King James Version
What Does Judges 19:13 Mean?
“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.”
Judges 19:13 · KJV
Context
11
And when they were by Jebus, the day was far spent; and the servant said unto his master, Come, I pray thee, and let us turn in into this city of the Jebusites, and lodge in it.
12
And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah.
13
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.
14
And they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin.
15
And they turned aside thither, to go in and to lodge in Gibeah: and when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city: for there was no man that took them into his house to lodging.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryAnd 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.
The Levite's decision to draw near to one of these places (velech veniqrab el-achad hameqomot, וְלֵךְ וְנִקְרַב אֶל־אַחַד הַמְּקֹמוֹת) offered two options: Gibeah, or in Ramah. Ramah (modern Er-Ram) lay about 5 miles north of Jerusalem, slightly farther than Gibeah but also an Israelite town in Benjamin. By offering alternatives, the Levite maintained flexibility—whichever town they reached before total darkness would provide lodging. This practical adjustment shows some wisdom, though insufficient to offset the fundamental error of refusing Jebus.
The phrase to lodge all night (lalin, לָלִין) uses the same verb seen throughout this narrative (vv. 4, 6, 7, 9), emphasizing the central concern: finding safe lodging. However, the assumption that Israelite towns automatically provided safety would prove catastrophically wrong. Ramah would later become Samuel's hometown (1 Samuel 1:19, 7:17), maintaining godly witness through the prophet's ministry. Gibeah, by contrast, became synonymous with wickedness (Hosea 9:9, 10:9), its crime provoking civil war that nearly exterminated Benjamin (Judges 20).
The contrast between Gibeah and Ramah illustrates that geography and ethnicity alone don't determine righteousness. Two Benjamite towns, close neighbors, manifested radically different spiritual conditions. Similarly, churches in the same denomination or theological tradition may demonstrate vastly different spiritual vitality. Jesus's letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2-3) warned faithful Smyrna while condemning compromised Laodicea, though both claimed Christian identity. External markers cannot substitute for genuine covenant faithfulness evidenced by love for God and neighbor.
The Levite's decision to draw near to one of these places (velech veniqrab el-achad hameqomot, וְלֵךְ וְנִקְרַב אֶל־אַחַד הַמְּקֹמוֹת) offered two options: Gibeah, or in Ramah. Ramah (modern Er-Ram) lay about 5 miles north of Jerusalem, slightly farther than Gibeah but also an Israelite town in Benjamin. By offering alternatives, the Levite maintained flexibility—whichever town they reached before total darkness would provide lodging. This practical adjustment shows some wisdom, though insufficient to offset the fundamental error of refusing Jebus.
The phrase to lodge all night (lalin, לָלִין) uses the same verb seen throughout this narrative (vv. 4, 6, 7, 9), emphasizing the central concern: finding safe lodging. However, the assumption that Israelite towns automatically provided safety would prove catastrophically wrong. Ramah would later become Samuel's hometown (1 Samuel 1:19, 7:17), maintaining godly witness through the prophet's ministry. Gibeah, by contrast, became synonymous with wickedness (Hosea 9:9, 10:9), its crime provoking civil war that nearly exterminated Benjamin (Judges 20).
The contrast between Gibeah and Ramah illustrates that geography and ethnicity alone don't determine righteousness. Two Benjamite towns, close neighbors, manifested radically different spiritual conditions. Similarly, churches in the same denomination or theological tradition may demonstrate vastly different spiritual vitality. Jesus's letters to the seven churches (Revelation 2-3) warned faithful Smyrna while condemning compromised Laodicea, though both claimed Christian identity. External markers cannot substitute for genuine covenant faithfulness evidenced by love for God and neighbor.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ramah's mention alongside Gibeah places both towns on the central ridge route through Benjamin's territory. Ramah (meaning "height") occupied an elevated position with commanding views, making it strategically important. The town appears frequently in Scripture: Rachel's tomb was nearby (Jeremiah 31:15, quoted in Matthew 2:18), the prophet Samuel lived and judged Israel there (1 Samuel 7:17, 8:4), and it served as a gathering point during various crises (Judges 4:5, 1 Samuel 22:6, Jeremiah 40:1).
Archaeological surveys confirm Iron Age I occupation at both Gibeah and Ramah, consistent with the judges period setting. The towns lay 3-4 miles apart, within easy walking distance. Ancient travelers would indeed consider both options when seeking lodging, choosing based on daylight remaining and hospitality available. The narrative's mention of both towns suggests the party was approaching the region where either destination was reachable, though Gibeah was closer from the south (coming from Jerusalem/Jebus).
The fact that later biblical history associates Ramah with Samuel's godly ministry while Gibeah became Saul's capital (whose kingship ended in divine rejection) may indicate longer-standing spiritual differences between the towns. However, the judges period predated these later associations. During this earlier era, both towns were simply Benjamite settlements where one might expect basic hospitality—an expectation that would be violated with horrific consequences in Gibeah.
Archaeological surveys confirm Iron Age I occupation at both Gibeah and Ramah, consistent with the judges period setting. The towns lay 3-4 miles apart, within easy walking distance. Ancient travelers would indeed consider both options when seeking lodging, choosing based on daylight remaining and hospitality available. The narrative's mention of both towns suggests the party was approaching the region where either destination was reachable, though Gibeah was closer from the south (coming from Jerusalem/Jebus).
The fact that later biblical history associates Ramah with Samuel's godly ministry while Gibeah became Saul's capital (whose kingship ended in divine rejection) may indicate longer-standing spiritual differences between the towns. However, the judges period predated these later associations. During this earlier era, both towns were simply Benjamite settlements where one might expect basic hospitality—an expectation that would be violated with horrific consequences in Gibeah.
Reflection Questions
- How does the contrast between Gibeah and Ramah (both Israelite towns with vastly different spiritual conditions) challenge assumptions about institutional or denominational affiliation guaranteeing faithfulness?
- What does this passage teach about the need for discernment when choosing spiritual communities, recognizing that external similarities may mask profound differences?
- In what ways should Christians evaluate spiritual safety based on evidence of covenant faithfulness rather than religious labels or affiliations?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 10 wordsלְנַֽעֲר֔וֹ2 of 10
“unto his servant”
H5288(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
וְנִקְרְבָ֖ה4 of 10
“and let us draw near”
H7126to approach (causatively, bring near) for whatever purpose
הַמְּקֹמ֑וֹת6 of 10
“of these places”
H4725properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
וְלַ֥נּוּ7 of 10
“to lodge all night”
H3885to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Judges. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Judges 19:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Judges 19:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge