In the ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a highly esteemed virtue, and this is reflected throughout the biblical narrative. Travellers, often vulnerable and in need of assistance, were generally treated with great hospitality by the people of God. This practice was not merely a social custom but was deeply rooted in the moral and spiritual fabric of the community, reflecting God's own character and commands.

Abraham and the Three Visitors

One of the most notable examples of hospitality is found in the account of Abraham. In Genesis 18:1-8, Abraham encounters three visitors near the great trees of Mamre. Recognizing them as divine messengers, he hastens to offer them water, rest, and a lavish meal. Abraham's actions exemplify the ideal response to strangers, characterized by eagerness, generosity, and respect. The Berean Standard Bible records, "So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, 'Quick, prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.'"

Lot and the Angels in Sodom

Similarly, Lot's reception of the angels in Sodom demonstrates the importance of hospitality, even in a corrupt society. In Genesis 19:1-3, Lot insists that the visitors stay at his house, providing them with a meal and shelter. Despite the wickedness of the city, Lot's actions highlight the expectation to protect and care for guests, even at personal risk.

The Hospitality of the Shunammite Woman

In 2 Kings 4:8-10, the Shunammite woman extends hospitality to the prophet Elisha. Recognizing him as a man of God, she persuades her husband to prepare a small room for him, complete with a bed, table, chair, and lamp. Her generosity and discernment are rewarded by God, who grants her a son despite her previous barrenness.

New Testament Teachings on Hospitality

The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of hospitality. In Hebrews 13:2, believers are reminded, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This echoes the experiences of Abraham and Lot, encouraging Christians to remain open-hearted and generous.

The Apostle Paul also underscores the significance of hospitality in the life of the church. In Romans 12:13, he exhorts believers to "share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." This directive is not merely a suggestion but a vital aspect of Christian living, reflecting the love and grace of Christ.

Jesus and the Disciples

Jesus Himself experienced both hospitality and its absence during His earthly ministry. In Luke 10:38-42, Martha welcomes Jesus into her home, illustrating the personal and intimate nature of hospitality. Conversely, in Luke 9:51-56, a Samaritan village refuses to welcome Jesus, highlighting the cultural tensions and the missed opportunity to receive the Messiah.

Cultural and Theological Significance

Hospitality in the Bible is more than a cultural norm; it is a theological statement about God's nature and His expectations for His people. By welcoming strangers, believers participate in God's mission, demonstrating His love and provision. The practice of hospitality serves as a tangible expression of faith, embodying the command to love one's neighbor as oneself.

In summary, the biblical narrative consistently portrays travellers as recipients of great hospitality, reflecting a divine mandate that transcends cultural boundaries. This enduring principle calls believers to emulate the hospitality of the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles, thereby participating in the redemptive work of God in the world.Genesis 18:3-8
And said, My LORD, if now I have found favor in your sight, pass not away, I pray you, from your servant:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 19:2
And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and you shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, No; but we will abide in the street all night.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 24:24,32,33
And she said to him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bore to Nahor.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 2:20
And he said to his daughters, And where is he? why is it that you have left the man? call him, that he may eat bread.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 19:20,21
And the old man said, Peace be with you; howsoever let all your wants lie on me; only lodge not in the street.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 31:32
The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the travelers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Shakers, or the United Society of Believers.
... to us, and are said to be so by travellers. ... Those children taken into the society
are treated with care ... This has been generally acknowledged by the devotees of ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/shakers or the united society.htm

Mission Tours.
... We were generally told there were thieves in the ... we were heard most patiently, and
were treated most courteously ... two native policemen to help travellers, and we ...
/.../life and work in benares and kumaon 1839-1877/chapter xiv mission tours.htm

The High Woods
... And here let me say, that those travellers who complain ... treated as gentlemen usually
expect to be treated elsewhere ... ages more to make its poison generally known ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/at last/chapter vii the high woods.htm

The Life of Anne Catherine Emmerich
... Have you not been treated far more gently than was your ... been much disturbed, and
had talked a great deal in ... to go and relieve them, and I generally dream that ...
/.../the dolorous passion of our lord jesus christ/the life of anne catherine.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... of Ishtar," but the etymology now most generally accepted is ... Subordinate to these
great spirits were the Yazatas, scattered ... cruel man who has ill-treated the ox ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... their fathers, and for many years treated the peasantry ... ways, and demanded ransom
for the travellers they might ... but the correction was not generally accepted. ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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