Friday, January 5, 2024

Reading for January 13th

 Read Judges 19.22-30. In 19.22-30: The rape of the Levite's concubine. In verse 22: their threat of homosexuals' rape is the polar opposite of suitable hospitality. It parallels the behavior of the men of Sodom (Gen 19.5). In verses 23-24: For the master of the house, the obligations of hospitality take prudence over family loyalties. However, he does not extend the protection of hospitality to the concubine. Vile things denotes a loathsome and foolish act, especially a sexual crime. In verses 25-26: The cowardly Levite acts to save himself. The powerful description of rape and poignant final scene at the door fuel the readers' outrage against Gibeah. Her husband (v. 3) is now called her master; he has treated her as disposable object. In verses 27-28: The affecting image of her hands on the threshold provides a sharp contrast to his brusque unconcern. In verse 29: Her body s treated as an object, a signal to rally the nations (compare 1 Sam 11.7). Comments or Questions..

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