Judges 19:9

And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel’s father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.

Judges 19:9 (KJV)

Context

The book of Judges describes Israel after Joshua’s death, a time without a central ruler. Judges 19 tells of a Levite traveling with his concubine and a servant. They have stayed with the woman’s father in Bethlehem, and now the Levite prepares to leave.

Meaning

The father-in-law urges the travelers to remain because evening is near. He warns of the danger of traveling in darkness and invites them to lodge so that their hearts may be merry. He promises that they can rise early and go home the next day. His words show genuine care for their safety and comfort.

The Levite is a member of the tribe set apart for priestly service. His concubine is a secondary wife, and the servant accompanies them. The father-in-law, as host, has already pressed them to stay on earlier days, as seen in Judges 19:7-8. His repeated invitation reflects the ancient Near Eastern duty of hospitality, where providing shelter and protection for guests was a sacred responsibility.

Biblical connections

Hospitality appears throughout Scripture as a sign of righteousness. In Genesis 18, Abraham welcomes strangers, and Hebrews 13:2 reminds believers that showing kindness to guests can even mean entertaining angels. Here, the father-in-law’s offer models that same generous spirit, though the Levite’s decision to leave leads to tragedy in Gibeah.

Application

This verse encourages thoughtful care for others. Wise counsel often comes from those who know us well, and rejecting it can bring harm. The father-in-law’s concern for the travelers’ safety reminds us to consider the risks of our choices, especially when darkness or danger is near. Heeding godly advice, even when it delays our plans, can protect us and others.

Reflection

The father-in-law’s words also point to a deeper truth. He invites the Levite to rest and be merry before the journey. In the same way, God offers rest and joy to those who trust Him. Yet the Levite’s insistence on leaving, against wise counsel, foreshadows the moral chaos of the age when “every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). Small decisions made in haste can have lasting consequences. This passage calls us to weigh our plans carefully and to value the safety and wisdom found in community.