1. In those days when there was no king in Israel, there was a certain Levite sojourning on the side of Mount Ephraim, who took to him a concubine out of Bethlehem of Judah.
2. And his concubine committed adultery against him and went away from him unto her father’s house to Bethlehem of Judah and was there four whole months.
3. And her husband arose and went 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 dwelt with him three days; eating and drinking, and abiding there.
5. And on the fourth day when they arose early in the morning, the Levite rose up to depart; and the damsel’s father said unto his son-in-law, Strengthen thy heart with a morsel of bread, and afterwards ye shall go.
6. And the two of them sat down together and ate and drank. And the damsel’s father said unto the man, Be content, I pray thee, and tarry all night, and thy heart shall be merry.
7. And when the man rose up to depart, his father-in-law urged him to remain and lodge there again.