WHen there was no king] i. e. No supreme magistrate to punish sin: which is rendred as a reason of this concubines continuing in whoredom, because she was not punished for it, neither in Judah nor Ephraim; and of that outragious wickednesse of the men of Gibeah, which followed upon it. See Chap. 17. 6. and 18. 1. and 21. 25. a cencubine] Hebr. a woman a concubine, or, a wife a concubine; so called, to distinguish her from a common harlo; and also from the lawfull wife, who was mother of the family, and the onely true wife, by Gods first institution, Genesis 2:18; Genesis 2:24. Malachi 2:15. Matthew 19:4. 5. and by his law, Leviticus 18:18. 1 Corinthians 7:2. Beth-lehem-judah] See Chap. 12. 7.