Book of Judges - Chapter 21 - Verse 19
Meaning
The verse refers to a specific location known as Shiloh, where a yearly feast of the Lord was held. Shiloh was a city in ancient Israel, located to the north of Bethel and to the east of the highway that connected Bethel to Shechem. The feast mentioned in the verse was an important religious event where the people gathered to worship and celebrate. Shiloh was also the site of the tabernacle, the portable sanctuary where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. This verse highlights the significance of Shiloh as a place of pilgrimage and worship in ancient Israel. The mention of its precise location on the north side of Bethel, east of the highway, and south of Lebonah provides geographical context for the reader, helping them better understand the setting of the feast described in the verse.
Theological Overview
This verse from the book of Judges provides important geographical context for the location of the feast of the Lord in Shiloh. The mention of Shiloh is significant in biblical history as it was the place where the tabernacle was established and where the ark of the covenant resided during the time of the Judges. This feast was an annual event that drew people from all over the region to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. The mention of Bethel, Shechem, and Lebonah highlights the specific location of the feast, positioning it as a central gathering place for the people of Israel. This verse underscores the importance of communal worship and fellowship in the worship of the Lord, as well as the significance of sacred spaces in the spiritual life of the Israelites. Through theological interpretation and word studies, scholars can further illuminate the historical and cultural context of this verse, shedding light on the religious practices and beliefs of the ancient Israelites.