Judges 19 20

Judges 19:20 kjv

And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.

Judges 19:20 nkjv

And the old man said, "Peace be with you! However, let all your needs be my responsibility; only do not spend the night in the open square."

Judges 19:20 niv

"You are welcome at my house," the old man said. "Let me supply whatever you need. Only don't spend the night in the square."

Judges 19:20 esv

And the old man said, "Peace be to you; I will care for all your wants. Only, do not spend the night in the square."

Judges 19:20 nlt

"You are welcome to stay with me," the old man said. "I will give you anything you might need. But whatever you do, don't spend the night in the square."

Judges 19 verses

Judges 19 20 Meaning

Judges 19:20 portrays a crucial moment of offered hospitality in a deeply unsettling narrative. The kind old man extends an invitation to the Levite and his company, emphasizing a complete welcome with the offering of "peace" (security and well-being), on the condition that they do not remain exposed in the vulnerable public space of the street or city square. This gesture stands in stark contrast to the wickedness that soon emerges from the town, highlighting the profound moral decay and the breakdown of community responsibility in Israel during that time.

Judges 19 20 Context

Judges chapter 19 vividly illustrates the moral and social chaos pervading Israel during the period when "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judg 21:25). The immediate context describes a Levite, his concubine, and his servant traveling from Bethlehem of Judah through Jebus (Jerusalem) and finally reaching Gibeah in Benjamin as evening falls. This specific verse (Judges 19:20) marks a brief interlude of hope for hospitality offered by an old man from the hill country of Ephraim living in Gibeah, a striking contrast to the initial lack of welcome they encountered and the horrific events that would follow, epitomizing the profound depravity of the age.

Judges 19 20 Word analysis

• And the old man said: This phrase introduces a pivotal character—an elder—who typically embodies wisdom, authority, and adherence to tradition and societal norms in ancient Near Eastern cultures. His intervention signifies a lone beacon of proper conduct amidst a failing society.
• Peace: Hebrew: Shalom (שָׁלוֹם). More than just the absence of conflict, shalom encompasses a state of wholeness, well-being, completeness, prosperity, security, and tranquility. The old man’s declaration of shalom is a comprehensive blessing and an assurance of his pure intentions and protective embrace, contrasting sharply with the violence and depravity inherent in the men of Gibeah. It is an invitation to rest and safety.
• be to you: This phrase confirms the old man’s earnest desire for the Levite's well-being and signifies a genuine offer of protection and welcome. It solidifies the blessing of shalom directly upon the travelers.
• only: This little word serves as a critical qualifier. It indicates a condition or a crucial limitation, immediately preceding the directive to "lodge not in the street." It emphasizes that the old man's hospitality, while freely given, comes with a specific protective instruction.
• lodge not: This is a direct, imperative command, underscoring the urgency and importance of the instruction. It's not a suggestion but a strong injunction to avoid a perilous situation, demonstrating the old man’s concern for the travelers’ safety and his awareness of the dangers posed by the city's inhabitants.
• in the street: Hebrew: rechov (רְחוֹב). Refers to a broad open space, a city square, or a public thoroughfare. In ancient towns, sleeping in the rechov left travelers vulnerable to thieves, harsh weather, and most tragically in this context, the moral depravity and violence of wicked inhabitants. It implies exposure to public disgrace and danger, in opposition to the security and privacy of a home. This detail highlights the pervasive threat in Gibeah.

• "And the old man said, 'Peace be to you'": This grouping emphasizes the old man’s role as a custodian of ancient custom, particularly the law of hospitality. His immediate offer of shalom is a traditional welcome, establishing a covenant of protection and safety with the strangers, reflecting the expected societal conduct of Israelites, especially toward fellow Israelites (even if from another tribe). This sets up a profound contrast with the later actions of the townsmen.
• "only lodge not in the street": This forms a complete directive, showcasing the pragmatic side of the old man’s hospitality. He is not merely being polite; he is issuing a life-saving warning based on his understanding of the town’s character. This conditional offer reveals the deep decay within the city, where even a gesture of shalom must be immediately followed by a warning against danger. It underscores the severity of the spiritual and moral decline, as even staying in the public square, typically a safe, regulated space, is too dangerous.

Judges 19 20 Bonus section

The Ephraimite old man living in Benjaminite Gibeah serves as a symbolic bridge, a loyal Israelite preserving ancient customs of chesed (lovingkindness) and shalom even when surrounded by the chaos of a "kingless" society. His character implicitly contrasts with the Levite's ethical compromises and the Benjaminite's violent rebellion against both human decency and divine law. This particular moment is critical for showing that not all of Israel had fallen completely, but the righteousness of individuals was insufficient to stem the tide of societal collapse. The verse functions as a premonition, underscoring that the gravest threats came from within Israel's own community, rather than external enemies, pointing to the profound depths of its moral decay and covenantal unfaithfulness.

Judges 19 20 Commentary

Judges 19:20 is a powerful moment of brief, righteous hospitality amid overwhelming depravity. The old man, representing the remnants of covenantal faithfulness in a spiritually barren land, embodies the very antithesis of Gibeah's moral state. His offering of shalom to strangers from fellow tribes signifies adherence to divine laws of compassion and protection (Lev 19:33-34, Deut 10:18-19), particularly vital in a society without formal inns. His explicit warning against lodging "in the street" tragically foreshadows the heinous violence that awaits, subtly indicating the utter collapse of community and public safety. This verse thus stands as a lone beacon of righteous action, an urgent but ultimately insufficient effort to prevent the impending tragedy, highlighting the desperate need for spiritual leadership and moral discernment that was absent in Israel during the period of the judges. It is a profound demonstration of personal integrity standing against systemic societal evil.