Travellers: Generally Treated with Great Hospitality

“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. …

…and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”

She replied, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milcah bore to Nahor.”

So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions.

Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak.”

“So where is he?” their father asked. “Why did you leave the man behind? Invite him to have something to eat.”

“Peace to you,” said the old man. “Let me supply everything you need. Only do not spend the night in the square.”

So he brought him to his house and fed his donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank.

…but no stranger had to lodge on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler—

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.