Judges 19:21-22
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This seemingly simple act of hospitality highlights a custom that, while deeply refreshing to the travelers, also underscores the precariousness of life in this era. Washing one's feet wasn't just about comfort in the heat; it was a sacred sign of welcome and safety extended to a stranger, an act of kindness that stood in stark contrast to the violence soon to engulf the land.
So he brought him into his house and gave the donkeys feed. And they washed their feet, and ate and drank. As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, worthless fellows, surrounded the house, beating on the door. And they said to the old man, the master of the house, “Bring out the man who came into your house, that we may know him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a long journey, the Levite and his concubine are welcomed by an elderly man in Gibeah. Following ancient customs of hospitality, the man first ensures their donkeys are fed, then invites them inside to wash their weary feet, and finally shares a meal with them. This scene of peaceful hospitality quickly contrasts with the horrific events that will soon unfold in Gibeah, highlighting the nation's moral decay during this period of "no king in Israel."
Imagine arriving at your destination after a long, dusty journey. What's the very first thing you'd want to do? The Bible shows us a priority that might surprise you.
In this account, the host's immediate concern wasn't just for his guest, but for the guest's donkeys.
After a day's travel on ancient roads, dusty and weary, what simple act could bring immense relief and dignity?
The act of washing feet was far more than a mere courtesy; it was a fundamental gesture of respect and restoration.
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This seemingly simple act of hospitality unfolds against a backdrop of deep societal breakdown. What does that tell us about God's way in dark times?
The story in Judges 19, including this moment of kindness, is set during a period described as 'when there was no king in Israel; everyone did as they saw fit.' This verse, therefore, shines a light on God's grace operating even when human structures have failed.
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.
benei beliya'al · Hebrew Noun phrase
A common Hebrew idiom used to refer to someone of low character, moral worthlessness, or wickedness; literally 'sons of worthlessness'.
yada' · Hebrew Verb
A biblical euphemism for sexual intercourse, often implying a deep, intimate, or aggressive acquaintance.
This verse occurs during a period of extreme lawlessness in Israel, where hospitality was a sacred duty but social order had broken down. The simple acts of kindness—caring for the animals, washing feet, sharing a meal—stand in stark contrast to the horrific events that follow, underscoring the moral decay of the time.
Early 11th Century BC
Period of the Judges
Israel was a confederation of tribes without a centralized monarchy, leading to frequent local conflicts and a lack of uniform justice. This era is characterized by the recurring cycle of disobedience, oppression, deliverance, and peace.
Early 11th Century BC
Levite's concubine flees to Bethlehem
A Levite's concubine leaves him and returns to her father's home in Bethlehem-Judah, setting in motion the events described in Judges 19.
Early 11th Century BC
Levite travels to Bethlehem
The Levite travels to Bethlehem to persuade his concubine to return, highlighting the family and social dynamics of the time.
Early 11th Century BC— this verse
Levite and concubine travel to Gibeah
The Levite, his concubine, and servants depart Bethlehem, intending to return to their home, but are forced by the approaching night to seek lodging in Gibeah, a town in the tribe of Benjamin.
Early 11th Century BC
Ordeal in Gibeah
The travelers are initially refused lodging but are eventually taken in by an old man from Mount Ephraim who lives in Gibeah. This leads to the horrific crime committed against the Levite's concubine by the men of Gibeah.
Early 11th Century BC
Levite's brutal response
The Levite, upon discovering his concubine dead, brutally dismembers her body and sends the pieces throughout Israel to rally support against the tribe of Benjamin.
Early 11th Century BC
Civil War Erupts
The outrage over the crime in Gibeah sparks a devastating civil war, nearly exterminating the tribe of Benjamin.
This passage also describes hospitality where feet washing is an initial act of comfort and cleansing for travelers, mirroring the practical kindness shown in Judges 19.
Luke 7:44Jesus highlights the significance of washing feet as a gesture of hospitality and service, emphasizing its importance as a common practice of care for guests, much like in the Judges account.
John 13:5This passage recounts Jesus washing the disciples' feet, showing this act as a profound symbol of humility and service, elevating the simple act described in Judges to a spiritual lesson.
1 Timothy 5:10This verse mentions 'the kindness wherewith she has entertained strangers' and potentially alludes to acts like washing their feet, connecting the practice to a character trait valued in the early church.
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 seemingly simple act of hospitality highlights a custom that, while deeply refreshing to the travelers, also underscores the precariousness of life in this era. Washing one's feet wasn't just about comfort in the heat; it was a sacred sign of welcome and safety extended to a stranger, an act of kindness that stood in stark contrast to the violence soon to engulf the land.
After a long journey, the Levite and his concubine are welcomed by an elderly man in Gibeah. Following ancient customs of hospitality, the man first ensures their donkeys are fed, then invites them inside to wash their weary feet, and finally shares a meal with them. This scene of peaceful hospitality quickly contrasts with the horrific events that will soon unfold in Gibeah, highlighting the nation's moral decay during this period of "no king in Israel."
After a long journey, the Levite and his concubine are welcomed by an elderly man in Gibeah. Following ancient customs of hospitality, the man first ensures their donkeys are fed, then invites them inside to wash their weary feet, and finally shares a meal with them. This scene of peaceful hospitality quickly contrasts with the horrific events that will soon unfold in Gibeah, highlighting the nation's moral decay during this period of "no king in Israel."
"So he brought him into his house and gave the donkeys feed. And they washed their feet, and ate and drank. As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, worthless fellows, surrounded the house, beating on the door. A…" — This seemingly simple act of hospitality highlights a custom that, while deeply refreshing to the travelers, also underscores the precariousness of life in this era. Washing one's feet wasn't just ab…
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Last reviewed October 2026
