Book of Judges - Chapter 19 - Verse 5

This verse from the book of Judges describes a scene where a man and his concubine are staying at the house of the girl's father. On the fourth day of their visit, the man decides to leave early in the morning. The girl's father then urges him to stay a little longer and offers him some bread to eat before he departs. This seemingly simple act of offering comfort through a morsel of bread reflects the hospitality and kindness shown by the father towards his daughter's husband. It also signifies a gesture of goodwill and care towards a guest in their home. In biblical times, the act of breaking bread together often symbolized friendship, trust, and unity. This verse can thus be interpreted as a demonstration of the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to others, as well as the significance of sharing a meal as a way of building relationships.

One theological interpretation of this verse is the value of hospitality in biblical times. The damsel's father showing hospitality by offering bread to his son-in-law before he departed reflects a cultural norm of providing food and comfort to guests. In biblical times, sharing a meal was a sign of friendship and good will. It also emphasizes the importance of caring for others and showing kindness, even to those who are about to leave. Additionally, the act of offering bread can be seen as a symbol of sustenance and nourishment, both physically and spiritually. In the broader context of the Bible, the theme of hospitality is prevalent throughout many stories, demonstrating the Christian virtue of welcoming others with open arms. Thus, this verse serves as a reminder of the significance of generosity and kindness in building relationships and showing love to others.