Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Det var fortsatt ingen konge i Israel da denne levitten, som bodde langt oppe i Efraimfjellene, fikk seg en medhustru fra Betlehem i Juda. Men hun var utro mot ham og dro fra ham og hjem igjen til Betlehem i Juda. Der var hun hele fire måneder. Da reiste mannen hennes etter henne for å tale kjærlig til henne, så han kunne få henne med tilbake. Han hadde tjeneren sin og et par esler med seg. Hun tok ham med hjem til farens hus. Da den unge kvinnens far fikk se ham, ble han glad for å møte ham.
What Does This Mean?
This verse describes a time in Israel when there was no king to rule, and it mentions a Levite man who lived in Ephraim and had a concubine from Bethlehemjudah. It sets the stage for a story about a complex situation.
Explained for Children
Imagine a time when there were no kings to make rules for everyone. A man who worked in the temple lived in a place called Ephraim. He had a special girlfriend from Bethlehem. This is like when you have a best friend from another school!
Historical Background
The Book of Judges was written around 970 BC, likely by Samuel, to detail the period when Israel was not ruled by kings but by judges. This verse sets the scene during a chaotic period, illustrating the absence of centralized authority and the consequences thereof.
Living It Out Today
In today’s world, this verse can remind us about the importance of leadership and clear guidelines. Just as the Levite man faced issues without a king, communities today might struggle without good leadership. Think about your school – how does having a good principal make things better?
What does it mean that there was 'no king in Israel'?
It means that Israel was not governed by a monarch but by leaders known as judges, who were appointed by God to lead and judge the people, often in times of crisis.
Who was a Levite?
A Levite was a member of the tribe of Levi, known for their religious duties and roles in the temple services, distinct from other tribes in Israel.
What is a concubine in biblical times?
A concubine was a woman who lived with a man as a wife but had a secondary status in the household, often without the same legal protections as a wife.
Why is this verse important?
This verse is crucial as it introduces a critical narrative about the moral decay and chaos in Israel during a time when there was no strong leadership, highlighting the importance of good governance.