Judges 19:12
French Jerusalem 1998
Son maître lui répondit: "Nous ne ferons pas de détour vers une ville d'étrangers qui ne sont pas, ceux-là, des Israélites, mais nous pousserons jusqu'à Gibéa."
What Does This Mean?
The verse describes a master telling his servant that they will not stay in a city not belonging to the Israelites. Instead, they will travel to Gibeah, which is a city of their own people. This decision shows a preference for staying within their community.
Explained for Children
Imagine you're on a family trip and your dad says, 'We won't stay at a hotel in a strange town; we'll keep going to our cousin's house.' That's what's happening here. They prefer to stay with their own people.
Historical Background
The Book of Judges was written by various authors and later compiled, likely around the 6th or 7th century BCE. It reflects the period of the Judges, when Israel was governed by leaders appointed by God. The audience was the Israelites, and the context shows their tribal loyalties and concerns about safety and identity.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, if you're traveling to a new city for the first time, it might feel safer to stay with a friend or family member rather than in a hotel where you don't know anyone. This reflects the same sentiment of seeking familiarity and comfort.
Topics
CommunitySafetyTravelIdentityDecision MakingPreferential Treatment
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't they want to stay in a city of strangers?
They preferred staying within their own community for safety and comfort, reflecting the close-knit nature of tribal societies.
What can we learn from their decision in Judges 19:12?
We can learn the importance of seeking comfort and safety within familiar environments, especially when traveling or facing new situations.
How does this verse relate to our understanding of hospitality in the Bible?
This verse highlights the preference for staying with one's own people, which contrasts with other biblical teachings about welcoming strangers and showing hospitality.
What does this verse tell us about the relationship between the master and servant?
The verse shows that the servant follows the master's decision, indicating a hierarchical relationship where the master's preference is respected and followed.