Judges 19:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

As they got closer to Jerusalem, located about thirty stadia away and inhabited by the Jebusites at that time, the servant recommended entering the city. Even in tranquil settings, nighttime can bring discomfort, and the shadows of evening often lead to unease, especially since the residents there were not part of the people of Israel. Therefore, the servant advised that they veer off the main path to avoid falling victim to thieves who might take advantage of the cover of darkness to carry out their deeds.