Definition: And when the man rose up to depart, he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damselâs father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Judges 19:9. It's a really interesting and complex passage about how God responds to a serious injustice – the killing of a man and his family. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Situation: A Man is Killed: A man named “the man” is murdered by a group of people. He’s Trying to Leave: He tries to leave the scene, but he’s told to stay put for the rest of the night. God’s Warning: God tells him to wait until it's dark (the "day draweth toward evening" – meaning late in the day). He says that the day is ending and he wants to help him be happy. The Key Instruction: Lodge Here: He’s told to stay put, but not to leave his home. He needs a safe place to rest and be comfortable. What God is Doing: God is essentially saying: “I’m not going to immediately punish this man. I want to give him a chance to repent and make amends.” He's setting up a situation where he’ll let the man live, but with a specific condition – he needs to remain in his home until morning. The Meaning & Why it’s Important: Justice Delayed: This verse is a classic example of God delaying punishment for those who have wronged him. It's about giving the offender time to change their ways and show remorse. Forgiveness & Redemption: God isn't just punishing the man; He's offering him a chance to be forgiven and to rebuild his life. It’s a plea for mercy. A Test of Character: The verse highlights that the man must demonstrate kindness, humility, and a willingness to accept God's forgiveness. In short, it’s a powerful message about God's patience, mercy, and the possibility of redemption even after terrible acts. --- Important Note: This is a challenging passage, and there are different interpretations among scholars. It's often interpreted as a reflection on the nature of justice and the importance of forgiveness. Do you want me to: Explain any specific part in more detail? Discuss what this verse might be teaching about human nature or faith?