Judges 19:3

And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her, [and] to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

And her husband {H376} arose {H6965}, and went {H3212} after {H310} her, to speak {H1696} friendly {H3820} unto her, and to bring her again {H7725}, having his servant {H5288} with him, and a couple {H6776} of asses {H2543}: and she brought {H935} him into her father's {H1} house {H1004}: and when the father {H1} of the damsel {H5291} saw {H7200} him, he rejoiced {H8055} to meet {H7125} him.

Then her husband went after her to persuade her to return; he had his servant with him and a pair of donkeys. She brought him into her father's house; and when the girl's father saw him, he was glad to meet him.

her husband got up and went after her to speak kindly to her and bring her back, taking his servant and a pair of donkeys. So the girl brought him into her father’s house, and when her father saw him, he gladly welcomed him.

And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak kindly unto her, to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father’s house; and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.

Context

Judges 19:3 opens a deeply disturbing narrative within the Book of Judges, a period characterized by moral decline and the absence of central authority, famously summarized by the phrase, 'every man did that which was right in his own eyes' (Judges 21:25). This verse details the Levite husband's journey from Ephraim to Bethlehem of Judah to reconcile with his concubine, who had previously left him and returned to her father's house (Judges 19:2). His intent was to 'speak friendly unto her,' indicating a desire for peaceful resolution after their separation. He brought a servant and a couple of asses, signifying preparation for a journey and a potential stay.

Key Themes

  • Initiative for Reconciliation: The Levite's act of arising and actively pursuing his concubine demonstrates an effort to mend a broken relationship. His approach, described as speaking 'friendly' or 'to her heart,' suggests a desire for genuine reconciliation and persuasion, rather than force or demand. This initial effort at peacemaking stands out in a book often marked by violence and disorder.
  • Warmth of Hospitality: The father's immediate and joyful reception of his son-in-law highlights the profound importance of hospitality in ancient Israelite culture. This initial warmth and familial welcome creates a stark contrast with the horrific events that tragically unfold later in the chapter, making the subsequent violence and moral decay even more shocking and ironic.
  • Foreshadowing and Irony: While this verse portrays a scene of pleasant reunion and family welcome, it serves as an ironic prelude. The apparent harmony and successful reconciliation are tragically short-lived, setting the stage for one of the Bible's most disturbing accounts of moral collapse, violence, and injustice in Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "to speak friendly unto her" translates the Hebrew 'al-libbah' (על לִבָּהּ), literally meaning "to her heart." This idiom signifies speaking kindly, persuasively, or tenderly, aiming to win over someone's affection, comfort them, or restore favor. It suggests a deliberate and gentle effort to appease and reconcile, rather than to accuse or demand, reflecting a desire to mend the fractured relationship.

Practical Application

Judges 19:3, despite its place in a dark narrative, initially highlights the importance of taking initiative in reconciliation. Even in strained relationships, a humble and 'friendly' approach can open doors for healing and resolution. However, the subsequent events of this chapter serve as a stark reminder that good intentions and initial pleasantries do not guarantee a positive outcome, especially when deeper moral decay or societal issues are at play. It underscores the unpredictable nature of human interactions and the need for discernment beyond surface appearances, showing how quickly a situation can devolve when righteousness is abandoned.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 50:21

    Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones. And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.

  • Genesis 34:3

    And his soul clave unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the damsel, and spake kindly unto the damsel.

  • Leviticus 19:17

    Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbour, and not suffer sin upon him.

  • Galatians 6:1

    ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

  • Leviticus 20:10

    ¶ And the man that committeth adultery with [another] man's wife, [even he] that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

  • Numbers 22:22

    ¶ And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants [were] with him.

  • Matthew 1:19

    Then Joseph her husband, being a just [man], and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
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