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Tragedy of the Levite's Concubine | Biblical Narrative Analysis

Dive deep into Judges 19-21, exploring the tragic saga of the Levite and his concubine, revealing societal decay and moral dilemmas.

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Tragedy of the Levite's Concubine | Biblical Narrative Analysis

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  2. When The Judges Ruled Israel Biblical Studies From Judges & Ruth

  3. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • A Levite living in Ephraim takes for himself a concubine from Bethlehem Judah v. 1b • She was not faithful…she played the harlot and returns to her father’s house v. 2 • After 4 months, the Levite plans to get her back by speaking tenderly to her v. 3a

  4. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • At his father-in-law’s house vv. 3b-9 • The Levite came prepared to take her home • The concubine’s father detained him for feasting for at least 4 days & nights • On the 5th day, the Levite was asked to stay the night…he refused and left at evening

  5. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • The Levite & his traveling party came to a place opposite Jebus (Jerusalem) • His servant suggested they stay the night • The Levite was not willing to stay with “foreigners” 1:21

  6. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • He wanted to go as far as Gibeah or Ramah (in Benjaminite territory) • Arriving in Gibeah after sunset, no one takes them into their home…they are forced to set up their lodging in the open city square

  7. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • An old man from Ephraim came in from his labors in the field • He sees the Levite, concubine, & servant and inquires about their identity • He asks them to lodge with him

  8. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • The Levite replied they were fine in the “camp” they had made in the square • The old man implored them to come with him • Obviously, the old man knew what could happen to them unprotected in the open

  9. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • Later, “worthless men” from Gibeah surround the house and demand the old man give up the Levite to them for purposes of sodomy • This had to have been his earlier worry • A familiar scene to Gen 19:1-11(Lot)

  10. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • The old man goes outside to plead with them not to engage in such “folly” • As an alternative, he offers the men his own virgin daughter & the Levite’s concubine… they could “ravish” them as they pleased

  11. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • Another indication of Israel’s decline • The man was so opposed to homosexual rape that heterosexual rape wasn’t as bad • He was willing to sacrifice his own daughter • Such a devaluation of human life!!

  12. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • The Gibean sodomites didn’t like the old man’s alternative • As a result, the Levite’s concubine was given over to these men…they raped & abused her all night long until the early morning

  13. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • The text is unclear re: “the man” of v. 25 • If the Levite, he was guilty of saving himself at the concubine’s expense • If the old man, he didn’t care for the woman either & the Levite was guilty of cowardice

  14. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • The concubine makes it back to the old man’s house…she falls dead at the threshold at daybreak • The Levite tells her to get up…not answering, he puts on a donkey & takes her home

  15. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Staying in Benjamin vv. 10-28 • The Levite had as little respect (compassion) for the concubine in her death as he had when she was alive • Any modern-day similarities to our own culture and society?

  16. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Back in Ephraim vv. 29-30 • The Levite dismembers his concubine and sends the 12 pieces all throughout Israel • Israel reacted…“Nothing like this has ever happened…since the sons of Israel came up from the land of Egypt”

  17. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • The Levite & His Concubine 19:1-30 • Back in Ephraim vv. 29-30 • There’s no indication Israel knew about how the concubine had been treated…did the Levite attach a note to the body parts sent? • It seems more likely sending the body parts was a way to call Israel to action 1 Sam 11:7

  18. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • All Israel gathered at Mizpah to find out what had happened vv. 1-3 • Tribal chiefs…400,000 foot soldiers • The Levite describes his episode in Gibeah at the old man’s house vv. 4-6 • The Levite sought Israel’s advice v. 7

  19. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • The Levite’s “version of the story” v. 5 • His portrayal doesn’t make him look bad at all • The Gibeanites never stated they planned to kill him…yet, that could have happened • He implied his concubine was “taken”…she was actually “given” (sacrificed)

  20. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • Israel’s decision re: Benjamin vv. 8-16 • The author is careful to emphasize Israel’s unity at this moment vv. 1, 8, 11 • They decide to punish Gibeah • Plans were drawn up re: provisions and preparations for war

  21. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • Israel’s decision re: Benjamin vv. 8-16 • They demanded the Gibean sodomites be handed over for execution vv. 12-13a • Benjamin refused…instead, they decided to defend them and go to war vv. 13b-14 • Benjamin had 26,000…Israel had 400,000

  22. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • Israel’s decision re: Benjamin vv. 8-16 • Of Benjamin’s 26,000 was 700 left-handed “experts” with a sling v. 16 • If this story occurred early in the time period, it could be possible Ehud (Israel’s 2nd judge) was among these 700 “experts” 3:15

  23. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • The war vv. 17-48 [In 3 “stages”] Stage 1 vv. 18-23 • Israel inquired who should lead…it was Judah • Benjamin killed 22,000 Israelites • Israel retreated, mourned their losses…asked God if they should continue…answer of “YES”

  24. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • The war vv. 17-48 [In 3 “stages”] Stage 2 vv. 24-28 • Israel again suffered defeat…this time, Benjamin killed 18,000 Israelites • Again, Israel retreated, mourned their losses

  25. Another reason for a possible earlier date re: this story He began serving before Joshua’s death Josh 22 The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • The war vv. 17-48 [In 3 “stages”] Stage 2 vv. 24-28 • This time, Israel gave sacrifices & offerings • Phineas (high priest) used the ark to inquire of God re: whether to continue the battle • God said “Yes”…this time, they would win

  26. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • The war vv. 17-48 [In 3 “stages”] Stage 3 vv. 29-48 • Israel used different tactics this time • They put 10,000 in hiding for an ambush • They met Benjamin as before…30 were killed • They feigned retreat to drawn Benjamin out

  27. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • The war vv. 17-48 [In 3 “stages”] Stage 3 vv. 29-48 • When Benjamin pursued in confidence, the 10,000 attacked the exposed city • Israel stopped fleeing and turned back… Benjamin was caught in a trap

  28. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Civil War In Israel 20:1-48 • The war vv. 17-48 [In 3 “stages”] Stage 3 vv. 29-48 • When Israel saw the rising smoke from Gibeah, that was the signal to turn on Benjamin • Benjamin lost their courage…25,000 were killed • 600 managed to escape to the wilderness

  29. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Saving The “Lost Tribe” 21:1-25 • Before the civil war, Israel had sworn that no tribe should give its daughters to Benjamin for marriage v. 1 • After the war, “reality set in”…Israel now recognized an entire tribe would be lost… Israel wept before the Lord vv. 2-4

  30. The “Second Appendix” Judg 19-21 • Saving The “Lost Tribe” 21:1-25 • To show their remorse, Israel gathered together and began thinking of a way to provide for Benjamin’s existence while at the same time remaining true to their vow vv. 5-7

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