And behold, an old man was coming from his work in the field at evening. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah. The men of the place were Benjaminites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The narrative points out this old man is "sojourning" in Gibeah, meaning he's not from there, yet he demonstrates hospitality towards a fellow Ephraimite. This subtly highlights that even in a place where the native inhabitants (the Benjaminites) will soon reveal a deep moral darkness, a temporary resident from another region embodies kindness and shared identity, challenging the reader's expectations of where true welcome might be found.
And behold, an old man was coming from his work in the field at evening. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah. The men of the place were Benjaminites.
English Standard Version (ESV)
A Levite and his concubine are traveling, but they are forced to seek lodging in Gibeah, a town inhabited by Benjaminites. As they arrive in the evening, an older man, also from the region of Ephraim, is returning from his work in the field and offers them hospitality.
Imagine arriving in a town where no one knows you, and you don't know them. This is the Levite's situation, but it's also hinted at for the old man who appears.
This verse introduces us to an old man who is not a native of Gibeah. He's a sojourner, meaning he lives there but isn't from there originally. This detail is significant because it highlights that even in a settled community, there can be those who are 'outsiders.'
A Sense of Place
The text explicitly states, 'he was sojourning in Gibeah.' This isn't just a random detail; it sets up a contrast. The native-born Benjaminites are the ones who will later exhibit extreme hostility. The sojourner, despite not being a full member of their community, will show hospitality.
This theme of 'stranger' or 'sojourner' is revisited with the Levite himself, who is also described as 'sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim.' This recurring motif underscores the vulnerability of those without deep roots or established social standing within a community.
Sometimes, simply knowing someone shares your background can open doors and hearts. This verse hints at that very human connection.
The text notes that the old man is 'from the hill country of Ephraim.' Crucially, the Levite is also from this region.
Shared Identity, Shared Hospitality
While the old man offers hospitality before knowing the Levite's origin, the shared background between them likely deepens the connection and explains his immediate willingness to help. The commentators point out that this shared 'countryman' status would have made the old man even more inclined to welcome the Levite.
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In a time and place where being a stranger could be dangerous, having a common link – like being from the same mountainous region – would have been a significant comfort and a reason for trust. It speaks to the power of shared identity in fostering kindness and mutual support.
This town, a place of supposed refuge, will soon become infamous for its depravity. What does this reveal about seemingly normal communities?
The final detail in this verse is that 'the men of the place were Benjaminites.' This seemingly straightforward statement carries immense weight, especially considering what happens next in the story.
A Dark Future Unfolding
Gibeah is a city within the territory of Benjamin. The events that unfold here are some of the most horrific in the Old Testament, revealing a deep corruption within this specific Benjaminite community. The contrast between the ordinary description of the town and its inhabitants in verse 16 and the unspeakable evil that occurs shortly after is stark.
This passage serves as a chilling reminder that terrible wickedness can fester within seemingly ordinary places and among people who appear normal. The 'men of the place' are not described as inherently evil yet, but the stage is set for their descent into shocking depravity, illustrating how a community can harbor deep darkness.
Understand the original words
gur · Hebrew Verb
A state of being a temporary resident or foreigner in a land not one's own, often implying a lack of legal rights and a reliance on the hospitality of the local population. It frequently carries connotations of spiritual pilgrimage for the believer.
Binyamini · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the ancient Israelite tribe descended from the youngest son of Jacob, which held land in the central hill country. The tribe is characterized by a militant history and played a significant role in the early political struggles of Israel.
This passage unfolds during the chaotic 'Period of the Judges,' a time when Israel lacked centralized authority. The shocking events described highlight the moral decay and breakdown of justice, setting the stage for the near-extermination of the tribe of Benjamin and underscoring the desperate need for a king to bring order.
c. 1100 BC
Period of the Judges
Israel is governed by a series of charismatic leaders called judges. This era is characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, and deliverance, often marked by a lack of strong central leadership and a prevailing 'every man did what was right in his own eyes' mentality.
c. 1100 BC - 1077 BC— this verse
Levite's Journey and Ordeal
A Levite travels with his concubine to Bethlehem and then back towards Mount Ephraim. They stop for the night in Gibeah, a town of the tribe of Benjamin, where they encounter severe inhospitality and violence.
c. 1100 BC - 1077 BC
Dissemination of the Outrage
The Levite dismembers his concubine's body and sends portions to the twelve tribes of Israel, galvanizing a unified tribal response against the men of Gibeah and the tribe of Benjamin.
c. 1100 BC - 1077 BC
Tribal War Against Benjamin
The tribes of Israel wage war against the tribe of Benjamin, resulting in a near-total annihilation of Benjamin, with only 600 men surviving.
c. 1100 BC - 1077 BC
Restoration of Benjamin
The other tribes, regretting the near extinction of Benjamin, devise a plan to provide wives for the surviving Benjamites, ensuring the tribe's continuation.
This passage depicts Lot offering his guests to the hostile crowd of Sodom, highlighting the grave danger of sexual violence against strangers and the perverse hospitality that can arise in wicked places.
Exodus 22:21This law prohibits the mistreatment of sojourners, emphasizing God's concern for those who are in a vulnerable position, a theme starkly contrasted by the events in Gibeah.
Deuteronomy 23:15This verse speaks to the importance of not returning a runaway servant, which, by extension, speaks to the general principle of offering refuge and protection to those in need, contrasting with the lack of it in Gibeah.
Psalm 82:3This verse calls for justice for the weak and fatherless and defending the rights of the afflicted and destitute, which directly contrasts with the injustice and violence faced by the Levite and his concubine.
Romans 1:26-27Paul describes a similar unnatural and shameful depravity in the Roman world, providing a theological framework for understanding the extreme moral breakdown seen in Gibeah.
gillJudges 19:16: "And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites."
And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even,.... Which is the time that men come from their labour, and take their rest; and this man, though a man in years, and of some substance, as appears by what follows, yet attended the business of his calling, which was very commendab…
bensonJudges 19:16: "And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: but the men of the place were Benjamites."
Jdg 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…
The narrative points out this old man is "sojourning" in Gibeah, meaning he's not from there, yet he demonstrates hospitality towards a fellow Ephraimite. This subtly highlights that even in a place where the native inhabitants (the Benjaminites) will soon reveal a deep moral darkness, a temporary resident from another region embodies kindness and shared identity, challenging the reader's expectations of where true welcome might be found.
A Levite and his concubine are traveling, but they are forced to seek lodging in Gibeah, a town inhabited by Benjaminites. As they arrive in the evening, an older man, also from the region of Ephraim, is returning from his work in the field and offers them hospitality.
A Levite and his concubine are traveling, but they are forced to seek lodging in Gibeah, a town inhabited by Benjaminites. As they arrive in the evening, an older man, also from the region of Ephraim, is returning from his work in the field and offers them hospitality.
"And behold, an old man was coming from his work in the field at evening. The man was from the hill country of Ephraim, and he was sojourning in Gibeah. The men of the place were Benjaminites." — The narrative points out this old man is "sojourning" in Gibeah, meaning he's not from there, yet he demonstrates hospitality towards a fellow Ephraimite. This subtly highlights that even in a place…
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Last reviewed October 2026