And his father in law, the damsel’s father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.
His father-in-law, the young woman's father, urged him to stay longer. So he remained with him for three days, and they ate, drank, and spent the nights there together.
The writer is showing how the father-in-law warmly welcomed his daughter's husband and convinced him to extend his visit for three days of fellowship.
📚 Historical Context
This verse occurs during the chaotic period of the Judges when Israel had no king and social order was breaking down. The story involves a Levite who had come to retrieve his concubine from her father's house after she had left him. The father's hospitality reflects the ancient Near Eastern custom of generous host behavior, especially toward family members.
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