And when the man rose up to depart, he and his concubine, and
his servant
Rose up from table, having comfortably refreshed themselves:
his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, behold, now the
day draweth towards evening;
or is "remiss", or "weak" F14; that is, the heat, light, and strength of the sun abated, and became weaker and more remiss, as it does the more it declines, and is nearer setting:
I pray you tarry all night;
suggesting, it was a very improper time to set out in on a journey:
behold, the day groweth to an end;
or "behold, it is the encampment of the day" F15, when the day or sun seems to be pitching its tent, and going to rest; or it being the time when an army on the march stops and pitches their tents, in order to continue all night; or when men go to their tents and habitations, and lie down and take their rest:
lodge here, that thine heart may be merry;
and let us have another pleasant evening together, which cannot be had in an inn upon the road; you cannot be comfortable there, as here, and therefore be persuaded to stay, since it is not possible to get home tonight:
and tomorrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home;
to thy city, as the Targum; signifying, that he should not insist upon their staying any longer, and then they might set out on their journey as soon as they pleased.
The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.