Old Testament

Judges 19:13

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, a man is speaking to his servant about their journey.

Author: Traditionally attributed to Samuel
Written: Around 1050-1000 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The Israelites living under the judges

CBTClear Bible Translation

He told his servant, "Come on, let's try to reach either Gibeah or Ramah and spend the night in one of those towns."

KJVKing James Version

And he said unto his servant, Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, a man is speaking to his servant about their journey. They are looking for a place to stay for the night and are considering two nearby towns, Gibeah and Ramah. This moment reflects the practical need for rest and safety during travel. The choice of towns indicates the importance of hospitality in ancient Israelite culture, as travelers often relied on local communities for shelter. The mention of Gibeah and Ramah also sets the stage for the events that will unfold later in the chapter, highlighting the significance of these locations in the narrative. The man's decision to seek lodging shows a common human need for companionship and security, especially when away from home. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of planning and seeking safe havens during our journeys, both physically and metaphorically, in life.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Judges 19:13 to your life

When traveling or facing new situations, it's wise to seek safe and welcoming places. This verse encourages us to plan ahead and consider our options, ensuring we find support and comfort in our journeys, whether they are physical or emotional.

Curated for this public verse page. Judges Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Judges 19:13 teach about travel and hospitality?

Judges 19:13 highlights the importance of seeking safe and hospitable places during travel. The man in the verse is actively looking for lodging in Gibeah or Ramah, reflecting the cultural value placed on hospitality in ancient Israel. This teaches us that planning ahead and finding supportive communities is essential when embarking on journeys, whether they are physical travels or metaphorical life experiences.

Why are Gibeah and Ramah significant in this verse?

Gibeah and Ramah are significant as they represent potential safe havens for the traveler. These towns are mentioned as options for lodging, indicating their importance in the narrative. The choice of these locations sets the stage for the events that follow in Judges 19, emphasizing the themes of community and the consequences of hospitality or the lack thereof in the story.

How can Judges 19:13 apply to modern life?

Judges 19:13 can be applied to modern life by reminding us of the importance of seeking safety and comfort in our journeys. Whether traveling to new places or navigating life's challenges, it's crucial to plan ahead and identify supportive environments. This verse encourages us to value community and hospitality, ensuring we find places that offer security and companionship.

What lessons about decision-making can we learn from this verse?

This verse illustrates the process of decision-making when faced with options. The man considers two towns for lodging, showing the importance of evaluating choices based on safety and comfort. It teaches us to weigh our options carefully and seek guidance when making decisions, especially in unfamiliar situations, ensuring we choose paths that lead to positive outcomes.

Book Summary

The Book of Judges

Judges 1–2: Incomplete Conquest and the Cycle of Sin

After the death of Joshua, the tribes of Israel inquire of the Lord who should first go up to fight the remaining Canaanites. Judah is chosen and, with the help of the tribe of Simeon, achieves several victories, but fails to drive out the inhabitants of the coastal plain because they have iron chariots. The book then details the failures of the other tribes—Benjamin, Manasseh, Ephraim, Zebulun, Asher, and Naphtali—to completely dispossess the Canaanites from their allotted territories. Instead of driving them out, the Israelites put them to forced labor, allowing pagan influences to remain in the land. An angel of the Lord appears at Bochim and rebukes the people for breaking their covenant with God by making treaties with the inhabitants of the land. The people weep and offer sacrifices, but the pattern of disobedience is set.

A new generation arises that does not know the Lord or the works He has done for Israel. This generation forsakes the God of their fathers, turning to worship the Baals and Ashtaroth of the surrounding peoples. This apostasy provokes the Lord's anger, and He hands them over to their enemies, who oppress them. When the Israelites cry out to the Lord in their misery, He raises up judges—deliverers who save them from their oppressors. However, as soon as a judge dies, the people relapse into even greater corruption, returning to their idolatrous ways. This establishes the book's central, recurring cycle: sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance, followed by a period of rest, and then a return to sin. Judges 3: Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar The first cycle of judgment begins as the Israelites do evil in the sight of the Lord and worship idols. God's anger burns against them, and He sells them into the hands of Cushan-Rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, whom they serve for eight years. When the people cry out to the Lord, He raises up Othniel, the younger brother of Caleb, as their deliverer. The Spirit of the Lord comes upon him, and he leads Israel to victory, defeating the Mesopotamian king. The land has peace for forty years until Othniel's death. After Othniel dies, the Israelites again do evil, and God strengthens Eglon, the king of Moab, against them. Eglon, allied with the Ammonites and Amalekites, defeats Israel and captures the city of palms, Jericho. The Israelites are subject to Moab for eighteen years. When they cry out for help, God raises up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin. While delivering Israel's tribute, Ehud uses his left-handedness to his advantage, concealing a dagger on his right thigh. In a private audience with the obese King Eglon, he claims to have a secret message from God and stabs the king in the belly. Ehud escapes, rallies the Israelite forces, and leads them to a decisive victory over the Moabites, killing about 10,000 of their soldiers. The land enjoys peace for eighty years. After Ehud, Shamgar son of Anath is mentioned, who strikes down 600 Philistines with an oxgoad, also saving Israel.

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