Topical Encyclopedia Inns in biblical times served as places of lodging for travelers, offering shelter and rest during long journeys. The concept of an inn is mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, providing insight into the cultural and historical context of hospitality in ancient times.1. Genesis 42:27 · The earliest mention of a lodging place is found in the account of Joseph's brothers. As they returned from Egypt, one of them opened his sack at the lodging place and discovered his money returned. This indicates that such places were used for rest during travel: "At the place where they lodged for the night, one of them opened his sack to get feed for his donkey, and he saw his silver in the mouth of the sack." 2. Exodus 4:24 · The journey of Moses back to Egypt includes a stop at a lodging place, where a significant event occurs. This passage highlights the use of inns as stopping points during long travels: "Now at a lodging place along the way, the LORD confronted Moses and was about to kill him." 3. Luke 2:7 · Perhaps the most well-known reference to an inn is found in the account of Jesus' birth. Mary and Joseph sought shelter in Bethlehem, but due to overcrowding, they found no room at the inn, leading to Jesus being born in a manger: "And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." 4. Luke 10:34 · The parable of the Good Samaritan includes a reference to an inn, where the Samaritan takes the injured man for care. This illustrates the role of inns as places of refuge and healing: "He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him." 5. Jeremiah 9:2 · Although not directly mentioning an inn, this passage uses the concept of a lodging place metaphorically to express a desire for separation from a deceitful people: "Oh, that I had in the desert a lodging place for travelers, so that I might leave my people and go away from them! For they are all adulterers, a crowd of unfaithful people." Inns in biblical times were not the commercial establishments we might envision today but were often simple accommodations, sometimes part of a private home or a caravanserai, where travelers could find rest and safety. These references provide a glimpse into the hospitality customs of the ancient Near East and the significance of inns in biblical narratives. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 42:27And as one of them opened his sack to give his ass provender in the inn, he espied his money; for, behold, it was in his sack's mouth. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 43:21 Exodus 4:24 Luke 2:7 Luke 10:34 Library Verse the Seventeenth From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ... The Fourth Continental Journey. The Life of Christ. Justinian. Biographical Preface. After Eutropius Having Been Found Outside the Church had Been ... The Gospel of Luke Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus. V. ... Resources What were the key events in the life of Jesus Christ? (Part 1) | GotQuestions.orgWho was Zipporah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is wrong with the allegorical interpretation method? | GotQuestions.org Inn: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |