Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context:The account of Lot's hospitality to the angels is found in Genesis 19. This narrative is set in the ancient city of Sodom, a place notorious for its wickedness. Lot, Abraham's nephew, is living in Sodom at the time when two angels, appearing as men, visit the city to assess its sinfulness and execute divine judgment. Scriptural Account: In Genesis 19:1-3 , the text states: "Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed with his face to the ground. 'My lords,' he said, 'please turn aside into the house of your servant to spend the night and wash your feet. Then you can rise early and go on your way.' 'No,' they answered, 'we will spend the night in the square.' But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate." Cultural and Theological Significance: Hospitality in the ancient Near East was a deeply ingrained cultural practice, often seen as a sacred duty. Lot's actions reflect this cultural norm, as he insists on providing shelter and sustenance to the visitors, despite their initial refusal. His hospitality is not merely a social courtesy but a moral obligation, especially given the dangerous environment of Sodom. From a theological perspective, Lot's hospitality is significant as it aligns with the biblical theme of welcoming strangers, which is later echoed in the New Testament. Hebrews 13:2 advises, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Lot's encounter with the angels serves as a literal fulfillment of this principle. Moral and Ethical Implications: Lot's insistence on hosting the angels highlights the moral imperative of protecting and caring for guests, even at personal risk. The narrative contrasts Lot's righteousness with the depravity of Sodom's inhabitants, who later attempt to harm the visitors. This juxtaposition underscores the biblical valuation of hospitality as a marker of righteousness and godliness. Lot's Character: Lot's character is complex; while he demonstrates commendable hospitality, his later actions reveal moral weaknesses. Nevertheless, his initial response to the angels is portrayed positively, suggesting that his hospitality is a reflection of his connection to Abraham and the covenantal values he inherited. Divine Intervention: The angels' visit to Sodom is a prelude to divine judgment, yet it also serves as a means of deliverance for Lot and his family. Lot's hospitality becomes a conduit for divine protection, as the angels later rescue him from the impending destruction of the city. This aspect of the narrative illustrates the protective power of righteous actions and the providential care of God for those who align with His will. Conclusion: The account of Lot's hospitality to the angels is a profound example of the biblical virtue of welcoming strangers. It serves as a reminder of the moral and spiritual dimensions of hospitality, emphasizing its role in the life of faith and its potential to mediate divine encounters. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 19:1-11And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; Nave's Topical Index Library Chapter xix The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... The Testament of Abraham. Version I. Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. The Letter of the Church of Rome Paul in Malta and Rome. The Arabic Gospel of the Infancy of the Saviour (Nt Apocrypha) At the Marriage Feast Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Acts VIII Resources What does it mean that “as a man thinks, so is he” in Proverbs 23:7? | GotQuestions.orgAre there angels among us? | GotQuestions.org Who was Diotrephes in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Hospitality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Hospitality: A Test of Christian Character Hospitality: Abimelech to Abraham Hospitality: Abraham to the Angels Hospitality: David to Mephibosheth Hospitality: Elisha to the Syrian Spies Hospitality: General Scriptures Concerning Hospitality: Isaac to Abimelech Hospitality: Joseph to his Brothers Hospitality: Laban to Abraham's Servant Hospitality: Lydia to Paul and Silas Hospitality: Man of Gibeah to the Levite Hospitality: Melchizedek to Abraham Hospitality: Onesiphorus to Paul Hospitality: Pharaoh to Abraham Hospitality: Pharisees to Jesus Hospitality: Rahab to the Spies Hospitality: Required in Ministers Hospitality: Rewarded: Rahab's Hospitality: Rewarded: Widow of Zarephath's Hospitality: Simon the Tanner to Peter Hospitality: Sons of Heth to Abraham Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Enemies Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to Strangers Hospitality: Specially to be Shown to The Poor Hospitality: The Shunammite Woman to Elisha Hospitality: The Widow of Zarephath to Elijah Hospitality: Zacchaeus to Jesus Inhospitableness: Ammonites and Moabites Inhospitableness: Men of Gibeah Toward a Levite Inhospitableness: Nabal Toward David Inhospitableness: some Samaritans Toward Jesus Related Terms |
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