Judges 19:6
In the midst of a longer narrative describing a Levite’s visit to his father-in-law’s house in Bethlehem, the book of Judges recounts, “So both of them sat down and ate and drank together; and the girl’s father said to the man, ‘Please be willing to spend the night, and let your heart be merry.’” (v.6). By this point in the story, the Levite had planned to depart with his concubine, but her father, a hospitable host eager to delay their departure, repeatedly encouraged them to stay. This event takes place during the era of the judges in Israel’s history, roughly dated between 1380–1050 BC, a tumultuous period when various Israelite leaders (called judges) rose up to deliver and guide the people. The father’s invitation to remain yet another night highlights the ancient Near Eastern importance of hospitality, which placed a high premium on caring for visiting travelers, much like the hospitality ethic mentioned in other biblical accounts. citeturn0file1
When the verse says, “Please be willing to spend the night, and let your heart be merry,” it reveals the father-in-law’s eagerness to show generosity, urging his guest to linger and find comfort under his roof. In that culture, refusal to host a traveler brought shame, while offering abundant food and drink conferred honor upon the household. citeturn0file1 Such customs appear again and again in Scripture, for instance in Genesis 19, and even in this very chapter of Judges 19 where the townsfolk’s handling of guests later becomes a dire contrast to this father’s benevolence. citeturn0file1
Ultimately, Judges 19:6 underscores not only the fatherly affection this man had for his daughter’s husband, but also the broader theme of hospitality that pervaded daily life in ancient Israel. In the storyline that follows, the Levite does indeed linger, which leads to a sequence of travels and tragic events further on in the chapter. However, here in verse 6, the focus is on quiet fellowship and a warm welcome, showing how personal bonds and customs of care could momentarily offer reprieve in a time of national moral confusion. citeturn0file1
The father-in-law’s heartfelt invitation to stay yet again illustrates Israelite hospitality and foreshadows the tragic journey soon to come.
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Judges 3:1-6 meaning. God allows certain nations in Canaan to continue to exist. This is an opportunity for Israel to grow in its faithfulness and learn how to defend itself. But these nations become a snare to Israel as they intermarry with the Canaanites and adopt their idolatrous practices.
- Judges 5:19-23 meaning. In the final part of the song of Deborah and Barak, they continue to celebrate Israel's victory over the Canaanite oppressors. The narrative shifts to a poetic description of the battle and the divine intervention that led to Israel's triumph.
- Genesis 19:1-3 meaning. Two angels appear to Lot in Sodom. Lot urges them to spend the night in his house and he prepares a feast for them.