‘So they sat down, and did eat and drink, both of them together. And the damsel's father said to the man, “Be content, I pray you, and stay all night, and let your heart be merry.” ' And the man rose up to depart. But his father-in-law urged him and he lodged there again '
There was no friction between them. Both were satisfied with the situation, although possibly the Levite was wishing he could go on his way with his wife. But courtesy demanded that he not be seen to be in a hurry to leave.
“And the damsel's father said to the man, “Be content, I pray you, and stay all night, and let your heart be merry.” ” And the man rose up to depart.' His father-in-law pressed him to stay a further night, to enjoy further feasting, but the Levite did not want to delay his journey any longer and made as if to depart.
“But his father in law urged him.” There was great entreaty, and firm pleas, that he would stay a further night.
“And he lodged there again.” He stayed another night. The giving and receiving of hospitality was an important part of life in those days, and the Levite did not want to offend his father-in-law.