A.
Find Out:
1.
What started off this terrible episode in Israel
's life? v.1-3
2.
How did the father-in-law try to persuade the Levite? v.4-9
3.
But what did the Levite do & where did they end up? v.10-15
4.
How did they receive hospitality? v.16-21
5.
Yet what happened? v.22-28
6.
So what did the Levite do? v.29,30
B.
Think:
1.
What does this story say about travel in Israel at that time?
2.
What does it say about the moral state of the land?
C.
Comment:
Why is this story included in Judges? First, because it shows
the state of Israel at that time and, second, because it lays the foundation
for what follows in the remaining chapters. It is without doubt a terrible
account from a variety of viewpoints. First the Levite takes a concubine
– less than a wife, a sexual servant. Not a good starting place. There
is disharmony between them and she goes back to her home in the south.
He follows and is well received by her father who prevails on him to
stay.
He does for four days, but on the fifth he takes
her with him late in the day and makes for home. It's a long way so
they have to find somewhere to stay on the way. When eventually taken
in by a good man in Gibeah, their evening was interrupted by evil men
of the town demanding homosexual favours. The Levite eventually sends
his concubine outside to satisfy them, where she is raped to near death.
Everything about this is revolting and evil. Although
the Lord is not mentioned, it is no wonder that death comes on the land
in a large measure as a follow-on to this state of affairs. What follows
has to be the judgement of God, by the hands of men. The girl clearly
dies and the Levite takes he home, dismembers her body and sends parts
of it round all the tribes of Israel . ‘Shock treatment' is an understatement
to describe what he does. He is basically saying to Israel , this is
terrible but not as terrible as what is happening in the Land. Do something!
D.
Application:
1.
Unrestrained desires lead to sin and evil. Beware.
2.
God's people are called to be holy.