacred Duty: Offering shelter and provision to strangers was considered a sacred obligation, rooted in religious and cultural norms. It was a way of demonstrating kindness and ensuring the traveler's safety.
Protection from Danger: The old man is recognizing the inherent dangers faced by travelers, particularly at night, and is taking on the responsibility to protect them.
Moral Imperative: The old man's words are a powerful testament to the importance of looking out for the vulnerable and offering assistance to those in need. The offer to supply all their needs emphasizes the completeness and sincerity of his hospitality.
Social Shame: To allow a traveler to sleep in the streets would bring disgrace upon the entire community.
Context within Judges 19:
This act of hospitality becomes tragically important in the context of the story in Judges 19. The Levite and his concubine are traveling, and they are reluctant to stay in a city inhabited by foreigners. This verse sets up a contrast. The old man, despite being an Ephraimite living in Gibeah (a Benjamite city), shows remarkable hospitality, but the Benjamites of Gibeah later commit a horrific act of violence against the concubine, leading to a civil war. The contrast between the old man's kindness and the Benjamites' cruelty underscores the moral depravity of the Benjamites. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of moral decay and the breakdown of social order. The hospitality provided in this verse, makes the subseuent actions of the other men even more repulsive.
In summary, Judges 19:20 is more than just a polite greeting; it's a powerful statement about the cultural values of hospitality, safety, and moral responsibility in ancient Israel.
Judges 19:20 - The old man said, “Peace be to you; how ever let me supply all your needs. Just don’t sleep in the street.”
What does "Judges 19:20" mean?
This verse from Judges 19:20 reflects a key aspect of ancient Near Eastern hospitality and the social obligations surrounding it. Let's break it down:
"The old man said, “Peace be to you;”": This is a standard greeting, a blessing offering well-being. It's a way of welcoming the traveler and acknowledging their presence in a friendly way. In Hebrew, it would be "Shalom."
"how ever let me supply all your needs.": This is the crux of the verse. The old man is offering complete hospitality. "All your needs" likely encompasses food, drink, shelter, fodder for their animals (if they had any), and anything else required for comfort and safety. This was a moral imperative in those times. Travelers were vulnerable, and it was considered a duty to provide for them.
"Just don’t sleep in the street.”": This highlights the potential danger faced by the traveler. Sleeping in the street was dangerous because of exposure to the elements (weather, wild animals), and more importantly, the risk of violence and robbery. It was also considered shameful for a community to allow a stranger to sleep exposed in their streets. The old man is emphasizing that the traveler's safety and well-being are his priority.
In essence, the verse demonstrates:
Hospitality as a Sacred Duty: Offering shelter and provision to strangers was considered a sacred obligation, rooted in religious and cultural norms. It was a way of demonstrating kindness and ensuring the traveler's safety.
Protection from Danger: The old man is recognizing the inherent dangers faced by travelers, particularly at night, and is taking on the responsibility to protect them.
Moral Imperative: The old man's words are a powerful testament to the importance of looking out for the vulnerable and offering assistance to those in need. The offer to supply all their needs emphasizes the completeness and sincerity of his hospitality.
Social Shame: To allow a traveler to sleep in the streets would bring disgrace upon the entire community.
Context within Judges 19:
This act of hospitality becomes tragically important in the context of the story in Judges 19. The Levite and his concubine are traveling, and they are reluctant to stay in a city inhabited by foreigners. This verse sets up a contrast. The old man, despite being an Ephraimite living in Gibeah (a Benjamite city), shows remarkable hospitality, but the Benjamites of Gibeah later commit a horrific act of violence against the concubine, leading to a civil war. The contrast between the old man's kindness and the Benjamites' cruelty underscores the moral depravity of the Benjamites. The story serves as a warning about the dangers of moral decay and the breakdown of social order. The hospitality provided in this verse, makes the subseuent actions of the other men even more repulsive.
In summary, Judges 19:20 is more than just a polite greeting; it's a powerful statement about the cultural values of hospitality, safety, and moral responsibility in ancient Israel.