Judges 19:3 — Meaning and Application

And it came to pass in those days, when {there was} no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah. {a concubine: Heb. a woman a concubine, or, a wife a concubine}

And his concubine played the whore against him, and went away from him unto her father's house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months. {four whole months: or, a year and four month: Heb. days, four months}

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. {friendly...: Heb. to her heart}

And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there.

And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart: and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward go your way. {Comfort: Heb. Strengthen}