Judges 19:8

KJV

And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart: and the damsel's father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both of them.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he arose early {H7925} in the morning {H1242} on the fifth {H2549} day {H3117} to depart {H3212}: and the damsel's {H5291} father {H1} said {H559}, Comfort {H5582} thine heart {H3824}, I pray thee. And they tarried {H4102} until afternoon {H3117}{H5186}, and they did eat {H398} both {H8147} of them.

Complete Jewish Bible

The morning of the fifth day, he got up early to leave; but the girl's father said, "Why don't you have something to eat, and leave this afternoon?" So the two men ate.

Berean Standard Bible

On the fifth day, he got up early in the morning to depart, but the girl’s father said, “Please refresh your heart.” So they waited until late afternoon and the two of them ate.

American Standard Version

And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart; and the damsel’s father said, Strengthen thy heart, I pray thee, and tarry ye until the day declineth; and they did eat, both of them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Judges 19:8 marks a critical juncture in the harrowing narrative of the Levite and his concubine, detailing the final, fateful delay in their departure from Bethlehem. Despite the Levite's early morning intention to leave on the fifth day, his father-in-law's persistent, albeit culturally rooted, hospitality once again prevails, leading to prolonged feasting and a late afternoon departure. This seemingly innocuous deferral of travel, driven by a desire for comfort and enjoyment, inadvertently propels the couple into the deepening shadows of the day, setting the stage for the unspeakable violence and moral depravity that will soon engulf them in Gibeah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Judges 19:8 is situated within the deeply disturbing narrative of the Levite, his concubine, and the subsequent civil war, which occupies the final two chapters of the book of Judges. This verse specifically concludes a repetitive cycle of delay initiated in [Judges 19:4](/judges/19-4 "Judges 19:4 - The First Delay"), where the father-in-law repeatedly persuades the Levite to extend his stay. The Levite's initial three-day visit has now stretched into a fifth day, with the father-in-law's insistence on "comforting the heart" serving as the final, decisive impediment to an early departure. This protracted stay, marked by feasting and conviviality, forms a stark and unsettling contrast to the horrific events that immediately follow in [Judges 19:15-28](/judges/19-15 "Judges 19:15-28 - The Atrocity in Gibeah"), where the Levite and his concubine encounter profound depravity in Gibeah. The verse thus functions as a narrative hinge, transforming a scene of seemingly benign hospitality into the precipice of tragedy.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Judges chronicles a period in Israelite history (roughly 14th-11th centuries BCE) characterized by a lack of central authority, spiritual apostasy, and moral decline, famously summarized by the refrain, "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Moral Chaos of the Judges Period")). Hospitality was a deeply ingrained and sacred cultural norm in the ancient Near East, often extending to multiple days and involving elaborate feasting. To refuse a host's persistent invitation could be seen as a grave insult. The father-in-law's actions, while excessive in this narrative, stemmed from this cultural expectation. However, the narrative subtly critiques this excess, showing how even a virtuous custom, when taken to an extreme or lacking discernment, can lead to unforeseen and disastrous consequences. The journey from Bethlehem of Judah to the Levite's home in the hill country of Ephraim was significant, and departing late in the day would have exposed travelers to increased dangers, including bandits or the necessity of finding lodging in unfamiliar, potentially hostile, towns like Gibeah.
* **Key Themes:** Judges 19:8 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Judges and this specific narrative. It highlights the theme of **procrastination and its dire consequences**, as the repeated delays, fueled by excessive hospitality, lead the travelers into perilous circumstances. This verse also serves as a poignant example of the **calm before the storm**, presenting a scene of domestic comfort and feasting that starkly contrasts with the escalating violence and moral decay that immediately follows, thereby building intense narrative suspense. Furthermore, the father-in-law's well-intentioned but ultimately ill-advised persistence in delaying the Levite's departure subtly underscores the pervasive theme of **human shortsightedness and lack of discernment** within a period marked by spiritual and moral chaos. This narrative, starting with these seemingly trivial delays, becomes a powerful indictment of a society that has lost its moral compass, where even good intentions can pave the way for profound evil, echoing the broader societal breakdown described in [Judges 17-21](/judges/17 "Judges 17-21 - The Appendices of Judges").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"arose early" (Hebrew, _wayyaš·kêm'_):** From the root שָׁכַם (_šāḵam_), meaning "to rise early," "to get up early." This verb indicates a deliberate and timely intention to begin a journey or task. Its use here emphasizes the Levite's clear desire to depart at an opportune time, likely to cover significant ground before nightfall. The repetition of this action (implied from previous attempts to leave) highlights the father-in-law's persistent obstruction of this intention.
* **"Comfort thine heart" (Hebrew, _śāmaḥ ləḇāḇeḵā'_):** Literally "make your heart glad" or "rejoice your heart." The verb שָׂמַח (_śāmaḥ_) denotes joy, gladness, or merriment, often associated with feasting and celebration. This phrase goes beyond mere comfort, implying an invitation to indulge in continued enjoyment and festivity. It reflects the father-in-law's desire for his guest to fully experience and appreciate his hospitality, even at the expense of practical considerations.
* **"tarried" (Hebrew, _wayyitmahməhū'_):** From the root מָהַהּ (_māhah_), meaning "to delay," "to linger," "to hesitate." This verb explicitly describes the act of postponing or remaining longer than intended. Coupled with "until afternoon," it underscores the significant amount of time lost due to the father-in-law's persuasion, directly contrasting with the Levite's earlier intention to depart. This delay is pivotal, as it forces them to travel during the most dangerous part of the day.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart:"** This clause establishes the Levite's clear intention and the prolonged nature of his stay. "The fifth day" indicates that what began as a three-day visit (as per the initial agreement or expectation) has now been extended by two additional days, largely due to the father-in-law's repeated pleas. The Levite's early rising signifies his resolve to finally leave, underscoring the father-in-law's subsequent intervention as the final obstacle.
* **"and the damsel's father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee."** This reveals the father-in-law's persistent and persuasive nature. His plea, "Comfort thine heart," is a culturally polite but insistent invitation to continue enjoying his hospitality, specifically through feasting. This phrase, repeated from earlier in the chapter, highlights the cyclical nature of the delay and the Levite's repeated capitulation, setting up the tragic consequences of this final deferral.
* **"And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both of them."** This final clause confirms the success of the father-in-law's persuasion and the significant amount of time lost. "Tarried until afternoon" implies that their departure was pushed back to a dangerously late hour, leaving insufficient daylight for a safe journey. The act of "eating both of them" reinforces the theme of feasting and enjoyment as the immediate cause of the delay, highlighting the Levite's acquiescence to pleasure over prudence, a decision that will have devastating repercussions.

#### Literary Devices
Judges 19:8 employs several literary devices to heighten its dramatic impact. **Irony** is prominent, as the father-in-law's seemingly hospitable and well-intentioned actions ("Comfort thine heart") ultimately lead to the most horrific outcome for his daughter and son-in-law. What should have been a safe haven becomes, through excessive delay, the unwitting catalyst for tragedy. **Foreshadowing** is also powerfully at play; the protracted delay and the late departure create an ominous sense of impending doom, signaling to the reader that the journey ahead will be fraught with danger. The leisurely feasting described stands in stark **contrast** to the brutal violence that awaits them, amplifying the shock and horror of the subsequent events. Finally, the **repetition** of the father-in-law's pleas for delay throughout Judges 19 (cf. [Judges 19:4-7](/judges/19-4 "Judges 19:4-7 - The Repeated Delays")) emphasizes the Levite's weakness in resisting and the father-in-law's excessive hospitality, building a sense of inevitability towards the tragic climax.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Judges 19:8, though seemingly a simple account of a delayed departure, is pregnant with theological and thematic significance, deeply embedding itself within the broader narrative of Israel's moral and spiritual decline during the period of the Judges. It subtly critiques the misuse of even virtuous customs, like hospitality, when they override prudence and responsibility. The Levite's repeated acquiescence to comfort over timely action reflects a broader societal malaise where discernment is lacking and personal convenience or pleasure takes precedence over wisdom. This seemingly minor decision to "tarry until afternoon" becomes a pivotal point, illustrating how seemingly small compromises can lead to catastrophic consequences, a recurring motif in a book where "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Moral Chaos of the Judges Period")). The verse also underscores the theme of divine judgment, not necessarily as direct intervention, but as the inevitable outcome of human choices made in a context of spiritual abandonment and moral decay.

* [Proverbs 27:12](/proverbs/27-12 "Proverbs 27:12 - Prudence and Consequences")
* [Luke 12:16-21](/luke/12-16 "Luke 12:16-21 - The Parable of the Rich Fool")
* [Romans 13:11-14](/romans/13-11 "Romans 13:11-14 - Wake Up from Sleep")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Judges 19:8, while set in a dark chapter of Israel's history, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It serves as a stark reminder that even good intentions or culturally valued practices, such as hospitality, can become detrimental when taken to excess or when they lead to procrastination and a lack of discernment. The Levite's repeated yielding to comfort and pleasure, delaying his journey until a dangerous hour, illustrates the perils of prioritizing immediate gratification over long-term wisdom and safety. This passage challenges us to cultivate spiritual discernment, to recognize when "good" things become obstacles to "better" or "necessary" things. It prompts us to consider the potential consequences of our choices, particularly those that involve delaying responsibilities or entering into situations unprepared. In a world that often encourages endless comfort and procrastination, Judges 19:8 calls us to a life of intentionality, prudence, and a sober assessment of risks, always seeking to align our actions with God's wisdom rather than merely our own desires or the prevailing cultural norms.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life might I be prioritizing comfort or immediate pleasure over necessary action or wise planning?**
* **How can I cultivate greater discernment to recognize when a good thing, like hospitality, becomes excessive or detrimental?**
* **What are the "late hours" in my spiritual or practical life that I should avoid by acting with greater intentionality and timeliness?**
* **How does this narrative challenge my understanding of responsibility and accountability in the face of external pressures?**

### FAQ

**Why did the Levite keep agreeing to stay, despite his clear intention to leave?**

Answer: The Levite's repeated acquiescence can be attributed to a combination of factors rooted in ancient Near Eastern culture and his own character. Firstly, the father-in-law's hospitality was intense and persistent, and to refuse such a host, especially a family member, could be considered a grave insult. Social pressure and the desire to maintain good relations likely played a significant role. Secondly, the phrase "Comfort thine heart" suggests an appeal to pleasure and enjoyment through feasting and merriment, which the Levite seems to have readily embraced. This indicates a potential lack of resolve or discernment on his part, prioritizing immediate comfort over the prudence required for a safe journey. This weakness in character foreshadows his later, more egregious failures in the narrative of [Judges 19](/judges/19 "Judges 19 - The Gibeah Atrocity").

**What is the significance of "the fifth day" and "until afternoon"?**

Answer: "The fifth day" is significant because it marks a prolonged and excessive extension of what was likely intended to be a shorter visit (perhaps three days, as suggested by common hospitality norms). This extended stay highlights the father-in-law's extreme persistence and the Levite's prolonged procrastination. "Until afternoon" (literally, "until the day declined" or "began to turn") indicates that they did not depart until late in the day, when the sun was already beginning to set. This late departure was highly imprudent for travel in ancient times, as it significantly increased the risk of encountering dangers like bandits or being forced to seek lodging in unfamiliar and potentially hostile towns after dark, which tragically happens in [Gibeah](/judges/19-15 "Judges 19:15 - Arrival in Gibeah"). The timing directly contributes to the unfolding tragedy.

**Does this verse suggest that hospitality is a negative thing?**

Answer: No, the verse does not suggest that hospitality itself is negative. Hospitality was, and remains, a highly valued virtue in biblical tradition (cf. [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality") or [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do Not Forget Hospitality")). Rather, Judges 19:8 illustrates how even a good and commendable practice can become problematic when taken to excess, when it lacks discernment, or when it leads to a neglect of other responsibilities or dangers. The father-in-law's hospitality, while well-intentioned, became overly persistent and ultimately detrimental, contributing to the perilous circumstances that befell his daughter. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale against unchecked indulgence and the dangers of procrastination, even when fueled by seemingly benign social customs.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Judges 19:8, set in one of the darkest passages of the Old Testament, powerfully underscores the profound spiritual and moral vacuum that characterized Israel during the period of the Judges, a time when "there was no king in Israel" and "every man did that which was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - The Moral Chaos of the Judges Period")). The Levite's repeated capitulation to comfort and delay, leading to a late and dangerous journey, mirrors humanity's fallen tendency to prioritize immediate gratification and self-interest over divine wisdom and prudence. This narrative, culminating in unspeakable evil, cries out for a true King, one who would not only guide His people but also perfectly embody righteousness and self-sacrifice. Jesus Christ is that King, the ultimate fulfillment of Israel's longing. Unlike the Levite who prioritizes his own comfort, Christ "did not please himself" ([Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself")) but willingly embarked on His journey to the cross, even when it meant suffering and death, to rescue a lost and morally depraved humanity. His deliberate and timely journey to Jerusalem ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")) stands in stark contrast to the Levite's fatal procrastination. Christ's perfect obedience and ultimate sacrifice provide the true "comfort for the heart" that the father-in-law sought, not through fleeting feasting, but through the eternal peace and reconciliation offered by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). He is the light that enters the world's deepest darkness, bringing hope and redemption where human folly and sin lead only to despair ([John 1:5](/john/1-5 "John 1:5 - The Light Shines in the Darkness")).

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.