From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

You may have read something in the Bible that seemed a bit odd: people lodging in the street.  In our culture, thinking of someone spending the night in the street conjures up all sorts of unpleasant pictures.  But, when reading the Bible, we must always remember their culture.

A verse in the book of Job states that “the stranger did not lodge in the street.”  Instead, someone opened his doors to the traveler.  This was very common in the lands and times of the Bible.

In small villages there was usually a village common that was similar to what we would call a park.  That is the area referred to in the book of Job and other places in the Bible as “the street.”  In the late afternoon or early evening, it was very common for travelers to rest and spend the night in that area of the village.

In the Bible times and culture, hospitality was very important.  They believed that if they showed kindness to someone in need, they were showing kindness to God. They believed that if they gave something to someone, even a cup of water, then it was understood that it had been given as unto God.

In that culture they believed that the more they served you, the more they served God.  That is why it was common for them to invite travelers, who would be total strangers to them, to spend the night in their home instead of in “the street.”  They invited them to their home so that they could show them hospitality.

This reminds me of a verse in the book of Hebrews.  There it talks about remembering to show kindness to strangers as there have been some who did so, not knowing those strangers were in fact angels.  That is something to think about, isn’t it?

Job 31:32
The stranger did not lodge in the street: [but] I opened my doors to the traveler.

Genesis 19:1-3
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

Mike Verdicchio
2012

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Resources
There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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