Bible Strands
Judges 19:4
His father-in-law, the girl’s father, persuaded him to stay, so he remained with him three days, eating, drinking, and lodging there.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The father-in-law addresses his son-in-law at the moment the Levite arrives to retrieve his runaway wife. He actively persuades the traveler to postpone his journey and remain in his household.
The words — וַיֶּחֱזַק (va-yechazak) literally means "he took hold" or "he strengthened," describing the father-in-law's forceful persuasion. וַיֵּשֶׁב (va-yeshev) translates to "he remained," marking the Levite's decision to stay for three days.
The thread — The verb חָזַק (chazaq) for "persuaded" appears in Genesis 43:22 where a steward reassures Joseph's brothers, and in 1 Kings 8:57 where Solomon prays for God to strengthen Israel. The pattern of extended hospitality spans Exodus 18:12 and Ruth 2:14.
Why it lands — The text records a routine delay that halts a man from fulfilling his duty to his wife. It requires the reader to observe how hospitality can function as a mechanism of obstruction rather than aid.
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The Hebrew words
King James Version
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.