In biblical times, travel was often fraught with challenges, not least of which was the extortion of provisions from travelers, particularly those of distinction. The ancient Near Eastern context, with its rugged terrain and limited infrastructure, made travelers vulnerable to various forms of exploitation. This entry explores the biblical accounts and cultural practices surrounding the extortion of provisions from travelers, highlighting the experiences of notable biblical figures.

Cultural Context and Practices

Travel in the ancient world was perilous, with roads often being little more than paths through wilderness or desert. Inns were rare, and hospitality was a crucial social expectation. However, this hospitality could be manipulated, with travelers sometimes coerced into providing goods or services. The expectation of hospitality was so ingrained that failure to offer it could lead to social disgrace, yet it also opened the door for exploitation.

Biblical Accounts

1. Abraham and Abimelech: In Genesis 20, Abraham travels to Gerar, where King Abimelech takes Sarah, Abraham's wife, into his palace. Although this account primarily deals with issues of deception and divine intervention, it also reflects the vulnerability of travelers to the whims of local rulers. Abraham's status as a man of wealth and distinction made him a target for such extortion, albeit in a more indirect form.

2. Jacob and Laban: Jacob's journey to his uncle Laban's house in Haran (Genesis 29-31) illustrates another form of extortion. While not a traveler in the traditional sense, Jacob's labor for Laban can be seen as a form of exploitation. Laban repeatedly changes Jacob's wages, taking advantage of his nephew's need for refuge and family connection.

3. The Good Samaritan: In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus describes a traveler who is attacked by robbers, stripped of his clothes, beaten, and left half-dead. This parable highlights the dangers faced by travelers and the moral imperative to offer assistance rather than exploitation.

4. Paul's Journeys: The Apostle Paul frequently encountered challenges during his missionary journeys. In Acts 16:16-24, Paul and Silas are imprisoned in Philippi after being accused of causing a public disturbance. While not a direct extortion of provisions, this incident reflects the broader theme of travelers facing exploitation and injustice.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The biblical narrative consistently emphasizes the importance of justice, mercy, and hospitality. The Law of Moses includes specific commands to protect travelers and sojourners, reflecting God's concern for the vulnerable. Leviticus 19:33-34 states, "When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt."

The New Testament reinforces these principles, with Jesus and the apostles advocating for love, generosity, and protection for those in need. Hebrews 13:2 advises, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Conclusion

The biblical accounts of travelers facing extortion and exploitation serve as a reminder of the moral and ethical responsibilities of God's people. The scriptures call for a community that upholds justice, extends hospitality, and protects the vulnerable, reflecting the character of God Himself.Judges 8:5,8
And he said to the men of Succoth, Give, I pray you, loaves of bread to the people that follow me; for they be faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 25:4-13
And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal did shear his sheep.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Eighteenth Theban Dynasty
... more or less veracious tales of exiles and travellers. ... their umbrella or flabellum,
a distinction which gave ... associated him with herself more frequently in the ...
/.../chapter iiithe eighteenth theban dynasty.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
... and from the observations of travellers, that the ... historians and geographers drew
a distinction between the ... past the Medes had been frequently engaged against ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... throne of Ahura-mazda, in the same way as he ... entirely consumed by fire, but more
frequently nothing but a ... enrolled in the bodyguard,* he won distinction by his ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

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