The Levite and His Concubine
A Levite retrieves his concubine from her father's house in Bethlehem. After staying for several days, they depart and travel towards the hill country of Ephraim.
This event sets the stage for the unfolding tragedy, highlighting the moral decay and lawlessness in Israel during the time of the judges.
The narrative reflects the recurring theme of Israel's unfaithfulness and the need for righteous leadership, pointing to the eventual establishment of the monarchy.