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.