Topical Bible: Kings: Exercised Great Hospitality

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In the biblical narrative, hospitality is a virtue that is highly esteemed and often associated with righteousness and godliness. Several kings in the Bible are noted for their acts of hospitality, which reflect their character and the values of their reigns. This entry explores instances where kings demonstrated great hospitality, as recorded in the Scriptures.

1. King David

King David, the second king of Israel, is renowned for his leadership and devotion to God. His hospitality is evident in several instances. One notable example is his kindness to Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan and grandson of Saul. Despite the potential threat Mephibosheth could pose to David's throne, David extends grace and hospitality to him. In 2 Samuel 9:7, David says, "Do not be afraid, for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan, and I will restore to you all the land of your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table." This act of hospitality underscores David's commitment to his covenant with Jonathan and his magnanimity as a king.

2. King Solomon

King Solomon, David's son and successor, is celebrated for his wisdom and wealth. His reign is marked by peace and prosperity, allowing him to extend hospitality on a grand scale. The visit of the Queen of Sheba is a prime example of Solomon's hospitality. In 1 Kings 10:1-13, the Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to test his wisdom with hard questions. Solomon not only answers all her questions but also showcases his wealth and the splendor of his kingdom. Verse 13 states, "King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty." Solomon's hospitality leaves a lasting impression on the queen, highlighting his generosity and the glory of his reign.

3. King Hezekiah

King Hezekiah of Judah is another monarch noted for his hospitality. After recovering from a life-threatening illness, Hezekiah receives envoys from Babylon. In 2 Kings 20:13, it is recorded, "And Hezekiah welcomed them and showed them all that was in his treasure house—the silver, the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, as well as his armory and everything found in his storehouses. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them." While this act of hospitality later led to consequences for Judah, it demonstrates Hezekiah's openness and willingness to share the blessings of his kingdom with others.

4. King Josiah

King Josiah, known for his reforms and return to the worship of Yahweh, also exemplified hospitality. During his reign, he reinstituted the Passover, a significant event that involved extensive hospitality. In 2 Chronicles 35:7, it is noted, "Josiah contributed to the lay people a total of 30,000 sheep and goats for the Passover offerings, as well as 3,000 cattle—all from the king’s own possessions." This generous provision ensured that the Passover could be celebrated by all, reflecting Josiah's commitment to the spiritual and communal life of his people.

These examples illustrate that hospitality was not merely a social custom but a reflection of the king's heart and his relationship with God. Through their acts of hospitality, these kings demonstrated leadership qualities that aligned with the biblical values of kindness, generosity, and covenant faithfulness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 20:25-27
And the king sat on his seat, as at other times, even on a seat by the wall: and Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul's side, and David's place was empty.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 9:7-13
And David said to him, Fear not: for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore you all the land of Saul your father; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Samuel 19:33
And the king said to Barzillai, Come you over with me, and I will feed you with me in Jerusalem.
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1 Kings 4:22,23,28
And Solomon's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and three score measures of meal,
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Library

The Journey of the Three Holy Kings to Bethlehem
... they had seen in the star, great doubt assailed ... This star-worship exercised an evil
influence on those who ... Others, like the three holy kings, saw the pictures ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xiii the journey of the.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... who had put on their gowns, and been exercised in shouting ... so in our case, it would
be of great service ... Rehoboam, the son of Solomon, is among the kings, but so ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Now Saul Upon God's not Answering Him Concerning the Fight with ...
... her, and to discover that she exercised a forbidden art ... woman, and that earnestly,
and with great humanity, while ... fame; and of imprinting in the kings of nations ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 14 now saul upon.htm

The First Evangelists
... to divert their minds from their great work, or ... He exercised the greatest tact, and
thoughtful, kind attention ... yea and before governors and kings shall ye be ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 37 the first evangelists.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... 398; civil, of the heathen, from conscience, [1469]423; of kings not to ... all that
belongs to the object of it, [1510]474; exercised in great offences, [1511 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Farewell
... Under its first kings it must have presented a very ... apostle's (Peter) having ever
claimed or exercised this supposed ... of fact, if Peter was ever Great, that was ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter i farewell.htm

Brief Outline of Ancient Jewish Theological Literature
... vii.7), who sometimes seems to have even exercised sole authority ... and the books of
Samuel and of the Kings); the so ... of the New Testament is very great, though it ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 18 brief outline of.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... We should know nothing of these kings had not the scribes of those times been in ...
of a temple, the annual enthronisation of one of the great divinities, such as ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

In the House of his Heavenly, and in the Home of his Earthly ...
... gates, through which priests, prophets, and kings had passed ... Indeed, the great Hillel
obtained his rank as chief ... deep the influence which they exercised on each ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x in the house.htm

Papal Tombs.
... and other chroniclers mention two other kings, Offa of ... or vestibule which opens from
the great hall ... stage by stage, the pernicious influence exercised on Roman ...
/.../lanciani/pagan and christian rome/chapter v papal tombs.htm