What Old Testament examples align with Hebrews 13:2's message on hospitality? Hebrews 13:2—The Call to Open Doors “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Abraham at Mamre—Welcoming the Unexpected – Genesis 18:2-5: Three strangers appear; Abraham runs to meet them, offers water, rest, and a feast. – Result: One of the visitors promises the birth of Isaac; later Scripture reveals these “men” were the LORD and two angels (Genesis 18:13, 22; 19:1). – Link to Hebrews 13:2: Abraham literally entertained angels—and the Lord Himself—without realizing it at first. Lot in Sodom—Hospitality Amid Hostility – Genesis 19:1-3: “When the two angels arrived in Sodom… Lot insisted strongly, so they entered his house.” – Lot prepares a meal, protects his guests from the mob, and in turn is rescued from judgment. – Echoes the truth that hospitality can be costly yet lifesaving. Gideon’s Offering—Generosity in Weakness – Judges 6:18-21: Gideon asks the Angel of the LORD to stay while he prepares a young goat and unleavened bread. – The angel touches the offering; fire consumes it, revealing divine presence. – Hospitality here becomes the setting for Gideon’s commissioning. Manoah and His Wife—Dining with the Divine – Judges 13:15-20: Manoah invites the Angel of the LORD for a meal; when told to offer a sacrifice instead, he obeys. – As the flames rise, the angel ascends in the fire. Manoah exclaims, “We have seen God!” (v. 22). – Again, hospitality opens the door to a direct encounter with heaven. The Shunammite Woman—Making Room for God’s Servant – 2 Kings 4:8-10: She persuades Elisha to eat whenever he passes by, then builds a small upper room with a bed, table, chair, and lamp. – Elisha promises—and God grants—her a son (v. 16-17); later, the prophet raises that son from the dead (v. 32-35). – Though no angels appear, the principle of blessing through open-handed generosity shines. The Widow of Zarephath—Trusting God Through Hospitality – 1 Kings 17:9-16: A destitute widow shares her last meal with Elijah. – Her jar of flour and jug of oil never run dry during the famine. – Hospitality to God’s messenger brings supernatural provision. Old Testament Passages Affirming Hospitality – Exodus 22:21: “You must not mistreat or oppress a foreign resident.” – Leviticus 19:34: “The foreigner residing with you must be to you as the native-born; love him as yourself.” – Job 31:32: “No stranger had to spend the night on the street, for my door has been opened to the traveler.” – Isaiah 58:7: “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and to bring the homeless poor into your house?” Key Lessons for Today – God often chooses ordinary tables and spare rooms as stages for extraordinary encounters. – Hospitality is proactive: Abraham ran; Lot insisted; the Shunammite persuaded. – It may involve risk or sacrifice, yet God honors faith that opens the door. – Welcoming strangers ultimately reflects the character of Christ, who said, “I was a stranger and you invited Me in.” (Matthew 25:35) |
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