Sons of Belial - Profligate fellows. See the notes on Deuteronomy 13:13 . That we may know him - See Genesis 19:5 . These were genuine sodomites as to their practice; sons of Belial, rascals and miscreants of the deepest dye; worse than brutes, being a compound of beast and devil inseparably blended. read more
Which was also of Mount Ephraim - i. e., of the country of the Levite. This single giver of hospitality was himself a stranger and sojourner at Gibeah. read more
The house of the Lord - Probably at Shiloh (marginal references). The Levite was probably one of those who ministered at the tabernacle. His two donkeys and servant show him to have been in good circumstances, and he had a home of his own. read more
Judges 19:16. Also of mount Ephraim Whence likewise the Levite was, which inclined him to show the more kindness to his countryman. But the men of the place were Benjamites This was indeed one of the cities belonging to the priests; but the cities which were given to the priests, and whereof they were owners, were not inhabited by the priests or Levites only, especially at this time, when they were but few in number, but by many other persons of different professions. read more
Judges 19:18. House of the Lord Which was in Shiloh. Thither he went, either because he lived there for that was in the tribe of Ephraim; or, rather, because he would there offer prayers and praises, and sacrifices to God, for his mercy in reconciling him and his wife. read more
Judges 19:19. Yet there is both straw, &c. The Levite here acquaints the man that he had with him all things necessary both for himself and his concubine, his servant and his asses; so that he should not burden any man who should receive him, as he only wanted some place to lodge in. For thy handmaid Or, as we should speak now, for the woman that is with me. The young man that is with thy servants Or along with us. It was a form of expression in those days to entitle themselves... read more
Judges 19:20-21. Let all thy wants lie upon me It matters not whether thou wantest nothing or every thing; I will take care to supply all thy wants. They washed their feet As they used to do to travellers in those hot countries. read more
Judges 19:22-23. As they were making their hearts merry That is, refreshing themselves with the provisions set before them. Behold, certain sons of Belial Children of the devil, wicked and licentious men. Bring forth the man, &c. They wanted the Levite brought forth, that they might satisfy their unnatural lusts. This man is come into my house And therefore I am obliged to protect him by the laws of hospitality. As several circumstances of this horrid wickedness resemble those of... read more
The war with Benjamin (19:1-21:25)A Levite whose concubine had run away from him came to Judah looking for her. When they were reunited, her father was so pleased he did not want them to leave. They therefore stayed with him a few days, then set out to return to the Levite’s home in Ephraim (19:1-9).The route back to Ephraim took the couple through the tribal territory of Benjamin. Looking for somewhere to sleep the night, they preferred not to stay in Jerusalem, which was inhabited by... read more
Get Bible verse every day in your inbox
Read on Mobile
Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Judges 19:20
All thy wants lie upon me - Here was genuine hospitality: "Keep your bread and wine for yourselves, and your straw and provender for your asses; you may need them before you finish your journey; I will supply all your wants for this night, therefore do not lodge in the street." read more