שופטים, פרק י״ט, פסוק י״ט

Judges 19:19Sefaria

וְגַם־תֶּ֤בֶן גַּם־מִסְפּוֹא֙ יֵ֣שׁ לַחֲמוֹרֵ֔ינוּ וְ֠גַ֠ם לֶ֣חֶם וָיַ֤יִן יֶשׁ־לִי֙ וְלַֽאֲמָתֶ֔ךָ וְלַנַּ֖עַר עִם־עֲבָדֶ֑יךָ אֵ֥ין מַחְס֖וֹר כׇּל־דָּבָֽר׃

A traveler seeking shelter often brings the worry of extra expenses for a potential host. To ease the old man's mind, the traveler quickly assures him that extending hospitality will not become a financial burden. They simply need a roof for the night, as they are fully supplied and require no assistance.

He begins by detailing the provisions he brought along, starting with his animals. He carries both straw and general animal fodder [מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ], making it clear that the host will not even need to provide crops to feed the donkeys. Moving on to human needs, the traveler points out that he has plenty of bread and wine for himself, his young servant, and his concubine. When referring to his concubine, he speaks of her as the host's maidservant. This is not a literal description of her status, but rather an expression of deep respect and polite submission toward the older man [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון, ביאור שטיינזלץ].

When mentioning his young servant in relation to the host's household, commentators offer two main perspectives on the traveler's intent. One approach views this as a continuation of his extremely polite and humble tone. By this understanding, the traveler is referring to himself and his concubine as the host's servants, simply noting that the young man is traveling with them [מצודת דוד, רד״ק]. Another perspective suggests that the traveler is emphasizing the sheer abundance of his supplies. He is pointing out that they have so much food and wine that his young servant could easily share a meal with the host's own servants, or that the host's household could freely partake of the guests' provisions if they wish [מצודת דוד, רד״ק, מלבי״ם].

Wrapping up his reassurance, the traveler declares that they lack absolutely nothing [מצודת דוד, מצודת ציון]. He has packed so thoroughly that he carries not only basic necessities but also extra luxuries, such as spices, ensuring complete self-sufficiency for his stay [מלבי״ם].

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