Judges 19:10

Judges 19:10 a

‘But the man would not linger that night. But he rose up and departed '

This time he was determined on his journey. He saw that this could go on for ever, and realised that his father-in-law would continue to seek to keep him there. It definitely seemed as though his wife was very reluctant to go with him. So, come what may, he was determined to go.

“But he rose up and departed.” The decision was made and they finally did leave. There was still some light left before night fell.

Judges 19:10 b

‘And came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem. And there were with him two asses, saddled. And his concubine also was with him '

They arrived just outside Jebus. This was Jerusalem, then popularly known as Jebus, because inhabited by the Jebusites. This was about Judges 9:5 kilometres (six miles) from Bethlehem.

“And there were with him two asses, saddled. And his concubine also was with him.” ‘Saddled' may simply mean ‘laden'. Thus his concubine might ride one and the other would be laden with goods, food, wine, provender, and possibly gifts from the family, a very obvious temptation for unpleasant people. Or it may be that he rode and the concubine walked. She was of a lower class.

“And his concubine also was with him.” Matters had now satisfactorily been settled (at least outwardly) and his concubine wife had agreed to go with him.