Judges 19:7

KJV

And when the man rose up to depart, his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And when the man {H376} rose up {H6965} to depart {H3212}, his father in law {H2859} urged {H6484} him: therefore he lodged {H3885} there again {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The man rose to leave, but his father-in-law pressed him, so he stayed there again.

Berean Standard Bible

The man got up to depart, but his father-in-law persuaded him, so he stayed there that night.

American Standard Version

And the man rose up to depart; but his father-in-law urged him, and he lodged there again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 19:7 marks a pivotal moment in the tragic narrative of the Levite and his concubine, vividly portraying the persistent and ultimately detrimental influence of the concubine's father. This verse details the third instance where the Levite attempts to leave Bethlehem-Judah, only to be strongly persuaded by his father-in-law to extend his stay for yet another night. This repeated delay, seemingly an act of hospitality, directly sets the stage for the horrific events that unfold later in the chapter, underscoring the escalating moral and spiritual decline within Israel during this chaotic period of "no king."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 19 commences with a Levite from the hill country of Ephraim traveling to Bethlehem-Judah to retrieve his concubine, who had returned to her father's house. The narrative immediately establishes a pattern of excessive and manipulative hospitality from the father-in-law. Verses 4-6 meticulously detail his repeated pleas for the Levite to "comfort his heart" and prolong his stay, initially for three days, then a fourth, and finally a fifth. Each morning, the Levite prepares to depart, only to be convinced to remain until the afternoon. Judges 19:7 specifically highlights the Levite's renewed attempt to leave on the fifth day, but the father-in-law's insistent urging once again prevails, leading to another night's delay. This recurring pattern of procrastination and the Levite's yielding to pressure is critically important, as it forces them to travel late in the day, leading them to seek lodging in the morally bankrupt, Benjamite city of Gibeah, rather than a more hospitable Jebusite city, thereby precipitating the chapter's gruesome climax and the subsequent civil war.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Judges is situated in the period following the Israelite conquest of Canaan but prior to the establishment of the monarchy, a time characterized by a cyclical pattern of apostasy, foreign oppression, and divine deliverance through judges. The overarching theological commentary, reiterated in passages like [Judges 17:6](/judges/17-6 "Judges 17:6 - Everyone Did What Was Right In Their Own Eyes") and [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - No King in Israel"), is that "in those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." Hospitality was a deeply ingrained and sacred virtue in ancient Near Eastern culture, often viewed as a moral imperative and a profound sign of honor. Hosts were expected to provide food, shelter, and protection to travelers, and guests were expected to respect their host's generosity. However, the father-in-law's actions here push the boundaries of this custom, becoming overbearing and potentially manipulative. His relentless insistence, while perhaps rooted in genuine affection or a desire to maintain family ties, ultimately compromises the safety of his guests by delaying their departure into the perilous twilight hours. This incident reflects a broader societal breakdown where even virtuous customs could be distorted or lead to unforeseen dangers due to a severe lack of moral discernment and divine guidance.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within the Book of Judges and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **excessive hospitality and its unintended consequences**. While hospitality was a virtue, the father-in-law's relentless urging becomes a form of manipulation, demonstrating how even good intentions can lead to disastrous outcomes when lacking wisdom and proper boundaries. Secondly, the repeated **delay and procrastination** are central to the narrative's unfolding tragedy. The Levite's inability to assert himself and depart at a prudent hour directly leads to their vulnerability, serving as a stark warning about the dangers of poor timing and indecisiveness. This contrasts sharply with the wisdom often extolled in books like [Proverbs](/proverbs/1 "Proverbs - The Book of Wisdom"), which encourages foresight and diligence. Finally, the entire episode, including this verse, powerfully illustrates the **moral and spiritual decay** prevalent in Israel. The absence of righteous leadership and the widespread disregard for God's law created an environment where even a sacred custom like hospitality could be abused, personal boundaries ignored, and horrific atrocities committed, emphasizing the desperate need for a righteous king and a return to divine order. The shocking events that follow this delay in [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Levite and His Concubine") are a direct consequence of this societal collapse.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **man (Hebrew, _ʼîysh'_):** Refers to the Levite, emphasizing his individual personhood and role in the narrative. While often used broadly for "man," in this context, it highlights the specific individual whose actions (or inactions) are central to the unfolding tragedy. The Levite, as an `ʼîysh`, is depicted as a person capable of making decisions, yet repeatedly fails to assert his will against the father-in-law's pressure.
* **depart (Hebrew, _yâlak'_):** This verb signifies the Levite's intention to "go" or "walk away." It underscores his repeated attempts to leave, setting up the conflict with the father-in-law's desires. The constant preparation to `yâlak` followed by delay creates a narrative rhythm that emphasizes the Levite's lack of resolve and the increasing pressure exerted upon him.
* **urged (Hebrew, _pâtsar'_):** Translated as "urged," this word conveys a strong sense of pressing, compelling, or even being stubborn. It indicates that the father-in-law did not merely suggest but actively and forcefully insisted on the Levite's continued stay. This word highlights the intense pressure exerted by the father-in-law, making it difficult for the Levite to refuse and underscoring the father-in-law's dominant role in the interaction.
* **lodged (Hebrew, _lûwn'_):** This verb means "to stop (usually overnight)" or "to stay permanently." In this context, it signifies the act of spending the night. The phrase "lodged there again" indicates a repeated, forced extension of their stay, directly resulting from the father-in-law's urging. This seemingly simple act of lodging becomes fateful, as it dictates their travel schedule and ultimately leads them to their tragic destination.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when the man rose up to depart":** This phrase establishes the Levite's clear intention and repeated action of preparing to leave. It signifies a moment of decision and initiative on his part, setting the immediate scene for the conflict of wills that follows. This action underscores his desire to resume his journey, even if it is repeatedly thwarted.
* **"his father in law urged him":** This is the pivotal action of the verse, where the father-in-law exerts significant pressure. The use of the strong verb `pâtsar` (urged) indicates that this was not a polite suggestion but a forceful insistence, demonstrating his desire to prolong their stay, possibly out of affection, cultural obligation, or a reluctance to see his daughter leave. This urging is the direct cause of the subsequent delay.
* **"therefore he lodged there again":** This clause reveals the immediate consequence of the father-in-law's persistent urging and the Levite's capitulation. The "therefore" establishes a direct cause-and-effect relationship: the strong urging led directly to another night's delay. This seemingly simple decision to "lodge there again" has profound and tragic implications for the narrative's unfolding events, as it dictates their travel schedule and ultimately their perilous destination.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Judges 19:7 employs several literary devices to heighten its impact and underscore the tragic inevitability of the unfolding events. **Repetition** is a prominent feature, evident in the recurring pattern of the Levite attempting to leave and the father-in-law persistently urging him to stay. This creates a sense of exasperation and inevitability, emphasizing the Levite's lack of resolve and the father-in-law's overbearing nature. This repetition also significantly influences the **pacing** of the story, deliberately slowing down the narrative before the sudden, horrific acceleration into violence, thereby building suspense and highlighting the fateful nature of each delay. There is a strong element of **foreshadowing** as the repeated delays and the Levite's passive yielding to pressure subtly hint at the impending danger and his tragic inability to protect his concubine later in the chapter. Furthermore, a dark **irony** pervades the scene: the sacred virtue of hospitality, typically a source of safety and blessing in ancient Near Eastern culture, becomes, through its excess and the Levite's poor judgment, the very catalyst for the unfolding catastrophe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 19:7, though a small part of a harrowing account, serves as a poignant illustration of the dangers inherent in human indecision, the subtle yet powerful influence of others, and the profound consequences of neglecting wisdom. The Levite's repeated yielding to his father-in-law's insistent hospitality, however well-intentioned, highlights a failure of discernment and leadership. In a period where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes," this verse demonstrates how even seemingly minor compromises or delays, when compounded, can lead to catastrophic outcomes. The narrative underscores the importance of exercising prudence and standing firm in one's convictions, especially when faced with pressures that could compromise safety or moral integrity. It implicitly calls for a reliance on divine wisdom, which was sorely lacking in this era of Israel's history, leading to tragic misjudgments and moral decay.

* [Proverbs 27:12](/proverbs/27-12 "Proverbs 27:12 - The Prudent See Danger"): "A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, and are punished."
* [Proverbs 14:12](/proverbs/14-12 "Proverbs 14:12 - The Way That Seems Right"): "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death."
* [Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15-16 "Ephesians 5:15-16 - Make the Best Use of Time"): "See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly innocuous delay described in Judges 19:7 holds profound lessons for contemporary life, challenging us to consider the cumulative impact of small decisions and the subtle ways in which external pressures can derail our best intentions. The Levite's repeated capitulation to his father-in-law's urging serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of discernment and setting healthy boundaries, even within relationships where genuine affection exists. Are we prone to procrastination, or do we allow others' desires to override our own good judgment, especially when prudence dictates a different course of action? This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of wisdom, to be mindful of timing, and to recognize that while hospitality is a virtue, it must be exercised with discernment, never at the expense of safety, moral integrity, or the well-being of those under our care. It reminds us that our choices, however minor they may seem at the moment, can have far-reaching and unforeseen consequences, urging us to seek God's guidance and wisdom in all our comings and goings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do seemingly minor decisions or delays in our lives sometimes lead to significant, unforeseen consequences?**
* **When have I experienced pressure (from others or circumstances) that challenged my better judgment, and how did I respond?**
* **In what ways can a virtue, like hospitality, become excessive or even detrimental if not exercised with wisdom and discernment?**

### FAQ
**Why was the father-in-law so insistent on the Levite staying?**

Answer: The father-in-law's insistence likely stemmed from a combination of factors deeply rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture. Firstly, it was a matter of honor and a sacred duty to offer lavish hospitality to guests, especially family. Prolonging a guest's stay was a sign of great respect and affection, and refusing to extend hospitality could be seen as an insult. Secondly, he may have genuinely enjoyed the company or desired to maintain a closer bond with his daughter and son-in-law, perhaps out of concern for his daughter's well-being given her previous departure. Lastly, there might have been an element of subtle manipulation, a desire to keep his daughter close to him, or simply a lack of awareness regarding the dangers of travel after dark, given the general breakdown of order in Israel described throughout [the Book of Judges](/judges/1 "The Book of Judges - No King in Israel").

**What is the significance of the repeated delays in this chapter?**

Answer: The repeated delays are critically significant for several reasons. Narratively, they heighten the tension and build suspense, drawing the reader's attention to the Levite's lack of resolve and the father-in-law's overbearing nature. Thematically, these delays directly contribute to the timing of the Levite's journey, forcing him and his concubine to travel late in the day. This late departure prevents them from reaching a safer, more established city like Jebus (Jerusalem) and instead leads them to the hostile, morally corrupt city of Gibeah, where the horrific events of the chapter unfold. Thus, the delays are a crucial plot device that underscores the consequences of poor judgment and sets the stage for the ensuing tragedy, highlighting how seemingly minor decisions can lead to catastrophic outcomes.

**Does this verse imply the Levite was at fault for what happened later?**

Answer: While Judges 19:7 highlights the Levite's passive yielding to the father-in-law's insistence, which directly contributed to the ill-timed journey, it does not imply he was solely or primarily at fault for the atrocities that followed. The primary culpability for the rape and murder of the concubine lies squarely with the wicked men of Gibeah, who committed the heinous act, and the Benjamite tribe, who later defended them. However, the Levite's repeated lack of decisive action, his poor judgment in choosing Gibeah for lodging, and his subsequent horrific treatment of his concubine do reveal his own moral failings and complicity in the broader societal decay of the Judges period, where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right In Their Own Eyes")). The verse points to a confluence of factors, including the Levite's weakness, the father-in-law's excessive hospitality, and the profound wickedness of the age.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dark narrative of Judges 19, with Judges 19:7 as a pivotal moment of fatal delay, starkly illustrates the profound spiritual and moral depravity that pervades humanity when left to its own devices, a time when "every man did that which was right in his own eyes." This chaotic era, devoid of a righteous king, cries out for divine intervention and true leadership. In contrast to the Levite's indecision and the father-in-law's misguided insistence, Jesus Christ emerges as the perfect embodiment of wisdom, discernment, and decisive action. He is the true King who perfectly fulfills the need for righteous governance, bringing order to chaos and light to darkness. Where human hospitality can become excessive and lead to danger, Christ offers genuine, life-giving hospitality, inviting all who are weary and burdened to find rest in Him ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28-30 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")). His perfect life and atoning sacrifice on the cross address the very sin and moral breakdown so graphically displayed in Judges, offering forgiveness and transformation. He is the Good Shepherd who leads His sheep in paths of righteousness, ensuring their safety and guiding them away from peril ([Psalm 23:3](/psalm/23-3 "Psalm 23:3 - He Leads Me in Paths of Righteousness")), unlike the Levite who failed to protect his charge. Ultimately, the horror of Judges 19 underscores humanity's desperate need for the saving work of Christ, who came to give abundant life where sin had brought death ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")) and to establish a kingdom of righteousness where all do what is right in the eyes of God, through faith in Him, culminating in the new heavens and new earth where righteousness dwells ([2 Peter 3:13](/2_peter/3-13 "2 Peter 3:13 - New Heavens and New Earth")).

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.