Charles Ellicott Commentary Judges 19
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Judges 19
Charles Ellicott Commentary
Judges 19
"And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the farther side of the hill-country of Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Beth-lehem-judah." — Judges 19:1 (ASV)
On the side of Mount Ephraim. —Literally, on the two thighs (yarcethaim) . (Isaiah 37:24.) As to the residence of the Levite at Mount Ephraim, see Note on Judges 17:8. It is probably a fortuitous coincidence that both this Levite and Jonathan have connections with Mount Ephraim and with Bethlehem.
Took to him a concubine. —Such connections were not legally forbidden; yet it is probable that in the case of all but princes or eminent men they were looked on with moral disapprobation. She is called “a wife or concubine”— i.e., a wife with inferior rights for herself and her children.
"And his concubine played the harlot against him, and went away from him unto her father`s house to Beth-lehem-judah, and was there the space of four months." — Judges 19:2 (ASV)
Four whole months. —Literally, days, four months, which some interpret to mean “a year (see Note on Judges 17:10) and four months.” The incident has, however, little bearing on the general story.
"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." — Judges 19:3 (ASV)
To speak friendly to her. —Literally, to speak to her heart — i.e., to bring about a kindly reconciliation (Genesis 34:3; Genesis 1:21; Ruth 2:13).
A couple of asses. —One was meant to convey back his wife on her return.
"And his father-in-law, the damsel`s father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there." — Judges 19:4 (ASV)
Retained him. —One motive of the father-in-law would doubtless be to practise the full rights of hospitality, which are in the East so specially sacred; but he probably desired further to win back the Levite’s heart to his erring daughter.
"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." — Judges 19:5 (ASV)
Early in the morning. —Except in winter, most journeys are performed in the early morning or late evening, in order to avoid the burning heat.
Comfort your heart. —Literally, Prop up your heart, as in Genesis 18:5. This resembles the Latin expression cor fulcire.
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