Judges 19:4

4 and his father-in-law, the damsel’s father, retained him, and he dwelt with him three days; eating and drinking, and abiding 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 committed adultery against him and went away from him unto her father’s house to Bethlehem of Judah and was there four whole months.

3 And her husband arose and went after her to speak friendly unto her and 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;

4 and his father-in-law, the damsel’s father, retained him, and he dwelt with him three days; eating and drinking, and abiding there.

5 And on the fourth day when they arose early in the morning, the Levite rose up to depart; and the damsel’s father said unto his son-in-law, Strengthen thy heart with a morsel of bread, and afterwards ye shall go.

6 And the two of them sat down together and ate and drank. And the damsel’s father said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and thy heart shall be merry.