Judges 19:1

French (La Sainte Bible par Louis Segond 1910)

Dans ce temps où il n'y avait point de roi en Israël, un Lévite, qui séjournait à l'extrémité de la montagne d'Ephraïm, prit pour sa concubine une femme de Bethléhem de Juda.

What Does This Mean?

This verse describes a time in Israel when there was no king to rule, and it mentions a Levite man who lived in Ephraim and had a concubine from Bethlehemjudah. It sets the stage for a story about a complex situation.

Explained for Children

Imagine a time when there were no kings to make rules for everyone. A man who worked in the temple lived in a place called Ephraim. He had a special girlfriend from Bethlehem. This is like when you have a best friend from another school!

Historical Background

The Book of Judges was written around 970 BC, likely by Samuel, to detail the period when Israel was not ruled by kings but by judges. This verse sets the scene during a chaotic period, illustrating the absence of centralized authority and the consequences thereof.

Living It Out Today

In today’s world, this verse can remind us about the importance of leadership and clear guidelines. Just as the Levite man faced issues without a king, communities today might struggle without good leadership. Think about your school – how does having a good principal make things better?

Topics

• leadership
• consequences
• community
• marriage
• ancient Israel
• moral lessons

Related Verses

• Genesis 38:1-30
• 1 Samuel 1:1-28
• 2 Samuel 3:1-7
• 1 Corinthians 7:39
• 1 Timothy 3:2-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that there was 'no king in Israel'?

It means that Israel was not governed by a monarch but by leaders known as judges, who were appointed by God to lead and judge the people, often in times of crisis.

Who was a Levite?

A Levite was a member of the tribe of Levi, known for their religious duties and roles in the temple services, distinct from other tribes in Israel.

What is a concubine in biblical times?

A concubine was a woman who lived with a man as a wife but had a secondary status in the household, often without the same legal protections as a wife.

Why is this verse important?

This verse is crucial as it introduces a critical narrative about the moral decay and chaos in Israel during a time when there was no strong leadership, highlighting the importance of good governance.