What lessons from Judges 19:15 apply to our treatment of strangers and travelers? Judges 19:15 — A Snapshot “So they turned aside there to enter and spend the night in Gibeah. And when he entered, he sat down in the city square, for no one took them into his home for lodging.” A City That Failed the Test • The Levite and his companions are visibly needy travelers; the townspeople see them yet withhold basic hospitality. • Gibeah’s refusal is more than social rudeness—it violates God’s revealed standard for caring for outsiders (Leviticus 19:34). • The verse introduces the night’s grim events, underscoring that moral collapse begins with simple neglect. Timeless Lessons for Us • Hospitality is a biblical duty, not an optional courtesy. (Hebrews 13:2) • Indifference opens the door to greater sin; love of neighbor closes it. • Our homes—and budgets, schedules, and hearts—should be ready for divine appointments disguised as travelers. • The measure of a community’s righteousness often shows in how it treats the most vulnerable at its gates. Scripture Echoes • Leviticus 19:34 — “The foreigner who resides with you must be to you as the native among you; you are to love him as yourself…” • Deuteronomy 10:18-19 — God “loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also are to love the foreigner…” • Matthew 25:35 — “I was a stranger and you took Me in.” • Romans 12:13 — “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” • 1 Peter 4:9 — “Show hospitality to one another without complaining.” • Luke 10:33-34 — The Samaritan models costly, hands-on care for a traveler in distress. • Hebrews 13:2 — Some who welcomed strangers “entertained angels without knowing it.” Practical Ways to Live It Out • Keep a portion of your budget and calendar deliberately unassigned for meeting unexpected needs. • Invite visiting students, military personnel, or international workers to meals and worship. • Support ministries that house refugees, truckers, or the homeless; volunteer regularly. • Teach children to greet newcomers at church and include them in family life. • Resist the fear that hospitality will be abused; trust God’s command and protection. • When travel brings believers through your town, open your guest room or cover a hotel stay. • Pray before trips: “Lord, make me attentive to strangers You place in my path,” and after: “Show me where to extend welcome at home.” Gibeah’s omission warns; Christ’s example compels. When strangers enter our square, may they quickly find the light on and the door open. |
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