שופטים, פרק י״ט, פסוק י״ז

A chance encounter in the city street catches the attention of a local elder, who spots a traveler lingering outside in the open. Because the incident likely took place during the warm summer months, staying outdoors overnight was a physical possibility for the traveler, despite the obvious lack of comfort [ביאור שטיינזלץ].

Seeing the man standing idle, the elder approaches him immediately to figure out his plans. He is unsure of the traveler's true intentions, wondering if the man is simply pausing before continuing his journey rather than actually seeking a place to sleep in the city [מלבי״ם]. To clarify the situation and understand the nature of his travels, the elder asks the man two direct questions: where he is heading, and from where he has arrived [מצודת ציון].