MPV Commentary

1. During this period, an unfortunate event occurred that would have far-reaching consequences throughout the land.

A certain Levite had taken a concubine as his wife. Although some might view this relationship as inferior, it was actually a legitimate marriage under Mosaic law, and many good men had entered into similar unions.

2. The Levite's concubine left him to return to her father's house. According to Deuteronomy 24:4, the reason for their separation made it impossible for the husband to reclaim his wife. In the East, a woman who abandoned her husband without cause would have been subject to severe punishment.

3-4. The Levite set out to retrieve his concubine, accompanied by a servant. When they arrived at the father-in-law's house, he was overjoyed to see them and hoped for reconciliation between his daughter and her husband. The Levite stayed with his father-in-law for several days, despite feeling reluctant to prolong his visit.

8. He lingered there until late afternoon, when the day began to decline.

9. As evening approached, it was too late to continue their journey. However, duty may have compelled the Levite to press on.

10-12. The man departed and headed towards Jebus, which is now known as Jerusalem. His attendant advised him to enter the city, but he refused, choosing instead to travel further to Gibeah, a town inhabited by Israelites. This decision would prove disastrous.

13. The Levite arrived in either Gibeah or Ramah, both of which were nearby towns.

15. As night fell, he sat down in the street of the city, as there was no accommodation available for travelers like himself. In ancient Palestine, it was customary for strangers to spend the night in the open air, especially if they had no connection with a local family.