12. Of a stranger. According to this statement, Jerusalem was still controlled by the Jebusites. The Levite feared lest in Jerusalem the rights of hospitality might be violated, and he be plundered. Therefore he hastened on, even though nightfall was right upon them, with the desire of reaching an Israelite settlement in which to spend the night. To be caught at nightfall in open country in those days was extremely dangerous. The incident illustrates that a smoldering hostility existed between the Israelites and the Jebusites of Jerusalem.
Gibeah. This city, the destination which the Levite had in mind, lay beyond Jerusalem, about 3 1/2 (5.6 ) on the road leading to the north. It was this Gibeah that later became the birthplace of Saul and the place where he established the political capital of his kingdom. The site is known today as Tell el-FÅ«l.
