This verse from Judges 19:9 describes a scene of hospitality and persuasion. Let's break it down:
"When the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant..." This sets the scene. The man, his concubine, and his servant are preparing to leave. He is visiting his father-in-law (the young lady's father).
"...his father-in-law, the young lady’s father, said to him, “Behold, now the day draws toward evening, please stay all night." This is the core of the verse. The father-in-law, seeing it's getting late, urges them to stay the night. The phrase "Behold, now the day draws toward evening" is a polite way of saying it's getting dark and travel would be difficult or even dangerous.
"Behold, the day is ending. Stay here, that your heart may be merry; and tomorrow go on your way early, that you may go home." The father-in-law reinforces his invitation. He emphasizes that the day is nearly over ("the day is ending"). He encourages them to stay and enjoy themselves ("that your heart may be merry"). Then, he suggests that they can leave early the next morning ("tomorrow go on your way early") to make their journey home.
In essence, the verse depicts a scene of generous hospitality. The father-in-law is using polite and persuasive language to convince his son-in-law and his companions to stay overnight, highlighting the lateness of the day and promising a more enjoyable and safer journey if they wait until morning.
Important Context: It's crucial to understand the wider context of Judges 19 to appreciate the irony and tragedy that follows. This scene of hospitality is immediately followed by a series of horrific events, including sexual assault and murder. The contrast between the initial welcoming atmosphere and the brutal events that transpire serves to highlight the moral decay and lawlessness of the time in Israel. The very trust and hospitality offered here are then tragically violated.
This verse from Judges 19:9 describes a scene of hospitality and persuasion. Let's break it down:
"When the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant..." This sets the scene. The man, his concubine, and his servant are preparing to leave. He is visiting his father-in-law (the young lady's father).
"...his father-in-law, the young lady’s father, said to him, “Behold, now the day draws toward evening, please stay all night." This is the core of the verse. The father-in-law, seeing it's getting late, urges them to stay the night. The phrase "Behold, now the day draws toward evening" is a polite way of saying it's getting dark and travel would be difficult or even dangerous.
"Behold, the day is ending. Stay here, that your heart may be merry; and tomorrow go on your way early, that you may go home." The father-in-law reinforces his invitation. He emphasizes that the day is nearly over ("the day is ending"). He encourages them to stay and enjoy themselves ("that your heart may be merry"). Then, he suggests that they can leave early the next morning ("tomorrow go on your way early") to make their journey home.
In essence, the verse depicts a scene of generous hospitality. The father-in-law is using polite and persuasive language to convince his son-in-law and his companions to stay overnight, highlighting the lateness of the day and promising a more enjoyable and safer journey if they wait until morning.
Important Context: It's crucial to understand the wider context of Judges 19 to appreciate the irony and tragedy that follows. This scene of hospitality is immediately followed by a series of horrific events, including sexual assault and murder. The contrast between the initial welcoming atmosphere and the brutal events that transpire serves to highlight the moral decay and lawlessness of the time in Israel. The very trust and hospitality offered here are then tragically violated.