“And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.”
Context: The book of Judges is a historical account of Israel after the death of Joshua. It describes a period of spiritual and moral decline among the Israelites, marked by cycles of disobedience, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.
Setting: Judges 19 recounts a tragic incident known as the Levite’s Concubine, taking place during the time when Israel had no king. The story begins with a Levite who travels to Bethlehem to retrieve his concubine, who had left him and returned to her father’s house.
Husband’s response: In verse 3, we see the husband’s reaction to his concubine’s departure. He arises and decides to go after her, intending to speak kindly to her and bring her back. This demonstrates his concern for his wife and his desire to reconcile with her. He brings along a servant and a couple of donkeys for the journey.
Rejoicing of the father: As the husband arrives at the father’s house, the father of the concubine sees him and rejoices to meet him. The father’s joy could indicate that he is pleased to see his daughter’s husband taking the initiative to reconcile with her, or it might reflect cultural expectations of hospitality and reconciliation.
Remember that the Bible contains various stories and passages that reflect the realities of the time they were written in, including the cultural and historical context. It is essential to approach these passages with sensitivity and seek broader understanding of the biblical narrative as a whole.
