This is a horrific chapter that we might want to skip, but it is part of God’s word and therefore given for our good. In the opening words, “In those days when there was no king” (v1) is a common expression which normally continues with, ‘the people did what was right int heir own eyes’. These were godless days, when there was little fear of the Lord and respect for His Law.

The Levite goes after his unfaithful concubine to bring her home (v1-£), only to be repeatedly delayed by her father (v4-9). I don’t think this is given as a lesson to warn against procrastination, but rather to show in the father and the Levite, men who lived for now and who were not wise.

The Levite does not want to stop at Jebus (Jerusalem) as it was inhabited by foreigners (v10-12) but instead goes on to the Israelite town of Gibeah (v13-15). The Levite expects much better treatment from God’s people than from foreigners. Sadly, this town was very slow to show hospitality (v15) but eventually an elderly man takes them in (v16-21). What happens next is the horrific part as the concubine is sent out to the godless mob who want the Levite (v22-24). The poor woman is abused all night and dies on the doorstep of the house where the Levite was (v25-26). The Levite takes her home, dismembers her and sends her body to all Israel (v27-30).

This story, in which no one comes out of it with any credit, highlights the godlessness of the society and the depth of sin that is in all our hearts.