Judges 19:4

4 And his father-in-law, the father of the damsel, constrained him, and he stayed with him for three days; and they ate and drank, and lodged there.

Judges 19:4 Meaning and Commentary

Judges 19:4

And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him
Prevailed upon him to stay some time with him:

and he abode with him three days;
it seems as if he agreed to stay with him so long, and that time he stayed contentedly:

so they did eat and drink, and lodged there;
the Levite and his servant were very handsomely entertained, and had everything provided for them convenient for meat, drink, and lodging.

Judges 19:4 In-Context

2 And his concubine departed from him, and went away from him to the house of her father to Bethleem Juda, and she was there four months.

3 And her husband rose up, and went after her to speak kindly to her, to recover her to himself; and he had his young man with him, and a pair of asses; and she brought him into the house of her father; and the father of the damsel saw him, and was well pleased to meet him.

4 And his father-in-law, the father of the damsel, constrained him, and he stayed with him for three days; and they ate and drank, and lodged there.

5 And it came to pass on the fourth day that they rose early, and he stood up to depart; and the father of the damsel said to his son-in-law, Strengthen thy heart with a morsel of bread, and afterwards ye shall go.

6 So they two sat down together and ate and drank: and the father of the damsel said to her husband, Tarry now the night, and let thy heart be merry.