Topical Encyclopedia In biblical times, hospitality was a significant cultural and social practice, deeply rooted in the customs of the ancient Near East. The act of entertaining guests was not only a demonstration of generosity but also an opportunity for reciprocal relationships. Guests, in turn, often provided entertainments or expressions of gratitude to their hosts, which could take various forms.Biblical Context and Examples 1. Reciprocal Hospitality: The concept of reciprocal hospitality is evident throughout the Scriptures. In Genesis 18, Abraham entertains three visitors, who are later revealed to be divine messengers. In return for his hospitality, Abraham receives the promise of a son, Isaac. This narrative underscores the belief that hospitality could bring divine blessings. 2. Gifts and Offerings: Guests often brought gifts as a token of appreciation for their hosts. In Genesis 43:11, Jacob instructs his sons to take gifts to the Egyptian ruler, who is later revealed to be Joseph, as a gesture of goodwill. "Then their father Israel said to them, 'If it must be so, then do this: Take some of the best products of the land in your bags, and carry them down as a gift for the man—a little balm and a little honey, spices and myrrh, pistachios and almonds.'" 3. Songs and Music: Music and song were common forms of entertainment provided by guests. In 1 Samuel 16:23, David plays the harp to soothe King Saul, demonstrating how music could serve as a form of entertainment and comfort. "And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would take his harp and play, and relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." 4. Storytelling and Wisdom: Sharing accounts and wisdom was another way guests could entertain their hosts. The Book of Proverbs is filled with wisdom literature that was likely shared in communal settings. Proverbs 25:11 states, "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." This highlights the value of wise and timely words, which could be a form of entertainment and edification. 5. Feasting and Fellowship: Guests often participated in feasts, contributing to the joy and fellowship of the occasion. In the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), the return of the wayward son is celebrated with a feast, illustrating the communal joy and entertainment that accompany reconciliation and hospitality. Cultural and Theological Significance The practice of guests providing entertainments in return for hospitality reflects the broader biblical themes of community, reciprocity, and gratitude. Hospitality was not merely a social obligation but a reflection of God's own generosity and grace. In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the importance of hospitality and service, as seen in His interactions with Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42) and His teachings on serving others (Matthew 25:35-40). The reciprocal nature of hospitality in biblical times serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of human relationships and the call to love and serve one another. As believers, the practice of hospitality and the mutual exchange of gifts and entertainments can be seen as a reflection of the love and grace that God extends to humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 1:4And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 14:12 Library The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ... The Gospel Supper The visit to Media. The Marriage of Cana The Personal History of Herod - the Two Worlds in Jerusalem. In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ... The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Egypt The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire Resources Entertainment and Worldview ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgShould a Christian play multi-player fantasy games like Dungeons and Dragons? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians view Disney? | GotQuestions.org Entertainment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Entertainments: A Choice Portion Reserved In, for Principal Guests Entertainments: Anxiety to Have Many Guests At, Alluded To Entertainments: Began With Thanksgiving Entertainments: Concluded With a Hymn Entertainments: Custom of Presenting the Sop At, to One of the Guests, Entertainments: Forwardness to Take Chief Seats At, Condemned Entertainments: Given by the Guests in Return Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Birthdays Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Coronation of Kings Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Festivals Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Harvest Home Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Marriage Entertainments: Given on Occasions of National Deliverance Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Offering Voluntary Sacrifice Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Ratifying Covenants Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Return of Friends Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Sheep-Shearing Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Taking Leave of Friends Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Vintage Entertainments: Given on Occasions of Weaning Children Entertainments: Guests At: Arranged According to Rank Entertainments: Guests At: had Their Feet Washed when They Came a Distance Entertainments: Guests At: Often Ate from the Same Dish Entertainments: Guests At: Often had Separate Dishes Entertainments: Guests At: Saluted by the Master Entertainments: Guests At: Usually Anointed Entertainments: Invitations to Often Addressed to Many Entertainments: Invitations to Often by the Master in Person Entertainments: Invitations to Often Only to Relatives and Friends Entertainments: Invitations to Repeated Through Servants when all Things Were Ready Entertainments: Invitations to should be Sent to the Poor Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Banquet of Wine Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Dinner Entertainments: Kinds of, Mentioned in Scripture: Supper Entertainments: Men and Women did not Usually Meet At Entertainments: Music and Dancing often Introduced At Entertainments: None Admitted To, After the Master had Risen and Shut The Entertainments: None Asked to Eat or Drink More than he Liked At Entertainments: Offense Given by Refusing to Go To Entertainments: Often Given in The Air, Besides Fountains Entertainments: Often Given in The Court of the House Entertainments: Often Given in The House Entertainments: Often Given in The Upper Room or Guest Chamber Entertainments: Often Scenes of Great Intemperance Entertainments: Portions of, often Sent to the Absent Entertainments: Preparations Made For Entertainments: Served often by Hired Servants Entertainments: Served often by Members of the Family Entertainments: Under the Direction of a Master of the Feast Related Terms |
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