When Everyone Does What is Right in Their Own Eyes: Lessons from Judges 19

Judges 19 is often called a "text of terror"—and for good reason. It’s a grim tale of moral chaos, violence, and tragedy set in a time when "there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 21:25). This disturbing chapter forces us to confront the darkest corners of human nature, yet it also holds up a mirror to our world today. In an age where moral relativism often shapes our decisions, the story of the Levite and his concubine speaks powerfully to issues like the sanctity of life, the consequences of sin, and the urgent call for justice. Let’s dive into this ancient text and uncover what it can teach us about navigating today’s moral landscape.

The Story of Judges 19: A Summary

Set during Israel’s spiritually chaotic period, Judges 19 follows a Levite from Ephraim whose concubine leaves him and returns to her father’s home in Bethlehem. After a brief reconciliation, they set out together, stopping for the night in Gibeah, a city of the tribe of Benjamin. Expecting hospitality, they’re met with cold indifference until an old man takes them in. But the night takes a horrific turn when wicked men from Gibeah surround the house, demanding the Levite for immoral purposes. Instead, the Levite sends out his concubine, who is raped and abused until she collapses at the doorstep, dead. In a shocking response, the Levite cuts her body into twelve pieces and sends them to each tribe of Israel, igniting outrage and a call to war against Benjamin.

Lessons for Today: What Judges 19 Teaches Us

This unsettling narrative isn’t just a relic of the past—it reveals timeless truths about humanity and God’s heart for justice. Here are five key lessons we can draw from it:

• Moral Anarchy Leads to Chaos:The phrase "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" captures the root of Israel’s collapse into violence and depravity. Without godly leadership or a shared moral compass, society unraveled. Today, we see echoes of this when absolute truths are dismissed, and personal desires dictate right and wrong. The result is often a world where exploitation thrives unchecked.
• The Sanctity of Human Life:The concubine’s fate—abused, discarded, and dismembered—is a gut-wrenching reminder of what happens when human life loses its value. Her story connects directly to modern crises like human trafficking, where millions are exploited and dehumanized. Judges 19 challenges us to defend the vulnerable and affirm every person’s inherent worth.
• The Ripple Effects of Sin:What starts as a personal dispute spirals into national conflict, showing how individual sins can devastate entire communities. The escalation from Gibeah’s wickedness to civil war is a warning: our actions, good or evil, ripple far beyond ourselves.
• Community and Justice: A Collective Responsibility:The Levite’s gruesome act of sending his concubine’s remains to the tribes wasn’t just a cry of grief—it was a call to action. The tribes united to confront the evil in Gibeah, illustrating that justice demands collective effort. Today, we’re called to stand together against wrongs like trafficking or oppression—silence isn’t an option.
• Forgiveness and the Hope of Restoration:Amid the darkness, there’s a flicker of light: the Levite initially forgives his concubine and seeks her out. Though his later choices are flawed, this moment hints at the power of repentance and reconciliation. Judges 19 ultimately points us to God’s grace, offering hope even in brokenness.

A Modern Parallel: Human Trafficking

The concubine’s story feels eerily familiar when we look at human trafficking today. The International Labour Organization estimates over 40 million people are trapped in modern slavery, with women and girls bearing the brunt of sex trafficking. Like the concubine, many victims are silenced, exploited, and cast aside. This biblical "text of terror" mirrors their pain, urging us to act.

A feminist lens, as explored by groups like CBE International, highlights the misogyny and subjugation in Judges 19. It calls us to:

• Recognize historical and ongoing atrocities against the vulnerable.
• Speak for the silenced, amplifying the voices of those who can’t speak for themselves.
• Take action, advocating for justice and supporting efforts to end exploitation.

What Can We Do?

Judges 19 isn’t just a story to ponder—it’s a call to live differently. Here’s how we can respond:

Reflect personally and communally: Where has moral relativism crept into your life or community? How can you uphold biblical values in your choices?

Support anti-trafficking efforts: Organizations like A21 and International Justice Mission rescue victims and fight traffickers—get involved through donations, volunteering, or awareness.

Advocate for the vulnerable: Use your voice, whether through prayer, education, or policy advocacy, to protect those at risk.

A Call to Justice and Hope

Judges 19 is tough to read, but its lessons are vital. It warns us of the chaos that follows when we abandon God’s ways, while also showing that justice, unity, and repentance can pave the way to restoration. As we reflect on this story, let’s commit to valuing every life, confronting injustice, and building a world that reflects God’s love.

Lord, grant us wisdom to discern right from wrong and courage to act justly. Open our eyes to the vulnerable, give us words for the silenced, and make us instruments of Your healing in this broken world. Amen.

DMMC 7-4-25