Judges 19 - The Sin of the Benjamites

Here we see a Levite traveling to bring his concubine home, only to be accosted by Benjamites in Gibeah, leading to the murder of his concubine at their hands. This chapter comes with multiple warnings. First, our sin has consequences. Even if forgiven, there may still be consequences in this life. They were only traveling because the concubine had run off to play the harlot. She didn't deserve what happened, but if they were at home, it wouldn't have happened. Next, we see that procrastinating and making unwise choices can have drastic results. They only stopped in Gibeah because he chose to stay all day at the father in law's house and then leave late in the day. Third, we're warned that our own people aren't a guarantee of safety. Our hope and faith have to be on God, not man. He rejected the city of the Jebusites to stay in a city of Israel, yet his brethren were more of a danger than anyone else. Lastly, we see that small steps away from God lead to bigger steps away from God. Despite being commanded to provide hospitality, the people of Gibeah refused. It was a fellow Ephraimite living in the town who gave him hospitality. That first step away led to much bigger steps, leading to their ultimate sin. The Levite took a concubine when God's plan has been for a husband and wife. Follow God, keep His commands, and live as to bring glory to Him.