Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, David, the second king of Israel, is often depicted as a figure of hospitality, demonstrating generosity and kindness to both friends and strangers. His life, as recorded in the books of 1 and 2 Samuel, provides several instances where his actions reflect the biblical virtue of hospitality.David and Mephibosheth One of the most notable examples of David's hospitality is his treatment of Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. After David became king, he sought to show kindness to the house of Saul for Jonathan's sake. In 2 Samuel 9:7, David says to Mephibosheth, "Do not be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table." This act of kindness not only restored Mephibosheth's inheritance but also elevated him to a place of honor at the king's table, exemplifying David's commitment to covenant loyalty and hospitality. David and the Fugitive Years During the years when David was fleeing from King Saul, he often relied on the hospitality of others and, in turn, extended it to those around him. In 1 Samuel 25, David and his men were in the wilderness of Paran, where they encountered Nabal, a wealthy but surly man. Despite Nabal's refusal to provide for David and his men, David was later met by Abigail, Nabal's wise and discerning wife, who brought provisions to David. David's acceptance of Abigail's hospitality and his subsequent blessing upon her (1 Samuel 25:32-33) highlight his recognition of and appreciation for acts of kindness and generosity. David and the Mighty Men David's leadership and hospitality are further illustrated in his relationship with his mighty men. These warriors were fiercely loyal to David, and he, in turn, provided for them and treated them with respect and honor. In 2 Samuel 23, the account of David's mighty men includes a account where three of them risked their lives to fetch water for David from the well of Bethlehem. David's response was to pour the water out as an offering to the Lord, saying, "Far be it from me, O LORD, to do this! Is this not the blood of the men who risked their lives?" (2 Samuel 23:17). This act demonstrated David's deep respect and gratitude for the loyalty and sacrifice of his men, reflecting a reciprocal hospitality. David and the Ark of the Covenant David's hospitality extended to his spiritual life and his relationship with God. When David brought the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem, he celebrated with great joy and provided a feast for the people. 2 Samuel 6:19 records, "Then he distributed to every man and woman among the multitude of Israel a loaf of bread, a date cake, and a raisin cake. Then all the people departed, each to his own home." This act of generosity and celebration underscores David's desire to honor God and share His blessings with the people of Israel. David's Legacy of Hospitality Throughout his life, David's actions consistently reflected the biblical principle of hospitality. His willingness to show kindness to Mephibosheth, his interactions with those who supported him during his fugitive years, his treatment of his mighty men, and his celebration with the people of Israel all serve as examples of his generous spirit. David's life illustrates the importance of hospitality as a reflection of God's love and faithfulness, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Samuel 6:19And he dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a cake of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed every one to his house. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ... How David Reigned Over one Tribe at Hebron While the Son Of Persistency in Wrong Doing. Passages from Clement's Epistle to the Corinthians on Martyrdom. "The King Kissed Barzillai. " 2 Sam. xix. 39 The Birth of Jesus. Ch. 2:1-20 Continued. Philip and the Desposyni The Nations of the South-East Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ... Resources Who were the three men who visited Abraham in Genesis 18? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is New Monasticism? | GotQuestions.org What is Celtic Christianity? | 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 |
    |