Judges 19:8

*On the fifth day he arose to go early in the morning, and the girl’s father said, “Please sustain yourself, and wait until afternoon”; so both of them ate.* (v.8) Set during the era of the judges, roughly between 1375 and 1050 BC, this verse highlights the continuing hospitality and insistence of the concubine’s father, urging the Levite to remain in his home another day. In the broader context of Judges 19, a Levite journeyed to reclaim his concubine, and her father, wishing to extend their stay with repeated feasts, persuaded the Levite to linger. This repeated delay would significantly affect their travel schedule, posing eventual consequences when they finally departed late, only to face grave circumstances in the Benjamite town of Gibeah. The father’s welcoming spirit also reminds us of Middle Eastern customs of generous hospitality, expressing a desire to foster peace and goodwill before the Levite set out again.

The mention of eating together once more underscores how hospitality in ancient Israelite culture was bonded not only to nourishment but also to mutual respect. It served as a protective and relational bond between host and guest, reflecting the covenantal relationships that Israel commonly practiced. The concubine’s father acted not out of mere wining and dining, but out of an ingrained moral duty to ensure his guests departed refreshed and safe. This pattern of hospitality, though well-meaning, led to a crucial delay in their journey, foreshadowing the horrific events later in the chapter (Judges 19:22–26) when the Levite and his concubine arrived in Gibeah. Through this narrative, Scripture illuminates both the virtues and vulnerabilities of ancient hospitality norms.

Though this verse might appear unassuming, its significance lies in its connection to the chapter’s unfolding tragedy, reminding readers that even acts of kindness can become entangled in larger circumstances of moral decay if people do not remain vigilant. Judges 19 as a whole serves as a grim depiction of Israel’s fallen state during this period, emphasizing the need for faithful hearts and steadfast devotion to God’s ways—a message that ultimately points toward humanity’s need for a righteous and eternal King (Luke 1:32–33).

This verse highlights how an extended stay, prompted by well-intentioned hospitality, contributed to tragic consequences that reveal the depth of Israel’s moral confusion.