Judges 19:5 - On the fourth day, they got up early in the morning, and he rose up to depart. The young lady’s father said to his son-in-law, “Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward you shall go your way.”
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What does "Judges 19:5" mean?
This verse is from a rather disturbing story in Judges 19. It depicts a Levite and his concubine visiting her father's house in Bethlehem. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning within the context of the story:
"On the fourth day, they got up early in the morning, and he rose up to depart." This indicates that the Levite and his concubine had been staying with her father for three days. They are now preparing to leave. The story emphasizes the length of their stay, which is unusual, as the father seems to be delaying their departure.
"The young lady’s father said to his son-in-law, “Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward you shall go your way.”" This is where the nuance lies.
"Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread": This is an offer of hospitality and sustenance before a journey. Bread was a staple food and a symbol of hospitality. The phrase "strengthen your heart" is a common idiom meaning to refresh and invigorate oneself. It's more than just eating; it's about emotional and physical preparation for the road ahead.
"and afterward you shall go your way": This seems straightforward, but within the context of the story, it continues the pattern of the father delaying their departure. He's not letting them leave without another act of hospitality, further extending their stay.
Interpretation and Significance:
The father's actions are driven by a strong desire to prolong his daughter's and son-in-law's visit. While seemingly hospitable, it serves to keep them in Bethlehem longer than they intended. This delay, though seemingly innocent, plays a crucial role in the tragic events that follow.
This verse also highlights the cultural importance of hospitality in ancient Israel. Offering food and drink to travelers was considered a sacred duty.
Why is this verse important in the larger story?
The father's persistent hospitality, while well-intentioned, keeps them in Bethlehem until late in the day. This forces them to seek lodging in Gibeah, a Benjaminite city, where they encounter unspeakable wickedness that leads to the concubine's death and ultimately a brutal civil war among the tribes of Israel.
In summary, the verse showcases a cultural norm of hospitality, but within the narrative's context, it reveals a deliberate delay that contributes to the chain of events leading to tragedy. The seemingly innocuous act of offering bread and prolonging the visit has devastating consequences.
Judges 19:5 - On the fourth day, they got up early in the morning, and he rose up to depart. The young lady’s father said to his son-in-law, “Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward you shall go your way.”
What does "Judges 19:5" mean?
This verse is from a rather disturbing story in Judges 19. It depicts a Levite and his concubine visiting her father's house in Bethlehem. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning within the context of the story:
"On the fourth day, they got up early in the morning, and he rose up to depart." This indicates that the Levite and his concubine had been staying with her father for three days. They are now preparing to leave. The story emphasizes the length of their stay, which is unusual, as the father seems to be delaying their departure.
"The young lady’s father said to his son-in-law, “Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward you shall go your way.”" This is where the nuance lies.
"Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread": This is an offer of hospitality and sustenance before a journey. Bread was a staple food and a symbol of hospitality. The phrase "strengthen your heart" is a common idiom meaning to refresh and invigorate oneself. It's more than just eating; it's about emotional and physical preparation for the road ahead.
"and afterward you shall go your way": This seems straightforward, but within the context of the story, it continues the pattern of the father delaying their departure. He's not letting them leave without another act of hospitality, further extending their stay.
Interpretation and Significance:
The father's actions are driven by a strong desire to prolong his daughter's and son-in-law's visit. While seemingly hospitable, it serves to keep them in Bethlehem longer than they intended. This delay, though seemingly innocent, plays a crucial role in the tragic events that follow.
This verse also highlights the cultural importance of hospitality in ancient Israel. Offering food and drink to travelers was considered a sacred duty.
Why is this verse important in the larger story?
The father's persistent hospitality, while well-intentioned, keeps them in Bethlehem until late in the day. This forces them to seek lodging in Gibeah, a Benjaminite city, where they encounter unspeakable wickedness that leads to the concubine's death and ultimately a brutal civil war among the tribes of Israel.
In summary, the verse showcases a cultural norm of hospitality, but within the narrative's context, it reveals a deliberate delay that contributes to the chain of events leading to tragedy. The seemingly innocuous act of offering bread and prolonging the visit has devastating consequences.