Judges 20:4

Arabic Bible AVD 1999 (الكتاب المقدس)

فَأَجَابَ ٱلرَّجُلُ ٱللَّاوِيُّ بَعْلُ ٱلْمَرْأَةِ ٱلْمَقْتُولَةِ وَقَالَ: «دَخَلْتُ أَنَا وَسُرِّيَّتِي إِلَى جِبْعَةَ ٱلَّتِي لِبَنْيَامِينَ لِنَبِيتَ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, a man named the Levite is talking about a tragic event. He explains that he and his concubine went to stay in a town called Gibeah, which belongs to the tribe of Benjamin. The key message is about the context leading up to a tragic incident.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're on a trip with your friend and you decide to stay at a hotel. But something bad happens, and your friend gets hurt. This man is explaining to others that he and his friend were just trying to stay safe at this hotel, but something terrible happened.

Historical Background

The Book of Judges was written by various authors, possibly including Samuel, and it documents the period of Israel's history after the death of Joshua. This passage is part of a narrative that describes the moral and social decay in Israel during the period of the Judges. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was one of tribal conflict and moral decline.

Living It Out Today

Imagine you're planning a trip with a friend and things go terribly wrong. This story reminds us to be cautious about where we stay and who we trust, especially in unfamiliar places. It also highlights the importance of community support and justice in difficult situations.

Topics

• faith
• justice
• morality
• community
• trust
• safety

Related Verses

• Judges 19:25-27
• Judges 19:1-30
• Genesis 19:1-11
• 1 Samuel 22:1-2
• Matthew 18:6-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'concubine' mean in this context?

A concubine in ancient times was a woman who lived with a man but had a status lower than that of a wife. This relationship was often formalized but had different rights and status compared to marriage.

Why is the Levite's account important?

The Levite's account is crucial as it provides a first-hand narrative of the tragic events that unfolded, setting the stage for the subsequent conflict between the Israelite tribes.

How does this verse tie into the themes of Judges?

This verse ties into the overarching theme of Judges, which deals with moral decay and the consequences of failing to uphold justice and righteousness within the community.

What can we learn about hospitality from this story?

The story highlights the critical importance of hospitality and how failing to uphold this duty can lead to tragic outcomes, emphasizing the need for trust and care within communities.