A. concubine — Heb. a wife, a concubine, that is, such a concubine as was also his wife: called a concubine, only because she was not endowed. Perhaps he had nothing to endow her with, being himself only a sojourner.... [ Continue Reading ]
Against him — That is, against her faith given to him. Went away — Either for fear of punishment; or, because her heart was alienated from him; wherein not only she sinned, but her father by connivance at her sin, and neglect of just endeavours for her reconciliation to her husband.... [ Continue Reading ]
Friendly — To offer her pardon and reconciliation.... [ Continue Reading ]
A stranger — That is, of a strange nation: which the Canaanites possess; for though the city Jerusalem had been taken by Caleb, Judges 1:8, yet the strong fort of Zion was still in their hands, whence it is likely they did much molest, and afterwards by God's permission, drive out the Israelites who... [ Continue Reading ]
To lodge — Though they were soft and effeminate in other respects, yet they were hard — hearted to strangers, and at that time there were no public — houses in that country.... [ Continue Reading ]
Ephraim — Whence also the Levite was, which enclined him to shew the more kindness to his country — man. Benjamites — This was indeed one of the cities belonging to the priests; but the cities which were given to the priests, and whereof they were owners, were not inhabited by the priests or Levites... [ Continue Reading ]
House of the Lord — Which was in Shiloh. Thither he went, either because he lived there, for that was in the tribe of Ephraim; or, rather, because he would there offer prayers and praises, and sacrifices to God, for his mercy in reconciling him and his wife.... [ Continue Reading ]
Let all, &c. — It matters not whether thou wantest nothing or everything, I will take care to supply all thy wants.... [ Continue Reading ]
Washed — As they used to do to travellers in those hot countries.... [ Continue Reading ]
Merry — That is, refreshing themselves with the provisions set before them. Sons of belial — Children of the devil, wicked and licentious men.... [ Continue Reading ]
Into my house — And therefore I am obliged to protect him by the laws of hospitality.... [ Continue Reading ]
Fell down — Namely, dead; killed partly with grief of heart, and partly with excessive abuse. Thus the sin she formerly chose, Judges 19:2, is now her destruction; and though her husband pardoned her, God would punish her, at least as to this life.... [ Continue Reading ]
Sent — By several messengers, with a relation of the fact.... [ Continue Reading ]
Speak — Let us meet together, and seriously consider, and every one freely speak what is to be done in this case.... [ Continue Reading ]