And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel’s father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry.
So they sat down and ate and drank together. The young woman's father had said to the man, 'Please stay and be comfortable here. Spend the night with us and enjoy yourself.'
The writer is showing us a moment of hospitality where a father-in-law warmly invites his daughter's husband to stay, eat, and enjoy their time together.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Judges, this verse is set during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, around the 12th century BC, when the nation lacked a centralized king and individuals often acted according to their own desires, leading to moral and social chaos. The scene involves a Levite who has come to retrieve his concubine from her father's house in Bethlehem, where the father extends generous hospitality by urging the guest to stay longer and enjoy a meal together, reflecting ancient Near Eastern customs of honor and prolonged fellowship. This highlights the cultural emphasis on hospitality as a way to build alliances and show respect in a society without formal structures.
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