Judges 19:1

Now in those days, when there was no king in Israel, a Levite who lived in the remote hill country of Ephraim took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.

Study Bible

Now in those days, when there was no king in Israel,

This phrase sets the historical context for the narrative, indicating a time of political and social instability. The absence of a king suggests a period of decentralized leadership, where the tribes of Israel were governed by judges. This era is characterized by the repeated cycle of Israel's disobedience, oppression by enemies, cries for deliverance, and God raising a judge to save them. The lack of centralized authority often led to moral and social chaos, as seen in the events of Judges 19-21. This phrase also foreshadows the eventual demand for a monarchy in Israel, as seen in 1 Samuel 8.

Jdg 18:1 In those days there was no king in Israel,…
Jdg 17:6 In those days there was no king in Israel;…
Jdg 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel;…

a Levite who lived in the remote hill country of Ephraim

The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties, serving in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This Levite's residence in the hill country of Ephraim, rather than in a Levitical city, may indicate a departure from his expected role. Ephraim was a significant tribe in Israel, often associated with leadership and influence. The geographical setting in the hill country suggests isolation, which may contribute to the Levite's actions and the unfolding narrative. The Levite's presence in Ephraim connects to other biblical stories, such as the division of the kingdom under Jeroboam, an Ephraimite.

Jdg 17:7-8 And there was a young Levite from Bethlehem in Judah…
Jos 21:20-22 The remaining Kohathite clans of the Levites were allotted…
1Ch 6:66-67 And some of the clans of the Kohathites were given…

took for himself a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah.

A concubine was a secondary wife, often of lower status, who did not have the same rights as a primary wife. This practice, while culturally accepted in ancient times, often led to familial strife and complications, as seen in the stories of Abraham, Jacob, and David. Bethlehem in Judah is significant as the future birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ, highlighting the town's importance in biblical history. The mention of Bethlehem may also serve to contrast the moral decay in Israel with the future hope of a righteous king. The Levite's choice to take a concubine from Bethlehem may reflect the inter-tribal relationships and social dynamics of the time.

Rut 1:1-2 In the days when the judges ruled, there was a famine…
1Sa 17:12 Now David was the son of a man named Jesse, an Ephrathite…
Jdg 8:31 His concubine, who dwelt in Shechem, also bore him…

Persons / Places / Events

1. Israel
The nation of God's chosen people, who at this time had no centralized leadership or king, leading to a period of moral and social chaos.

2. Levite
A member of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties. This Levite's actions and decisions are central to the account that follows.

3. Hill Country of Ephraim
A region in central Israel, known for its rugged terrain. It is significant as the Levite's place of residence.

4. Concubine
A woman who lived with a man but had a lower status than his wife. The concubine's relationship with the Levite is pivotal to the unfolding events.

5. Bethlehem in Judah
A town in the territory of Judah, known as the birthplace of King David and later Jesus Christ. It is the origin of the concubine.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Anarchy
Without a king or central leadership, Israel experienced moral and social chaos. This serves as a reminder of the importance of godly leadership and order in society.

The Role of the Levite
As a member of the priestly tribe, the Levite's actions should have reflected God's standards. This challenges us to consider how our roles and responsibilities align with our faith.

The Value of Relationships
The Levite's relationship with his concubine highlights the complexities and potential dysfunctions in relationships. It calls us to evaluate the health and godliness of our own relationships.

The Significance of Place
Bethlehem, though small, plays a significant role in biblical history. This reminds us that God can use any place or person for His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the absence of a king in Israel suggest about the spiritual and moral state of the nation during this time?

2. How does the role of the Levite in this account challenge us to reflect on our own spiritual responsibilities?

3. In what ways can the relationship between the Levite and his concubine inform our understanding of biblical relationships and their complexities?

4. How does the setting of Bethlehem in this account connect to its later significance in the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's use of seemingly insignificant places?

5. Considering the broader context of Judges, how can we apply the lessons of leadership and order to our personal lives and communities today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

The phrase "Israel had no king" is a recurring theme in Judges, highlighting the lack of leadership and the resulting moral decline. This is echoed in the book of 1 Samuel, where the Israelites demand a king to lead them.

The role of the Levites is further explored in the book of Leviticus, where their duties and responsibilities are outlined, emphasizing their role in maintaining spiritual order.

The concept of a concubine and the complexities of such relationships can be seen in Genesis with Hagar and Abraham, illustrating the social and familial tensions that can arise.