And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her— In the original, to speak her heart, to refer to their former endearments, and to ask how she could be so unkind to him, and so very unkind to herself. Even the upbraidings of the quiet and relenting are sweet: not like the strivings of the fierce and inexorable, who bite and devour all that have thwarted them in their way; but they are calm, and courteous, like the spirit which watches over their character. How could such a temper woo the damsel, and not bring her back? Or how could the father of the damsel, beholding such a scene, have a heart open to any impressions but those mentioned in the latter clause; that when he saw him, he rejoiced to meet him; urged his stay, from day to day, with that soft invitation, comfort thine heart,—and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry. If mercy and truth thus meet together in settling this account, love would surely be of the party: great, great is its power in cementing what has been broken, and wiping out wrongs even from the memory itself: and so it was; for the Levite arose up, and with him his concubine, and his servant, and they departed.
REFLECTIONS.—The events of the following Chapter s are proofs how great a misery it is to any people to be without good government. We may observe here, (1.) That where there is real remorse in the offender, the injured should nor be implacable. (2.) Though parents should be very jealous how they receive those into their houses who have deserted their husbands, yet it is highly dangerous, by severity, to render those desperate, who, by milder methods, may be reclaimed. (3.) Generous hospitality to our friends and relations is very becoming, and a proof of our regard to them. (4.) Though we may yield somewhat to the importunity of friends, yet every man has calls at home, and Levites especially, which will not admit of long absence. (5.) Let kind friends beware of selfishness in their solicitations, lest their intended kindness do us real injury.