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.
When the man got up to leave with his concubine and his servant, his father-in-law (the woman's father) said to him, 'Look, the day is getting late and evening is coming. Please stay the night! The day is almost over, so stay here and enjoy yourself. Tomorrow you can get up early and head home.'
The father-in-law is urging his son-in-law to stay another night rather than traveling in the evening, offering hospitality and encouraging him to relax and enjoy himself before departing the next morning.
📚 Historical Context
This takes place during the time of the Judges when Israel had no king and everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Traveling at night was dangerous due to wild animals and bandits, so hospitality customs strongly encouraged hosts to keep guests overnight for safety. The father-in-law had already convinced the Levite to stay several extra days, showing the importance of family relationships and generous hospitality in ancient Near Eastern culture.
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