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Judges 19:22

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Judges 19:22 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain base fellows, beset the house round about, beating at the door; and they spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thy house, that we may know him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain base fellows, beset the house round about, beating at the door; and they spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thy house, that we may know him.
Judges 19:22 — American Standard Version

Context — Judges 19

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
19Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man that is with thy servants: there is no want of anything.
20And the old man said, Peace be unto thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street.
21So he brought him into his house, and gave the asses fodder; and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.
22As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain base fellows, beset the house round about, beating at the door; and they spake to the master of the house, the old man, saying, Bring forth the man that came into thy house, that we may know him.
23And the man, the master of the house, went out unto them, and said unto them, Nay, my brethren, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into my house, do not this folly.
24Behold, here is my daughter a virgin, and his concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble ye them, and do with them what seemeth good unto you: but unto this man do not any such folly.
25But the men would not hearken to him: so the man laid hold on his concubine, and brought her forth unto them; and they knew her, and abused her all the night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let her go.
← Judges 19:21Judges 19:23 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Now as they were making their hearts merry, etc.] With a glass of wine after supper, and conversing together in a cheerful manner about their country and friends: behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial; very wicked, lawless, ungovernable, worthless, and unprofitable creatures, men under the influence of Satan, and their own lusts: beset the house round about: that none might escape out of it, especially the Levite, his wife and servant: and beat at the door; to get entrance, either by those within opening to them, or by breaking it open: and spake to the master of the house, the old man; who, upon this noise and clamour made, came to the door, to inquire what was the meaning of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“THE GIBEAHITES ABUSE HIS CONCUBINE TO DEATH. (Jdg 19:22-28) certain sons of Belial beset the house--The narrative of the horrid outrage that was committed; of the proposal of the old man; the unfeeling, careless, and in many respects, inexplicable conduct of the Levite towards his wife, disclose a state of morality that would have appeared incredible, did it not rest on the testimony of the sacred historian. Both men ought to have protected the women in the house, even though at the expense of their lives, or thrown themselves on God's providence. It should be noted, however, that the guilt of such a foul outrage is not fastened on the general population of Gibeah.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Merry - That is, refreshing themselves with the provisions set before them. Sons of belial - Children of the devil, wicked and licentious men. Judges 19:23”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“they were: Jdg 19:6, Jdg 19:7, Jdg 16:25 the men: Jdg 20:5; Gen 19:4; Hos 9:9, Hos 10:9 sons of Belial: Deu 13:13; Sa1 1:16, Sa1 2:12, Sa1 10:27, Sa1 25:25; Sa2 23:6, Sa2 23:7; Co2 6:15 Bring forth: Gen 19:5; Rom 1:26, Rom 1:27; Co1 6:9; Jde 1:7 Judges 19:23”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification