The Chambers of the Wayfarer in the Ancient World

In the times of old, when men journeyed by foot or upon beast of burden, and the earth was vast with wilderness and city alike, there were chambers prepared for the wayfarer—places of lodging and rest, wherein the weary soul might find shelter from sun and storm.

Behold, in the lands of Mesopotamia and the kingdoms of the Nile, the roads were trodden by merchants, scribes, and sojourners. And in the shadow of ziggurats and temples, houses of rest were built by rulers and men of wealth, that travelers might tarry therein. Oft were such chambers simple, built of mud-brick and timber, with low roofs and cool courtyards, yet they bore the mark of welcome.

In the days of the patriarchs, Abram pitched his tent between Bethel and Ai, and there called upon the name of the Lord (Genesis 12:8). The tent of the righteous was a place of peace, and he who entered therein found bread, water, and the blessing of hospitality. For it is written: “The stranger did not lodge in the street: but I opened my doors to the traveller” (Job 31:32).

When the sons of Jacob journeyed into Egypt, they came with flocks and herds and dwelt in the land of Goshen, and Pharaoh prepared chambers of provision for their sake. In this, the nations gave rest to the people of the covenant in their hour of need.

Even in the cities of Rome and Greece, where marble gleamed and the laws of Caesar ruled, there were places for the traveler to lie his head. The deversorium of the Roman way, and the guest room above the common house, served not only emissaries and soldiers but also those bearing tidings of faith. And thus the Gospel spread, from chamber to chamber, and from house to house (Acts 5:42).

In the holy land, pilgrims went up to Jerusalem thrice in the year, and the city swelled with those who sought the temple of the Lord. The chambers of relatives, friends, and strangers alike were opened, and songs rose from the hills. For it was a joy unto the people to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1).

And our Lord Himself, before His Passion, spake unto His disciples and said, “Go into the city… and there shall meet you a man… follow him… and he shall shew you a large upper room furnished and prepared: there make ready for us” (Mark 14:13–15). Thus even the Son of Man found His rest in the chamber of another.

Let it be remembered: the chambers of the wayfarer were not only built of stone or clay, but of compassion, kindness, and the ancient law of welcome. For the earth is the Lord’s, and all who journey upon it are His. Blessed is he who prepareth a place for the traveler, for he shall be counted among the righteous.