Guest
Summary
One who is invited to receive hospitality, a relationship given special sacredness in Oriental culture.
☩Oriental Hospitality
Hospitality was one of the chief virtues of Oriental life, arising from the nomadic character of Eastern peoples where no provision existed for travelers apart from private entertainment. The stranger, even an unknown person or enemy, was welcomed, provided with food and lodging, and dismissed without payment being expected. Underlying this practice was the idea that every stranger is 'the guest of God.'
☩Biblical Examples
Though the word 'guest' appears rarely, the guest relationship is abundantly illustrated in Scripture. Adonijah's feast had many guests present when news came of Solomon's coronation. Jesus frequently appeared as a guest, demonstrating hospitality's social and spiritual dimensions, as when Zacchaeus welcomed Him to his house.
Related Verses12 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Guest," in Dictionary of Christ and the Gospels, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1906–1908).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Guest," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. II (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).