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Judges 19:9

*“When the man arose to go along with his concubine and a servant, his father-in-law, the girl’s father, said to him, ‘Behold now, the day has drawn to a close; please spend the night. Lo, the day is coming to an end; spend the night here that your heart may be merry. Then tomorrow you may arise early for your journey so that you may go home.’” (v.9)*

In this verse, the father-in-law—who lives in Bethlehem in Judah—pleads with his son-in-law to remain another night, demonstrating an extravagant form of hospitality common in ancient Israelite culture. Bethlehem in Judah is located about five miles south of Jerusalem and is historically significant as the birthplace of King David around 1040 BC to 970 BC, and later as the birthplace of Jesus the Messiah (Luke 2:4-7, NASB-95). During the period of the Judges (approximately 1380 to 1050 BC), there was no central monarchy in Israel, and individual tribes governed themselves, making extended stays with relatives a common demonstration of care.

*“Please spend the night,” (v.9)* the father-in-law insists, highlighting his concern that it is too late in the day to begin a journey. While this gesture can appear courteous and even celebratory, reflecting the heartiness of a communal meal meant to “make the heart merry,” it also foreshadows potential trouble. The father-in-law’s repeated efforts, as described earlier in the chapter, emphasize both his affection for his daughter’s husband and a cultural norm of generous hospitality before sending loved ones away. This warmth toward the traveler might also remind readers of how hospitality is uplifted throughout Scripture, pointing ultimately to the provision and welcome God offers through Christ to those who seek refuge in Him (Matthew 11:28, NASB-95).

In telling the man, *“Then tomorrow you may arise early for your journey so that you may go home,” (v.9)* the father-in-law delays the Levite’s departure for yet another day. From a broader perspective, this verse encapsulates the tension of discerning proper timing versus following one’s own schedule, a theme which echoes in other biblical narratives. The father-in-law’s house would have been a place of rest in a tumultuous era, making his invitation attractive and practical. Nonetheless, it sets the stage for the subsequent events in the account, where the man's delayed departure and travel route will have serious consequences later in Judges 19.

They delay the journey further, showing how cultural and familial obligations can collide with one’s personal sense of duty in ancient Israel.

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:

  • Leviticus 19:9-18 meaning. God now begins to illustrate how individuals can be self-governing and servant-minded, which will produce a blessed society that lives in harmony with God and each other.
  • 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.
  • Exodus 19:1-9 meaning. Chapter 19 begins a new section of the book. The LORD has delivered His people Israel from Egypt, and it was time to enter into a covenant with them. Having reached the wilderness next to Mount Sinai, Moses made his way up the mountain to meet the LORD. The LORD spoke to him about the covenant that was about to be made between the LORD and the people of Israel. He told Moses to tell the people to remember His work of deliverance and that as a result they are His people and are to become a kingdom of priests to the nations by following God’s commands. Moses relayed the message to the tribal leaders who then relayed it to the people. The people responded that they would obey the LORD in all things. Thus the agreement was proposed and agreed to. Moses then relayed this message to the LORD, who in turn gave Moses the role of intermediary between Him and the people, and Moses relayed His words to Israel.

Judges 19:9