The Customs of Hospitality Among the Hebrews

In the days of old, when men journeyed by foot or by beast through deserts and mountains, the virtue of hospitality was counted among the noblest of deeds. Among the children of Israel, it was not merely a kindness shown to the stranger, but a sacred duty, for the Law and the Prophets bore witness to its great worth.

As it is written: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). Thus was the story of Abraham, the friend of God, who lifted up his eyes by the oaks of Mamre and beheld three men standing near. He ran from the tent door to meet them, bowed himself to the earth, and said: “My lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant” (Genesis 18:3).

He fetched water to wash their feet, bade Sarah to knead fine flour for cakes, and set before them a tender calf prepared with milk and butter. And they did eat beneath the tree, and one of them spoke with the voice of the Lord. Thus, hospitality opened the tent to divine visitation.

In every city and every camp of Israel, the sojourner was to be received with care. The Torah declared: “The stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt” (Leviticus 19:34). For the memory of their own affliction formed the foundation of their mercy.

When a guest arrived at one’s tent or house, he was first greeted with peace—“Shalom aleichem”—and his feet were washed from the dust of the road. Oil was given for his head, and bread and wine were offered, even if little remained for the host himself. The householder did not inquire of the traveler until he had refreshed him, for such was the custom of righteousness.

Woe unto the cities where this virtue was forgotten! For the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah rose up to heaven, not only for their grievous sin, but for their cruelty and disregard for the stranger. As the prophet Ezekiel declared: “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom... neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy” (Ezekiel 16:49).

In times of war and peace, in tabernacles and stone dwellings, the Hebrews remembered that their God had once led them as pilgrims. And even the smallest hut became as a sanctuary when it welcomed the weary and fed the hungry.

Yea, in the fullness of time, the Messiah Himself walked among men with no place to lay His head (Matthew 8:20), yet He received the hospitality of Martha and Mary, supped with publicans and sinners, and gave thanks before breaking bread.

Let the reader understand: in welcoming the stranger, one welcomes the image of God. For love shown at the door is love shown unto Heaven.

Blessed is he that openeth his house and his heart, for he shall surely find rest beneath the shadow of the Almighty.