The Concubine's Father is a figure mentioned in the Book of Judges, specifically in the narrative concerning the Levite and his concubine, found in Judges 19. This account provides insight into the social and familial dynamics of ancient Israel during the time of the judges, a period marked by moral and social chaos.

Biblical Context

The account of the Levite and his concubine is set in the hill country of Ephraim, where a Levite takes a concubine from Bethlehem in Judah. After a period of estrangement, the Levite goes to Bethlehem to persuade her to return with him. The narrative introduces the concubine's father, who plays a significant role in the hospitality extended to the Levite.

Hospitality and Cultural Practices

The concubine's father is depicted as a hospitable and generous host. Upon the Levite's arrival, he is warmly welcomed and urged to stay. Judges 19:3-4 states, "So her husband got up and went after her to speak kindly to her and bring her back. He had his servant and a pair of donkeys with him. So she brought him into her father’s house, and when the father of the young woman saw him, he gladly welcomed him. His father-in-law, the young woman’s father, prevailed upon him to stay, so he remained with him for three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there."

The father's insistence on extending the Levite's stay reflects the cultural emphasis on hospitality, a virtue highly regarded in ancient Near Eastern societies. The narrative describes how the father repeatedly persuades the Levite to delay his departure, offering food and drink, which underscores the importance of hospitality and the social obligation to care for guests.

Role and Significance

The concubine's father is a minor character, yet his actions set the stage for the subsequent events in the narrative. His hospitality contrasts sharply with the inhospitable and violent behavior encountered later in Gibeah, where the Levite and his concubine face grave danger. This juxtaposition highlights the moral decline in Israel during this period, as described in Judges 21:25 : "In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes."

The father's role also sheds light on the familial relationships and the status of women in ancient Israel. The concubine, though not a wife, is still connected to her father's household, indicating the patriarchal structure where women often remained under the authority of their male relatives.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the narrative involving the concubine's father serves as a backdrop to the broader themes of covenant unfaithfulness and societal decay in the Book of Judges. The hospitality shown by the father contrasts with the lawlessness and moral corruption that characterize the era, emphasizing the need for righteous leadership and adherence to God's covenant.

The account ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of Israel's departure from God's commandments, highlighting the need for a king who would lead the people in righteousness and justice.