Topical Bible: Entertainments: Guests At: Often had Separate Dishes

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In the cultural and social context of the Bible, hospitality was a significant aspect of daily life, and entertaining guests was a practice imbued with customs and traditions. One such custom was the provision of separate dishes for guests, a practice that underscored the host's respect and honor towards those they welcomed into their home.

The practice of offering separate dishes can be traced back to the patriarchal times, as seen in the account of Abraham. In Genesis 18:6-8 , when three visitors came to Abraham, he hurried to prepare a meal for them: "So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, 'Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.' Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender, choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and set them before the men. He stood by them under the tree as they ate." This passage illustrates the care and attention given to the preparation of food for guests, highlighting the importance of hospitality.

In the time of the kings, the practice of providing separate dishes for guests continued. In 1 Samuel 9:22-24 , when Saul was invited to dine with Samuel, a special portion was set aside for him: "Then Samuel took Saul and his servant, brought them into the hall, and seated them at the head of those who had been invited—about thirty in all. And Samuel said to the cook, 'Bring the portion I gave you and told you to set aside.' So the cook picked up the leg and what was attached to it and set it before Saul. Then Samuel said, 'Here is what has been reserved for you. Eat it, because it was set aside for you for this occasion, from the time I said, ‘I have invited the people.’' So Saul dined with Samuel that day." This account demonstrates the honor bestowed upon Saul through the provision of a special dish.

The New Testament also reflects the customs of hospitality and the provision of separate dishes. In Luke 7:36-38 , when Jesus was invited to dine at the house of a Pharisee, a woman anointed His feet with perfume, an act of honor and respect. Although the text does not explicitly mention separate dishes, the context of a formal meal suggests the presence of customary dining practices.

The provision of separate dishes for guests was not merely a matter of etiquette but was deeply rooted in the values of respect, honor, and community. It was a tangible expression of the host's commitment to the well-being and comfort of their guests, reflecting the broader biblical principles of love and hospitality.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 43:34
And he took and sent messes to them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of their's. And they drank, and were merry with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 1:4
And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The visit to Media.
... reason for it."Amusement of the guests."Cyrus becomes ... entering his grandfather's
apartments as often as he ... At one of the entertainments which Astyages gave ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/cyrus the great/chapter iii the visit to.htm

The Morning-Meal in the Pharisee's House - Meals and Feasts among ...
... Beef was not so often used, and still more rarely fowls. ... [4272] The guests being
thus arranged, the ... At ordinary entertainments, people were to help themselves. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xii the morning-meal in.htm

On Eating.
... would persuade any of our fellow-guests to virtue ... that transgress in their conduct
at entertainments, [1335] says ... Pleasure has often produced in men harm and pain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/clement/the instructor paedagogus/chap i on eating.htm

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... the rooms were illuminated and full of guests, among them ... endeavored to distract
him with all kinds of entertainments. ... as it were a jagged edge; I often saw it ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... a great many more such dainty dishes, and thinks ... in house or field, and should also
often, with lifting ... problems of predestination, before he had completed his ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm

part ii
... If separate individuals and nations lived in accordance with Thy ... even upon the unworthy,
as He had mercy upon and ... change, to mine own wonder and often to that ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm