This verse from Judges 19:3 describes a man pursuing his estranged wife to reconcile with her. Let's break down the meaning:
"Her husband arose, and went after her..." This indicates the wife had left her husband and returned to her father's house. The husband is now actively seeking to repair their relationship. The word "arose" implies he's taking decisive action.
"...to speak kindly to her, to bring her again..." This is the husband's motivation: reconciliation. He wants to talk to her gently ("speak kindly") and persuade her to return home with him ("bring her again"). This shows a desire to restore their marriage.
"...having his servant with him, and a couple of donkeys." The presence of a servant and donkeys suggests he's prepared to bring her and her belongings back with him. It signifies he anticipates a successful reconciliation and is prepared for the journey back. The donkeys are likely for transporting her and any possessions she may bring.
"She brought him into her father’s house..." The wife, upon seeing him, leads him into her father's home. This is a significant detail because it suggests she's at least open to the possibility of reconciliation. She could have refused to see him or remained outside.
"...and when the father of the young lady saw him, he rejoiced to meet him." The father's joy indicates his approval of the husband and his desire for his daughter to be reconciled. In this patriarchal society, the father's acceptance is crucial. His joy suggests he wants his daughter's marriage to work.
In summary:
The verse portrays a husband's attempt to reconcile with his estranged wife. He takes the initiative to seek her out, intending to speak kindly and persuade her to return home. The presence of his servant and donkeys indicates his readiness to bring her back. Her willingness to bring him into her father's house, and the father's rejoicing, both suggest a positive outlook for reconciliation. This sets the stage for the events that follow in the chapter, though tragically, this initial hope is overshadowed by the horrific violence that ultimately occurs.
This verse from Judges 19:3 describes a man pursuing his estranged wife to reconcile with her. Let's break down the meaning:
"Her husband arose, and went after her..." This indicates the wife had left her husband and returned to her father's house. The husband is now actively seeking to repair their relationship. The word "arose" implies he's taking decisive action.
"...to speak kindly to her, to bring her again..." This is the husband's motivation: reconciliation. He wants to talk to her gently ("speak kindly") and persuade her to return home with him ("bring her again"). This shows a desire to restore their marriage.
"...having his servant with him, and a couple of donkeys." The presence of a servant and donkeys suggests he's prepared to bring her and her belongings back with him. It signifies he anticipates a successful reconciliation and is prepared for the journey back. The donkeys are likely for transporting her and any possessions she may bring.
"She brought him into her father’s house..." The wife, upon seeing him, leads him into her father's home. This is a significant detail because it suggests she's at least open to the possibility of reconciliation. She could have refused to see him or remained outside.
"...and when the father of the young lady saw him, he rejoiced to meet him." The father's joy indicates his approval of the husband and his desire for his daughter to be reconciled. In this patriarchal society, the father's acceptance is crucial. His joy suggests he wants his daughter's marriage to work.
In summary:
The verse portrays a husband's attempt to reconcile with his estranged wife. He takes the initiative to seek her out, intending to speak kindly and persuade her to return home. The presence of his servant and donkeys indicates his readiness to bring her back. Her willingness to bring him into her father's house, and the father's rejoicing, both suggest a positive outlook for reconciliation. This sets the stage for the events that follow in the chapter, though tragically, this initial hope is overshadowed by the horrific violence that ultimately occurs.