Judges 19:5

KJV

And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass on the fourth {H7243} day {H3117}, when they arose early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, that he rose up {H6965} to depart {H3212}: and the damsel's {H5291} father {H1} said {H559} unto his son in law {H2860}, Comfort {H5582} thine heart {H3820} with a morsel {H6595} of bread {H3899}, and afterward {H310} go your way {H3212}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On the fourth day they got up early in the morning, and he prepared to leave. But the girl's father said to his son-in-law, "You'll feel better if you have a bite of food before you leave."

Berean Standard Bible

On the fourth day, they got up early in the morning and prepared to depart, but the girl’s father said to his son-in-law, “Refresh your heart with a morsel of bread, and then you can go.”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning, and he rose up to depart: and the damsel’s father said unto his son-in-law, Strengthen thy heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward ye shall go your way.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 19:5 captures a pivotal moment in one of the Bible's most chilling narratives, depicting the persistent, almost coercive, hospitality of the concubine's father towards his son-in-law, the Levite. On the morning of the fourth day, as the Levite attempts to depart, the father-in-law once again urges him to "comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread," thereby delaying their journey. This seemingly innocuous act of generosity, repeated over several days, is fraught with dramatic irony, as it directly contributes to the late departure that ultimately places the Levite and his concubine in the path of the horrific violence and depravity in Gibeah, setting the stage for the tragic events that follow.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 19:5 is embedded within a deeply disturbing narrative that begins with a Levite from the hill country of Ephraim retrieving his concubine from her father's house in Bethlehem of Judah. The preceding verses (Judges 19:1-4) establish the initial reconciliation and the father-in-law's overwhelming hospitality, which has already delayed their departure for three days. The Levite's repeated attempts to leave are met with insistent pleas to stay longer, eat, and drink. This verse marks the morning of the fourth day, highlighting the Levite's renewed resolve to depart, which is once again thwarted by his father-in-law's persuasive invitation. This prolonged delay is not merely a narrative detail; it is a crucial plot device that ensures the Levite and his concubine will travel at an ill-fated time, leading them to the Benjamite town of Gibeah under the cover of darkness, where the horrific events of the chapter unfold. The narrative's careful pacing emphasizes the escalating tension and foreshadows the impending tragedy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Hospitality was a sacred and deeply ingrained cultural obligation in the ancient Near East, often extending to multiple days, especially for travelers. It was a matter of honor and protection, ensuring the safety and sustenance of guests. However, the father-in-law's actions in Judges 19 go beyond customary courtesy, bordering on manipulation or coercion. His insistence on prolonging the stay, despite the son-in-law's clear desire to depart, suggests an overbearing or possessive affection for his daughter, or perhaps a desire to maintain the family connection. This period in Israel's history, as repeatedly stated in the book of Judges, was characterized by a profound lack of central authority and moral decay, famously summarized by the phrase, "[there was no king in Israel](/judges/19-1 "Judges 19:1 - No King in Israel") and "[every man did that which was right in his own eyes](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Moral Anarchy in Israel")". This societal breakdown meant that even sacred customs like hospitality could be distorted or lead to unforeseen, tragic consequences when discernment and divine guidance were absent.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within Judges 19 and the broader book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **excessive hospitality** and its potential for unintended negative consequences. While hospitality is generally a virtue, its overextension here becomes a form of obstruction, preventing the Levite from adhering to his necessary course. Secondly, the theme of **delay and its consequences** is paramount; the father-in-law's repeated insistence on staying directly leads to the Levite's late departure, which places him and his concubine in extreme danger. This underscores how seemingly minor decisions or delays can have catastrophic outcomes. Thirdly, the narrative subtly reinforces the overarching theme of **moral decay in Israel**. The father-in-law's actions, though perhaps well-intentioned, are part of a broader picture of a society where personal desires and customs are not tempered by wisdom or a clear moral compass, ultimately contributing to the horrific events that graphically illustrate the depths of depravity in a land without a righteous king or a guiding moral authority, as seen throughout [the book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - A Cycle of Sin and Deliverance"). The verse also serves as a point of **foreshadowing**, building suspense for the reader who knows the grim events awaiting the travelers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Comfort thine heart (Hebrew, _samak libbeka'_):** This idiomatic phrase, סמך לבך (pronounced *samak libbeka*), literally means "support your heart" or "strengthen your inner being." It is a common biblical expression for eating a meal to refresh oneself, regain strength, or be encouraged. In this context, it functions as a persuasive invitation to partake in food and drink, implying restoration and comfort. The father-in-law uses this phrase repeatedly (cf. Judges 19:8) to insist on the Levite's continued stay, revealing his persistent desire to delay their departure.
* **Morsel of bread (Hebrew, _pat lechem'_):** The term פת לחם (pronounced *pat lechem*) refers to a small piece or crumb of bread, signifying a simple, basic, and often quick meal. The father-in-law's use of "morsel" emphasizes that it's not a grand feast he's offering, but merely a small, seemingly insignificant bite to "comfort" the heart, making his request appear minimal and reasonable, yet it serves his larger purpose of delaying their journey.
* **Fourth day (Hebrew, _yom ha-revi'i'_):** The explicit mention of the "fourth day" (יום הרביעי, pronounced *yom ha-revi'i*) is significant. It highlights the prolonged nature of the delay and the father-in-law's persistent, almost relentless, hospitality. This repeated deferral of departure builds narrative tension, emphasizing the Levite's increasing impatience and the mounting sense of urgency, which ultimately culminates in their ill-timed journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart":** This opening clause establishes the setting and the Levite's clear intention. After three days of delay, the Levite is resolved to leave at the earliest possible moment ("early in the morning"), indicating his growing impatience and recognition of the need to proceed with his journey. This sets up a direct conflict with the father-in-law's desires.
* **"and the damsel's father said unto his son in law":** This phrase reintroduces the father-in-law as the active agent, highlighting his continued intervention and control over the situation. His voice is the one that consistently delays the departure, underscoring his dominant role in this part of the narrative.
* **"Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread":** This is the father-in-law's familiar, persuasive plea. It's an appeal to basic human need and comfort, framed as an act of kindness. However, given the context of repeated delays, it functions as a subtle manipulation, using the guise of hospitality to achieve his own desire to prolong their stay. The "morsel" makes the request seem small and easily granted.
* **"and afterward go your way":** This concluding phrase is a deceptive promise. It offers the hope of imminent departure, but it is a promise that has been broken repeatedly. For the reader, this phrase heightens the irony and suspense, as we know that "afterward" will lead not to a safe journey, but to the unfolding horror in Gibeah.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 19:5 is rich with several literary devices that enhance its dramatic impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the repeated delays, particularly on the "fourth day," build an ominous tension, hinting at the dire consequences of their late departure. The reader senses that this prolonged stay will lead to trouble, which it tragically does. **Irony** is also powerfully at play: what begins as an act of sacred hospitality, intended for comfort and protection, ironically becomes the very catalyst for the concubine's brutalization and death. The father-in-law's well-intentioned (or perhaps selfishly motivated) kindness directly contributes to the unfolding tragedy. **Repetition** of the father-in-law's plea to "comfort thine heart" (seen here and in Judges 19:8) underscores his persistence and the Levite's yielding nature, creating a sense of inevitability about the delay. Finally, the narrative employs **Suspense**, as the reader is aware of the Levite's desire to leave and the father-in-law's insistence on staying, creating a palpable tension about when they will finally depart and what awaits them on their journey.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 19:5, while seemingly a simple interaction, serves as a profound theological statement on human responsibility, the consequences of unchecked desires, and the dangers of a society adrift from divine guidance. The father-in-law's excessive hospitality, though culturally rooted, highlights the fine line between virtue and vice when discernment is lacking. His actions, coupled with the Levite's passive acquiescence, illustrate how seemingly minor decisions can set in motion a chain of events with catastrophic outcomes. This narrative serves as a stark warning about the importance of wisdom in discerning when to accept hospitality and when to prioritize one's necessary course of action, especially when facing potential dangers. It underscores the broader theme of the book of Judges: that when individuals and a nation "[do what is right in their own eyes](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Moral Chaos in Israel")" rather than seeking God's will, even good intentions can contribute to societal breakdown and moral depravity.

* [Proverbs 13:16](/proverbs/13-16 "Proverbs 13:16 - The Prudent Act with Knowledge")
* [Proverbs 27:10](/proverbs/27-10 "Proverbs 27:10 - The Value of a Neighbor")
* [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The tragic narrative of Judges 19, with verse 5 as a crucial turning point, offers profound lessons for contemporary life. It challenges us to consider the far-reaching consequences of our choices, even those that seem minor or well-intentioned. The father-in-law's excessive hospitality, while rooted in a cultural value, ultimately contributes to disaster. This prompts us to examine our own motivations and the potential impact of our actions, even when seemingly benevolent. Are there times when our "kindness" inadvertently hinders others or leads to unforeseen negative outcomes? The Levite's repeated yielding to delay also serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of discernment and resolve. There are moments when we must assert our boundaries, adhere to our convictions, and proceed with our responsibilities, even in the face of persuasive appeals. This story, set in a time when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes," powerfully reminds us of the dangers of moral relativism and the critical need for a guiding moral compass rooted in divine truth, rather than relying solely on personal judgment or cultural norms. It calls us to cultivate wisdom, spiritual discernment, and courage to make difficult choices that align with God's will, even when it means resisting comfortable delays or popular opinion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How might well-intentioned actions, like the father-in-law's hospitality, inadvertently lead to negative consequences in our lives or the lives of others?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be passively yielding to delays or distractions that are preventing you from pursuing what is truly necessary or wise?**
* **How can we cultivate greater discernment to know when to accept hospitality and when to firmly adhere to our planned course of action, especially when faced with potential risks?**
* **What does the moral chaos of Judges 19, stemming from individuals doing "what was right in their own eyes," teach us about the importance of objective moral standards and divine guidance today?**

### FAQ

**Why did the father-in-law keep delaying them?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state his motivations, but several factors likely contributed to his persistent delays. Culturally, hospitality was a sacred duty, and prolonging a guest's stay was a sign of honor and affection. He may have genuinely enjoyed their company or felt a deep affection for his daughter and wanted to keep her close for as long as possible after her return. Some interpretations suggest a manipulative element, perhaps a desire to maintain control or to ensure his daughter's well-being by keeping her under his protection. Regardless of his precise intent, his actions, though perhaps rooted in a form of care, ultimately prevented the Levite from leaving at a safer time, directly contributing to the tragic events that unfolded later in [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine").

**What is the significance of the "fourth day" in this verse?**

Answer: The mention of the "fourth day" is highly significant because it emphasizes the prolonged and repeated nature of the delay. The narrative explicitly states that the father-in-law delayed them on the second day (Judges 19:4), the third day (Judges 19:7), and now again on the fourth day. This repetition builds narrative tension and highlights the father-in-law's relentless insistence. It underscores the Levite's increasing frustration and the growing urgency to depart. Crucially, this extended delay means they leave Bethlehem late in the day, causing them to be on the road at dusk and forcing them to seek lodging in the dangerous town of Gibeah, directly setting the stage for the horrific events of the chapter. The "fourth day" marks the point of no return for their ill-fated journey.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of Judges 19, epitomized by the moral decay and the tragic consequences of human self-will, powerfully underscores humanity's desperate need for a true King and a perfect Shepherd. The Levite, a representative of Israel's spiritual leadership, fails to protect his concubine and make wise decisions, reflecting the spiritual bankruptcy of a people where "[there was no king in Israel](/judges/19-1 "Judges 19:1 - No King in Israel") and every man did what was right in his own eyes." This chaos and depravity find their ultimate answer in Jesus Christ. Unlike the Levite who yields to human persuasion and leads his household into peril, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep, demonstrating perfect leadership and self-sacrificial love (cf. [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd")). The distorted hospitality in Judges, which leads to violence, stands in stark contrast to Christ's perfect hospitality, where He invites all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him, offering true comfort and sustenance for the soul (cf. [Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The "morsel of bread" offered in Judges 19:5, which ultimately leads to death, foreshadows the true Bread of Life, Jesus, whose body broken for us offers eternal life (cf. [John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")). The entire book of Judges cries out for a deliverer, a righteous King who would bring order out of chaos, and that King is Jesus, who perfectly fulfills the law, conquers sin and death, and establishes a kingdom where righteousness reigns, ensuring that those who follow Him will never walk in darkness but have the light of life (cf. [John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.