Judges 19:4

His father-in-law, the girl's father, persuaded him to stay, so he remained with him three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there.

Study Bible

His father-in-law, the girl’s father
This phrase highlights the familial relationship and cultural context of ancient Israelite society. The Hebrew term for "father-in-law" is חֹתֵן (choten), which signifies a bond that extends beyond mere legal ties, emphasizing the importance of family alliances and hospitality. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, family relationships were central to social structure, and the father-in-law's role was significant in maintaining family honor and cohesion.

persuaded him to stay
The act of persuasion here is indicative of the customs of hospitality prevalent in the ancient world. The Hebrew root פָּתָה (pathah) can mean to persuade or entice, suggesting a gentle, yet earnest, effort to extend hospitality. This reflects the cultural expectation of generosity and the importance of building and maintaining relationships through shared time and resources.

so he remained with him three days
The number three often holds symbolic significance in the Bible, representing completeness or divine perfection. In this context, the three days of hospitality underscore the thoroughness of the father-in-law's welcome and the completeness of the guest-host relationship. It also sets the stage for the unfolding narrative, emphasizing the initial peace and fellowship before the subsequent events.

eating and drinking
Sharing meals in the ancient Near East was a profound act of fellowship and covenant-making. The Hebrew words אֲכַל (akal) for eating and שָׁתָה (shatah) for drinking denote more than mere sustenance; they imply a deep social and relational interaction. This act of communal dining would have reinforced bonds and demonstrated mutual respect and goodwill.

and spending the night there
The phrase indicates the provision of shelter and security, key elements of ancient hospitality. The Hebrew verb לִין (lin) means to lodge or stay overnight, suggesting a temporary but significant pause in one's journey. This act of staying overnight would have been seen as a gesture of trust and acceptance, further solidifying the relationship between the Levite and his father-in-law.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Levite
A man from the tribe of Levi, who is central to the account in Judges 19. He is traveling with his concubine and servant.

2. The Concubine
The Levite's concubine, who had left him and returned to her father's house in Bethlehem in Judah.

3. The Father-in-law
The concubine's father, who warmly welcomes the Levite and persuades him to stay longer.

4. Bethlehem in Judah
The town where the concubine's father lives and where the Levite goes to retrieve her.

5. The Event
The Levite's extended stay at his father-in-law's house, which is marked by hospitality and repeated invitations to remain longer.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Hospitality
Hospitality is a recurring theme in the Bible, reflecting God's welcoming nature. As believers, we are called to extend hospitality to others, reflecting God's love and grace.

The Dangers of Delay
The Levite's extended stay, while seemingly harmless, sets the stage for later events. This teaches us to be mindful of how delays and distractions can lead us away from God's intended path.

Family Reconciliation
The Levite's journey to reconcile with his concubine highlights the importance of seeking reconciliation in relationships. As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers and to pursue reconciliation actively.

Cultural Context and Biblical Narratives
Understanding the cultural context of biblical accounts, such as the significance of hospitality, enriches our comprehension of Scripture and its application to our lives today.

God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Actions
Even in accounts where human actions seem to dominate, God's sovereignty is at work. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances appear chaotic.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the hospitality shown by the father-in-law in Judges 19:4 compare to other biblical examples of hospitality, and what can we learn from these examples?

2. In what ways can delays or distractions in our lives lead us away from God's plans, and how can we remain focused on His will?

3. How does the Levite's journey to reconcile with his concubine challenge us to pursue reconciliation in our own relationships?

4. What cultural practices from biblical times, such as hospitality, can we incorporate into our modern Christian walk to better reflect Christ's love?

5. How can we trust in God's sovereignty when human actions and decisions seem to lead to negative outcomes, as seen in the broader account of Judges 19?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 19
The hospitality shown by Lot to the angels in Sodom parallels the father-in-law's hospitality, highlighting the cultural importance of hospitality in ancient times.

Luke 10:38-42
The account of Mary and Martha, where hospitality is also a theme, can be contrasted with the Levite's experience to explore different expressions of hospitality.

Hebrews 13:2
This verse encourages believers to show hospitality, as some have entertained angels without knowing it, connecting to the broader biblical theme of hospitality.