Summary of the Verse

This verse narrates the journey of a Levite and his concubine who travel to Gibeah, a town in the territory of Benjamin, as they seek shelter. The mention of the setting sun symbolizes the end of their day and foreshadows the events that will unfold in the city.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Henry highlights the Levite's journey as a representation of man's wandering state, emphasizing that like the Levite, we often find ourselves in places that lead to moral decay. Gibeah's eventual associations with violence and immorality serve as a cautionary tale about the choices we make in our life journeys.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes points out the significance of the Levite's choice to stop in Gibeah, a city known for its depravity. He discusses the implications of staying in a place characterized by immorality, suggesting that believers must choose wisely the environments they inhabit.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke draws attention to the timeline of the journey, noting how the sun setting symbolizes both a literal and metaphorical darkness that could come upon them. He indicates that this moment foreshadows the danger awaiting them in Gibeah, an important lesson on vigilance in the face of adversity.

Thematic Connections

This verse links to several broader biblical themes, including:

• The Importance of Community: The Levite and his concubine seek hospitality, illustrating the biblical theme of community support (Hebrews 13:2).
• The Dangers of Temptation: Their choice of lodging in a morally ambiguous city reflects the continuous struggle against temptation and sin (1 Corinthians 15:33).
• God’s Sovereignty: God’s providential hand is implicit in their journey, even through the trials they face (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Bible Verse Cross-References

Several other scriptures link to Judges 19:14, providing a greater understanding:

• Genesis 19:1-5 - The hospitality and wickedness of Sodom parallels the events in Gibeah.
• 1 Peter 5:8 - A reminder to be sober and vigilant as they navigate a morally corrupt world.
• Luke 10:7 - The Biblical emphasis on hospitality resonates with the Levite’s journey.
• Romans 12:2 - A call to not conform to the patterns of this world, reflecting on the choices where they dwell.
• Judges 19:25 - A direct continuation of the narrative, illustrating the violence met in Gibeah.
• Leviticus 19:34 - The expectation of love and hospitality toward strangers, which the Levite seeks.
• James 4:4 - The idea of friendship with the world can be enmity against God, which Gibeah exemplifies.

Applying the Verse

Understanding Judges 19:14 requires us to reflect on our own lives:

• Choosing Our Associations: Just as the Levite chose to stay in Gibeah, we must be cautious about where we reside emotionally and morally.
• Being Aware of Surroundings: The setting sun can symbolize the creeping darkness of a situation. We should remain vigilant in identifying when we are in dangerous or harmful situations.
• Seeking Wisdom in Community: Embrace the biblical principle of seeking companionship within a supportive and righteous community.

Conclusion

Judges 19:14 serves as a historical narrative but also a profound moral lesson. By examining the insights from public domain commentaries, the connections between various scriptures, and applying these themes to our lives, we enrich our understanding of God's Word. As we cross-reference related verses, we gain deeper insights into our faith and the choices we make.