In biblical times, the act of hospitality was not merely a social courtesy but a sacred duty, often serving as a means of divine protection for travelers. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts where those who offered hospitality to travelers were instrumental in safeguarding them, reflecting a deep-seated cultural and spiritual ethos.

Abraham and the Three Visitors

One of the most notable examples of hospitality leading to divine protection is found in the account of Abraham. In Genesis 18, Abraham encounters three men near the great trees of Mamre. Recognizing their need, he offers them water, rest, and a meal. Unbeknownst to him, these visitors are messengers of the Lord. Abraham's hospitality not only brings him a promise of a son but also positions him to intercede for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The protection extended to Lot, Abraham's nephew, is a direct result of this divine encounter. As the angels visit Lot in Sodom, he too offers them shelter, and in return, they protect him and his family from the impending destruction (Genesis 19:1-22).

Rahab and the Israelite Spies

In the book of Joshua, Rahab, a resident of Jericho, provides shelter to two Israelite spies. Aware of the danger they face, she hides them from the king's men and helps them escape. In return for her kindness and faith, the spies promise her protection when the city is conquered. Joshua 6:25 states, "But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she had hidden the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho." Rahab's act of hospitality not only ensures her safety but also secures her place in the lineage of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5).

The Widow of Zarephath and Elijah

In 1 Kings 17, during a severe famine, the prophet Elijah is directed by God to the home of a widow in Zarephath. Despite her dire circumstances, she offers Elijah the last of her food. Her act of faith and hospitality results in a miraculous provision: "The jar of flour was not exhausted and the jug of oil did not run dry, according to the word of the LORD spoken through Elijah" (1 Kings 17:16). This divine provision sustains her household throughout the famine, demonstrating God's protection and blessing upon those who extend hospitality to His servants.

The Shunammite Woman and Elisha

In 2 Kings 4, a wealthy Shunammite woman offers hospitality to the prophet Elisha, providing him with a room and meals whenever he passes by. Her kindness is rewarded with the birth of a son, despite her previous barrenness. Later, when her son falls ill and dies, Elisha's presence and prayers restore him to life (2 Kings 4:32-37). Her hospitality not only brings about personal blessing but also divine intervention in times of crisis.

New Testament Encouragement

The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of hospitality. Hebrews 13:2 exhorts believers, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This echoes the experiences of Abraham and Lot, reminding Christians of the potential divine encounters and protection that hospitality can bring.

In the early church, hospitality was a vital practice, as seen in the ministry of Lydia, who opened her home to Paul and his companions (Acts 16:15). Her hospitality provided a base for the burgeoning Christian community in Philippi, illustrating how the protection and support of travelers could further the spread of the Gospel.

Throughout Scripture, the protection of travelers by those who entertained them underscores a profound truth: acts of hospitality are not only expressions of love and obedience but also channels through which God's protection and blessings are often manifested.Genesis 19:6-8
And Lot went out at the door to them, and shut the door after him,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Judges 19:23
And the man, the master of the house, went out to them, and said to them, No, my brothers, no, I pray you, do not so wickedly; seeing that this man is come into my house, do not this folly.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House ...
... of danger, no subterranean structure, however protected, was allowed ... the products
of one for those of another ... that "the entertainment of travellers was as ...
/.../sketches of jewish social life/chapter 4 travelling in palestineroads.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... inscriptions and from the observations of travellers, that the ... height of about 50
feet, being protected by two ... back from following Jahveh; and those that have ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Enthusiasm.
... century, than the general suspicion entertained against anything that ... and without
the English Church, those who held these views were protected from many ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter vii enthusiasm.htm

The Reaction against Egypt
... security; the terror of the Pharaoh protected the travellers ... Harmakhis, and he states
that travellers were at ... avenue of giant columns rivalling those of Karnak ...
/.../chapter iithe reaction against egypt.htm

Index of Subjects.
... 401; His care to shew the faith of those whom He ... 350]499, [351]503; how to be
entertained, [352]500 ... mystery, [1095]42; duties of, [1096]49; protected by Christ ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

The Memphite Empire
... The highest of these was protected by a pointed ... difference in height disappears,
and many travellers have thus ... flocks in the mountain; and even those who did ...
/.../chapter iithe memphite empire.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... the marshes of the Pelusiac branch still protected the isthmus ... Travellers ran imminent
risk of sinking in this ... to the Egyptian period are those which Professor ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Last Days of the Old Eastern World
... If Darius had ever entertained doubts as to the ... world"the greatest without exception
of those who had ... made his way slowly along the coast, protected on the ...
/.../chapter iithe last days of 2.htm

The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria
... like sentries on each side the Khabur, protected her from ... The itineraries of modern
travellers mention a place ... having been, like most of those which flourished ...
/.../chapter ithe assyrian revival and.htm

Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ...
... The Homoiousian party of the East split on the question of the deity of the Holy
Spirit. Those of them who denied the deity of the Spirit remained Semi-Arians. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the imperial state.htm

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