[1] And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehemjudah. [2] And his concubine played the whore from him unto her father's house to Bethlehemjudah, and was there four whole months. [3] And her husband arose, after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her again, having his servant with him, and a couple of asses: and she brought him into her father's house: and when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced to meet him. [4] And his father in law, the damsel's father, retained him; and he abode with him three days: so they did eat and drink, and lodged there. [5] And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up and the damsel's father said unto his son in law, Comfort thine heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward [6] And they sat down, and did eat and drink both of them together: for the damsel's father had said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and let thine heart be merry. [7] And when the man rose up his father in law urged him: therefore he lodged there again. [8] And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day and the damsel's father said, Comfort thine heart, I pray thee. And they tarried until afternoon, and they did eat both [9] And when the man rose up he, and his concubine, and his servant, his father in law, the damsel's father, said unto him, Behold, now the day draweth toward evening, I pray you tarry all night: behold, the day groweth to an end, lodge here, that thine heart may be merry; and to morrow get you early on your way, that thou mayest go home. [10] But the man would not tarry that night, but he rose up and came over against Jebus, which is Jerusalem; and there were with him two asses saddled, his concubine [11] And when they were by Jebus, the day was far spent; and the servant said unto his master, I pray thee, and let us turn in into this city of the Jebusites, and lodge in it. [12] And his master said unto him, We will not turn aside hither into the city of a stranger, that is not of the children of Israel; we will pass over to Gibeah. [13] And he said unto his servant, and let us draw near to one of these places to lodge all night, in Gibeah, or in Ramah. [14] And they passed on and the sun went down upon them when they were by Gibeah, which belongeth to Benjamin. [15] And they turned aside thither, to go in and to lodge in Gibeah: and when he went in, he sat him down in a street of the city: for there was no man that took them into his house to lodging. [16] And, behold, there came an old man from his work out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim; and he sojourned in Gibeah: of the place were Benjamites. [17] And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city: and the old man said, thou? and whence comest [18] And he said unto him, We are passing from Bethlehemjudah toward the side of mount Ephraim; to Bethlehemjudah, but I am now going to the house of the LORD; and there is no man that receiveth me to house. [19] Yet there is both straw and provender for our asses; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for thy handmaid, and for the young man which is with thy servants: there is no want of any thing. [20] And the old man said, Peace be with thee; howsoever let all thy wants lie upon me; only lodge not in the street. [21] So he brought him into his house, unto the asses: and they washed their feet, and did eat and drink.