The Mitzvah of Hospitality

"Get up, go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon, and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there." So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow woman gathering wood. Elijah called to her and said, "Please bring me a little water in a cup and let me drink." As she went to get it, he called to her and said, "Please bring me a piece of bread in your hand." But she said, "As the LORD your God lives, I don't have anything baked--only a handful of flour in the jar and a bit of oil in the jug. Just now, I am gathering a couple of sticks in order to go prepare it for myself and my son so we can eat it and die." Then Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid; go and do as you have said. Only make me a small loaf from it and bring it out to me. Afterwards, you may make some for yourself and your son, - 1 Kings 17:9-13 HCSB

God commands us to share with saints in their needs, pursuing hospitality.[1] He warns us to not neglect the mitzvah of hospitality because sometimes, without realizing it, we might be entertaining an angel.[2] Hospitality is such an important command to follow that when the Ransomed choose their spiritual elders[3], or decide which widow to aid,[4] hospitality plays a factor each time.

God commanded this poor widow to share what little she had with His prophet. She had a decision to make: feed herself and her son or acquiesce to God’s demands. She yielded, sharing her last bit of flour with another.

Of course, we know that God performed a miracle that not only provided for their needs but actually enriched her! She would have been considered well off with the amount of oil God provided!

However, God does not always provide such open miracles. Hospitality is not about getting rich, networking or building mutual social debts. It is about simple obedience and trust. In each case mentioned, notice that hospitality is demanded – not suggested.

A rabbi was once entertaining during Sukot. At the mealtime, which tradition requires be taken in the Sukah (booth), he declined due to the pain the cold weather would inflict on his arthritis. When he saw that his guests were all going to eat out there, however, he changed his mind and ate outside in spite of the pain. When one person who knew of the rabbi’s suffering asked why he remained outside, the rabbi responded, “Suffering does not free one from the Mitzvah of entertaining guests."

A person should practice hospitality – even in difficult circumstances. We may not have much but rest assured it is more than enough when the Master blesses it.[5]

[1] Romans 12:13
[2] Hebrews 13:2
[3] Titus 1:8
[4] 1 Timothy 5:10
[5] Matthew 15:36