“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.”
Context:The book of Judges recounts a period of Israel’s history after the death of Joshua, when the Israelites did not have a central ruler and instead had judges who delivered them from oppression. Judges 19 presents a distressing narrative of a Levite and his concubine.
Characters:The man mentioned is a Levite, likely indicating that he belongs to the tribe of Levi, who were designated as priests. His concubine is a secondary wife or a woman in a marriage-like relationship. The servant is also accompanying them. The father-in-law is the father of the concubine.
Departure and Hospitality:The verse describes the moment when the man, his concubine, and his servant were preparing to depart from their journey. The father-in-law, who had hosted them, urged them to stay for the night due to the approaching evening and the dangers of traveling at night.
Request to Tarry:The father-in-law implores them to lodge for the night, emphasizing that it was growing late and that staying would bring them joy and refreshment. He further suggests that they should resume their journey early the next day.
The Heart and Merriment:The father-in-law’s concern is for the well-being and joy of the travelers. By encouraging them to lodge for the night, he wants to ensure their hearts are merry, perhaps indicating that a good rest and fellowship would uplift their spirits.
Journey Home:The purpose of their journey is to return to their respective homes. The father-in-law advises them to rise early the next morning to continue their trip, suggesting they had reached the end of their visit.
Hospitality and Cultural Context:Hospitality was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern cultures, and it was customary to provide lodging and care for travelers. The father-in-law’s invitation to stay overnight aligns with this cultural norm of showing kindness and concern for the well-being of guests.
While this verse primarily introduces the situation and sets the stage for the events that unfold later in Judges 19, it highlights the importance of hospitality and care for travelers. It also underscores the custom of ensuring the comfort and joy of guests, as seen in the father-in-law’s insistence that they tarry for the night before resuming their journey the following day.
