Judges 19:17
And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient city streets served as public gathering spaces where travelers without lodging would sleep. City gates closed at sunset for security, trapping late arrivals inside but without private accommodation. Spending the night in the street exposed travelers to theft, assault, and weather—precisely the dangers the Levite feared (v. 20). The old man's return from field work "at even" placed him perfectly to notice the stranded traveler, suggesting divine providence in the timing. Israelite law specifically commanded hospitality to sojourners, rooted in Israel's Egyptian bondage: "for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Exodus 22:21, 23:9). Gibeah's failure to provide lodging violated both cultural norms and covenant law.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the old man's deliberate attentiveness ("lifted up his eyes") challenge passive Christianity that fails to notice others' needs?
- What does the contrast between the old man's questions and Gibeah's silence teach about active versus passive righteousness?
- In what ways do modern Christians pass by those in spiritual or physical need while claiming covenant status, similar to the Benjamites?
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Analysis & Commentary
And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou? The old man's actions demonstrate proper covenant response. "Lifted up his eyes" (vayyisa einav, וַיִּשָּׂא עֵינָיו) indicates deliberate attention—not casual glancing but active seeking of those in need. This same phrase describes Abraham noticing the three visitors (Genesis 18:2) and the Good Samaritan who "saw" the wounded man (Luke 10:33, Greek idon).
Seeing the traveler "in the street" (birechov ha'ir, בִּרְחוֹב הָעִיר) prompted immediate inquiry. In ancient Near Eastern culture, no traveler should remain outdoors at night—hospitality was both moral obligation and survival necessity. The old man's questions "Whither goest thou? and whence comest thou?" establish relationship and assess need. Unlike Gibeah's residents who ignored the Levite (v. 15), the Ephraimite fulfills Torah commands: "The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself" (Leviticus 19:34).
From a Reformed perspective, this encounter illustrates the visible difference between regenerate and unregenerate hearts. External covenant membership (being Benjamites in Israel) doesn't guarantee transformed affections. The old man's compassion flows from internalized covenant values, while Gibeah's men display hearts hardened by sin. Genuine faith produces visible fruit (James 2:14-17)—hospitality being a specific test of authentic Christianity (Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9).