Judges 19:21
So he brought him into his house and gave the donkeys feed. And they washed their feet, and ate and drank.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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This passage highlights a beautiful picture of ancient hospitality, noting that the host's first concern was for the traveler's donkeys, showing deep care for the animal's needs. Furthermore, the washing of feet, while seemingly simple, was a significant act of refreshment and honor in that dusty, sandal-wearing culture, preparing the guest for a shared meal and fellowship.
This passage occurs during a period of lawlessness in Israel, where a Levite's concubine is brutally assaulted and murdered by men in Gibeah. The Levite, seeking justice, dismembers her body and sends the pieces to different tribes, igniting widespread outrage. The immediate context shows the Levite and his concubine finally being welcomed into the home of an old man in Gibeah, where they are offered hospitality, including care for their donkeys, washing their feet, and a meal.
In a world where resources could be scarce, what does it say when the animals are cared for first?
This verse highlights a profound act of hospitality. The host, an old man from Mount Ephraim, immediately sees to the needs of the Levite's donkeys before attending to the guest himself.
A Standard of Care
This wasn't just a casual afterthought. Caring for the animals first was a deeply ingrained custom in the ancient Near East. It demonstrated:
This act sets a tone of genuine care and welcome, showing the Levite that he and his property were in good hands.
After a dusty, arduous journey, what simple act could bring immense relief and signify acceptance?
The washing of feet was more than just a hygiene practice; it was a vital part of ancient hospitality, deeply embedded in the culture.
More Than Just Cleanliness
In the arid climate of the region, where people wore sandals and walked dusty roads, feet would quickly become dirty and tired.
Understand the original words
hebi'o el-beyto · Hebrew Verb
The practice of showing hospitality to travelers, which in the ancient Near East was considered a sacred duty and a significant moral obligation.
This verse highlights the ancient Near Eastern custom of prioritizing the care of animals, showing the host's immediate concern for the guest's donkeys, and the importance of washing feet as a gesture of hospitality and refreshment after a journey.
Early 12th century BC
Period of the Judges begins
Following Joshua's death, Israel lacks central leadership, leading to regionalism and moral decline, as described in Judges 17-21.
Undated, during the Period of the Judges
Levite travels to Bethlehem
A Levite journeys to Bethlehem to retrieve his concubine who had left him, setting the stage for the events of Judges 19.
Undated, during the Period of the Judges— this verse
Levite and concubine travel to Gibeah
The Levite, his concubine, and his servant leave Bethlehem, but are forced to stay overnight in Gibeah, a town of Benjamin, due to the late hour.
Undated, during the Period of the Judges
Hospitality and assault in Gibeah
An old man from Ephraim, living in Gibeah, offers hospitality to the Levite but the men of Gibeah demand the Levite be handed over for sexual assault.
This passage describes Abraham offering a similar hospitable gesture of washing the feet of his guests, highlighting a recurring theme of welcoming strangers in ancient Near Eastern culture.
Luke 7:44Jesus recounts how Simon the Pharisee failed to offer basic hospitality, like washing his feet, contrasting with the woman who washed Jesus' feet with her tears, showing the significance of such acts of service.
John 13:5This depicts Jesus washing His disciples' feet, revealing a profound act of humility and service that redefines hospitality as a demonstration of love.
1 Timothy 5:10Paul mentions that a widow's good deeds, such as showing hospitality and washing the feet of the saints, are to be remembered, underscoring the value placed on such actions within the early Christian community.
ellicottJudges 19:21: "So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink."
(21) Gave provender unto the asses. —Notice the humane Eastern custom of attending first the wants of the animals. They washed their feet.—One of the first necessities for personal comfort after a journey in hot countries, and where only sandals are worn (Genesis 18:4; Genesis 24:32; Genesis 43:24; Luke 7:44; John 13:5; 1Timothy 5:10).
gillJudges 19:21: "So he brought him into his house, and gave provender unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink."
So he brought him into his house,.... Showed him the way to it, and in a kind and friendly manner introduced him, and bid him welcome: and gave provender unto the asses; this is mentioned first, it being then perhaps, as now, the first thing that a careful man is concerned for, to see that his cattle is taken care of, and then himself; and such a method this an…
This passage highlights a beautiful picture of ancient hospitality, noting that the host's first concern was for the traveler's donkeys, showing deep care for the animal's needs. Furthermore, the washing of feet, while seemingly simple, was a significant act of refreshment and honor in that dusty, sandal-wearing culture, preparing the guest for a shared meal and fellowship.
This passage occurs during a period of lawlessness in Israel, where a Levite's concubine is brutally assaulted and murdered by men in Gibeah. The Levite, seeking justice, dismembers her body and sends the pieces to different tribes, igniting widespread outrage. The immediate context shows the Levite and his concubine finally being welcomed into the home of an old man in Gibeah, where they are offered hospitality, including care for their donkeys, washing their feet, and a meal.
This passage occurs during a period of lawlessness in Israel, where a Levite's concubine is brutally assaulted and murdered by men in Gibeah. The Levite, seeking justice, dismembers her body and sends the pieces to different tribes, igniting widespread outrage. The immediate context shows the Levite and his concubine finally being welcomed into the home of an old man in Gibeah, where they are offered hospitality, including care for their donkeys, washing their feet, and a meal.
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Following this, the shared meal ('ate and drank') solidified the bond of hospitality, turning a stranger into a guest enjoying fellowship.
Undated, during the Period of the Judges
Levite's concubine is assaulted
The concubine is thrust out and brutally assaulted by the men of Gibeah throughout the night until she is dead.
Undated, during the Period of the Judges
Levite sends body parts across Israel
The Levite dismembers his concubine's body and sends the pieces to the twelve tribes of Israel to expose the horrific crime.
Undated, during the Period of the Judges
Israel demands justice for Gibeah
The tribes of Israel assemble and demand the men of Gibeah be punished, but the tribe of Benjamin refuses to hand them over.
"So he brought him into his house and gave the donkeys feed. And they washed their feet, and ate and drank." — This passage highlights a beautiful picture of ancient hospitality, noting that the host's first concern was for the traveler's donkeys, showing deep care for the animal's needs. Furthermore, the was…
