The book of Judges, some very, very disturbing stories.

I'm going through my bible again chronologically, and on day 97, I came across this gruesome story. As mentioned below, it is not endorsed, nor condoned. It is however reported. Just as a journalists job is not to have moral judgement on an article he / she's writing, they are just to report what happened. Same goes for below. Beyond disturbing, when men and women are left without a moral compass.

The events of Judges 19 in the Bible recount a disturbing and tragic incident that highlights the moral decay and lawlessness during the period of the Judges in ancient Israel. The narrative revolves around a Levite and his concubine, unfolding a tale of hospitality turned horror.

The story begins with the Levite and his concubine traveling through the territory of the tribe of Benjamin. As night falls, they find themselves in the city of Gibeah, where no one offers them hospitality until an old man invites them into his home. This seemingly generous act takes a dark turn as the men of the city surround the house, demanding to have sexual relations with the Levite.

In a shocking twist, the Levite, possibly driven by fear for his own safety, decides to protect himself at the expense of his concubine. He offers her to the mob, who brutally abuse and rape her throughout the night. The next morning, the Levite finds his concubine lying at the doorstep, lifeless. In a callous display of indifference, he places her on his donkey and continues his journey.

The Levite's actions and the heinous crime committed against the concubine showcase the moral bankruptcy and chaos that characterized the era of the Judges. The disregard for hospitality, the abuse of the vulnerable, and the lack of justice paint a bleak picture of societal decay.

The Levite's decision to offer his concubine to the mob is a disturbing reflection of the depravity and self-preservation prevailing in that society. It's important to note that the Bible does not endorse or justify his actions. Instead, the narrative serves as a poignant commentary on the consequences of turning away from God's principles and the absence of righteous leadership.

As the Levite returns home, he dismembers the body of his concubine and sends the pieces to the twelve tribes of Israel, sparking outrage and a sense of collective responsibility among the Israelites. The incident leads to a significant conflict between the tribe of Benjamin, which protects the perpetrators, and the rest of the Israelite tribes.

The gruesome events in Judges 19 serve as a stark warning about the consequences of moral decline and the importance of upholding justice and righteousness. The episode contributes to the broader theme in the book of Judges, which chronicles the cyclical pattern of Israel's disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

In conclusion, Judges 19 presents a distressing account of the Levite and his concubine, illustrating the moral deterioration and lawlessness prevalent in ancient Israel during the time of the Judges. The narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the dire consequences that follow when a society abandons God's guidance and succumbs to a culture of violence and immorality.