1It happened in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the farther side of the hill-country of Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Beth-lehem-judah.
2His concubine played the prostitute against him, and went away from him to her father`s house to Beth-lehem-judah, and was there the space of four months.
3Her husband arose, and went after her, to speak kindly to her, to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of donkeys: and she brought him into her father`s house; and when the father of the young lady saw him, he rejoiced to meet him.
4His father-in-law, the young lady`s father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they ate and drink, and lodged there.
5It happened on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning, and he rose up to depart: and the young lady`s father said to his son-in-law, Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward you shall go your way.
6So they sat down, and ate and drink, both of them together: and the young lady`s father said to the man, Please be pleased to stay all night, and let your heart be merry.
7The man rose up to depart; but his father-in-law urged him, and he lodged there again.
