Judges 19:15
And they turned aside thither, to go in and to lodge in Gibeah: and when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city: for there was no man that took them into his house to lodging.
Judges 19:15 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Judges paints a picture of hospitality in ancient Gibeah. The travelers arrived in the city seeking shelter for the night, but to their surprise, no one extended a helping hand. This lack of hospitality was highly unusual in the biblical culture, where offering shelter to strangers was a common practice. The refusal to provide lodging reflects the moral decline and disregard for the value of hospitality in Gibeah at that time. The verse also sets the stage for the troubling events that follow, leading to a gruesome incident that serves as a catalyst for change in the region. It serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, kindness, and generosity towards others, especially towards those in need of help. Through this verse, readers are encouraged to reflect on the significance of hospitality and the impact it can have on individuals and communities.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Judges, we see a portrayal of the lack of hospitality that a Levite and his concubine encountered when they arrived in the city of Gibeah. The theological interpretation of this verse can highlight the importance of showing kindness and hospitality to others, as exemplified in other parts of the Bible. The lack of hospitality shown in this passage reflects a society where individuals were selfish and insensitive to the needs of others. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting the care of strangers and fellow human beings. Additionally, a word study on the term "lodging" can reveal the cultural significance of providing shelter and refuge to travelers in biblical times. This sheds light on the importance of generosity and compassion in the lives of believers, emphasizing the need to extend a helping hand to those in need.
Judges 19:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
And they turned aside thither, to go in to lodge in Gibeah: and he went in, and sat him down in the street of the city; for there was no man that took them into his house to lodge.
World English Bible
They turned aside there, to go in to lodge in Gibeah: and he went in, and sat him down in the street of the city; for there was no man who took them into his house to lodge.
Douay-Rheims
And they turned into it to lodge there. And when they were come in, they sat in the street of the city, for no man would receive them to lodge.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then they turned thither to goe in and lodge in Gibeah: and when he came, he sate him downe in a streete of the citie: for there was no man that tooke them into his house to lodging.