What other biblical passages address the treatment of strangers and guests? Setting the Scene in Judges 19:24 “Look, here is my virgin daughter and the man’s concubine. I will bring them out to you now, and you can abuse them and do to them whatever you wish. But do not commit this outrageous act against this man.” (Judges 19:24) Though the host’s offer was tragically sinful, the impulse behind it—to shield a guest from harm—mirrors a bedrock biblical expectation: strangers and travelers are to be protected, welcomed, and honored. Scripture consistently upholds that standard. Foundations of Hospitality in Genesis • Genesis 18:1-8 — Abraham “ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground” (v. 2), then prepared a feast. • Genesis 19:1-8 — Lot pressed the angels: “Please, my lords, turn aside into your servant’s house” (v. 2) and even risked himself to safeguard them. • Genesis 24:31-33 — Laban: “Come, you blessed of the LORD… I have cleared the house and a place for the camels.” Shelter, water, and food were immediate. Commands in the Law • Exodus 22:21 — “You must not mistreat or oppress a foreign resident, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” • Exodus 23:9 — “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners.” • Leviticus 19:33-34 — “The foreigner who dwells with you shall be to you as the native-born… you shall love him as yourself.” • Deuteronomy 10:18-19 — God “shows love to the foreigner… therefore love the foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.” Key insight: hospitality is rooted in remembering redemption; Israel’s past slavery fuels present compassion. Safeguarding Travelers in Historical Narratives • 1 Samuel 25:6-8 — David’s men remind Nabal: “We never harmed them… Ask your young men and they will tell you.” Respect for hospitality norms was expected. • 2 Kings 4:8-10 — The Shunammite woman urged Elisha to stay and even built “a small room on the roof.” Care extended beyond food to ongoing provision. Wisdom and Worship Texts • Job 31:32 — “No stranger had to spend the night on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler.” • Psalm 146:9 — “The LORD protects the foreigners; He sustains the fatherless and widow.” • Proverbs 25:21 — “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” Generosity transcends friendship. Prophets Calling Out Neglect • Isaiah 58:6-7 — True fasting includes “bringing the homeless poor into your house.” • Ezekiel 22:7 — Jerusalem condemned: “They have oppressed the foreigner and mistreated the fatherless and the widow.” • Malachi 3:5 — God will judge “those who oppress the hired worker, the widow, and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigner of justice.” New Testament Continuity • Matthew 25:35 — Jesus: “I was a stranger and you took Me in.” Eternal reward is tied to hospitality. • Luke 10:34-35 — The Good Samaritan “set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” • Luke 14:13-14 — “Invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed.” • Romans 12:13 — “Share with the saints who are in need; practice hospitality.” • Hebrews 13:2 — “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” • 1 Peter 4:9 — “Show hospitality to one another without complaining.” Key Themes That Tie It All Together • Protection: Guests must be shielded from harm (Genesis 19; Judges 19). • Provision: Food, water, lodging offered freely (Genesis 18; 1 Kings 17:9-16). • Equality: Foreigners loved “as yourself” (Leviticus 19:34). • Memory: Israel’s own alien status fuels empathy (Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 10:19). • Judgment & Reward: God notices how strangers are treated (Matthew 25:35; Malachi 3:5). • Christ’s Model: Jesus Himself was often received—or rejected—as a guest (Luke 9:53; 19:5-7). Living It Out Today Scripture’s unified witness, from Abraham’s eager welcome to Jesus’ teaching on the sheep and goats, leaves no room for indifference. The stranger at our doorstep is a divine appointment. By opening our homes, our tables, and our hearts, we embody the very love that first welcomed us into God’s household. |
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