Judges 19:29

Afrikaans 1933/1953

Maar toe hy in sy huis kom, het hy 'n mes geneem en sy byvrou gegryp en haar stukkend gesny volgens haar gebeente in twaalf stukke en dit in die hele grondgebied van Israel rondgestuur.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a man who, after a tragic event involving his concubine, dismembers her body into twelve pieces and sends them to different parts of Israel. The action was meant to communicate the severity of the situation to the tribes of Israel. This is a very graphic and disturbing image used to convey a powerful message.

Explained for Children

Imagine if someone did something really bad to a toy, and then broke the toy into pieces to show everyone how upset they were. That’s kind of what happened here, but it’s much more serious because it’s about real people.

Historical Background

The Book of Judges was written by various authors, possibly Samuel, around the 11th century BCE. It was written to the Israelites as a historical and moral narrative. The cultural setting was one of tribal conflict and the absence of a strong central authority, leading to moral and ethical deterioration.

Living It Out Today

In modern times, this can remind us of the importance of communicating issues clearly and the potential consequences of moral and ethical failures. Just as the man used a drastic method to get attention, sometimes we need to be bold in addressing serious issues in our communities.

Topics

• ethics
• communication
• tragedy
• community
• moral responsibility
• conflict

Related Verses

• Genesis 4:8-12
• 1 Kings 16:21-28
• Ezekiel 37:1-14
• Luke 15:11-32
• Romans 12:17-21

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Levite dismember his concubine?

The Levite dismembered his concubine to draw attention to the severity of the violence and moral decay in Israel, calling for a response from the tribes.

What was the cultural significance of dividing the body into twelve pieces?

Dividing the body into twelve pieces may symbolize the twelve tribes of Israel, emphasizing the message to the entire nation.

How can this verse be studied in a contemporary context?

Contemporary study of this verse can focus on the themes of communication, moral responsibility, and the consequences of ethical failures in community settings.

What is the broader message of Judges 19?

The broader message is about the moral and ethical decline of Israel and the need for a unified response to restore justice and order within the community.