Judges 19:27 - Her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way; and behold, the woman his concubine had fallen down at the door of the house, with her hands on the threshold.
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What does "Judges 19:27" mean?
This verse is a deeply disturbing one from the Book of Judges, and its meaning is intertwined with the horrific events surrounding it. Here's a breakdown of what it describes and its implications:
"Her lord rose up in the morning...": This refers to the Levite, the woman's master/husband (though the relationship is a concubine, which implies a lower status than a wife). He is resuming his normal routine after a night's stay in Gibeah.
"...and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way...": The Levite is preparing to leave. He is unaware of the horrors that transpired the previous night and assumes his concubine is sleeping inside.
"...and behold, the woman his concubine had fallen down at the door of the house...": This is the crucial and horrifying revelation. He discovers his concubine lying motionless at the entrance. The word "fallen down" suggests she is either unconscious or dead.
"...with her hands on the threshold.": This detail adds to the pathos and horror. Her hands on the threshold suggest she was desperately trying to get into the house, seeking help or safety. It implies a struggle, and a desperate plea for rescue, which was ultimately unanswered.
What does this verse mean in the broader context?
This verse is a stark and brutal depiction of the aftermath of a horrific act of sexual violence. The previous chapter (Judges 19) describes how the Levite and his concubine were taken in by an old man in Gibeah. Later, a group of men from the city surrounded the house and demanded that the old man send out the Levite so they could rape him. The old man offered his daughter and the concubine instead, and the men took the concubine and raped and abused her throughout the night.
Evidence of Extreme Depravity: The discovery of the concubine's body is the culmination of the wickedness and moral decay that characterize the period of the Judges. The men of Gibeah committed a heinous crime, and the woman was left for dead.
The Levite's Complicity (to a degree): Some interpretations argue that the Levite's actions in the previous chapter, offering her to the mob to protect himself, contribute to the horror of this scene. His lack of immediate concern for her well-being after such a traumatic night is also notable. He treats her more like property than a human being.
Beginning of a cycle of vengeance: This verse is the trigger for the events that follow. The Levite's reaction to this discovery (he dismembers her body and sends the pieces throughout Israel) ignites a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin (to which Gibeah belonged).
A condemnation of inhospitality: The lack of proper hospitality from the inhabitants of Gibeah is a major theme, contrasting with the generosity of the old man who took them in. The failure to protect the travelers leads directly to the tragedy.
In short, this verse is a pivotal moment in a story that illustrates the depths of depravity to which Israel had sunk during the period of the Judges. It highlights themes of violence, sexual assault, inhospitality, and the breakdown of social order, and it serves as a catalyst for a brutal act of revenge.
It is important to approach this story with sensitivity, recognizing the violence and trauma it depicts. The Book of Judges is a historical account, and while it records these events, it does not endorse them. Instead, it serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of moral decline and the need for justice.
Judges 19:27 - Her lord rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way; and behold, the woman his concubine had fallen down at the door of the house, with her hands on the threshold.
What does "Judges 19:27" mean?
This verse is a deeply disturbing one from the Book of Judges, and its meaning is intertwined with the horrific events surrounding it. Here's a breakdown of what it describes and its implications:
"Her lord rose up in the morning...": This refers to the Levite, the woman's master/husband (though the relationship is a concubine, which implies a lower status than a wife). He is resuming his normal routine after a night's stay in Gibeah.
"...and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way...": The Levite is preparing to leave. He is unaware of the horrors that transpired the previous night and assumes his concubine is sleeping inside.
"...and behold, the woman his concubine had fallen down at the door of the house...": This is the crucial and horrifying revelation. He discovers his concubine lying motionless at the entrance. The word "fallen down" suggests she is either unconscious or dead.
"...with her hands on the threshold.": This detail adds to the pathos and horror. Her hands on the threshold suggest she was desperately trying to get into the house, seeking help or safety. It implies a struggle, and a desperate plea for rescue, which was ultimately unanswered.
What does this verse mean in the broader context?
This verse is a stark and brutal depiction of the aftermath of a horrific act of sexual violence. The previous chapter (Judges 19) describes how the Levite and his concubine were taken in by an old man in Gibeah. Later, a group of men from the city surrounded the house and demanded that the old man send out the Levite so they could rape him. The old man offered his daughter and the concubine instead, and the men took the concubine and raped and abused her throughout the night.
Evidence of Extreme Depravity: The discovery of the concubine's body is the culmination of the wickedness and moral decay that characterize the period of the Judges. The men of Gibeah committed a heinous crime, and the woman was left for dead.
The Levite's Complicity (to a degree): Some interpretations argue that the Levite's actions in the previous chapter, offering her to the mob to protect himself, contribute to the horror of this scene. His lack of immediate concern for her well-being after such a traumatic night is also notable. He treats her more like property than a human being.
Beginning of a cycle of vengeance: This verse is the trigger for the events that follow. The Levite's reaction to this discovery (he dismembers her body and sends the pieces throughout Israel) ignites a civil war against the tribe of Benjamin (to which Gibeah belonged).
A condemnation of inhospitality: The lack of proper hospitality from the inhabitants of Gibeah is a major theme, contrasting with the generosity of the old man who took them in. The failure to protect the travelers leads directly to the tragedy.
In short, this verse is a pivotal moment in a story that illustrates the depths of depravity to which Israel had sunk during the period of the Judges. It highlights themes of violence, sexual assault, inhospitality, and the breakdown of social order, and it serves as a catalyst for a brutal act of revenge.
It is important to approach this story with sensitivity, recognizing the violence and trauma it depicts. The Book of Judges is a historical account, and while it records these events, it does not endorse them. Instead, it serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of moral decline and the need for justice.