by Yongbom Lee

Since Paul’s understanding of human-divine relationships was seated in the belief that God’s intention for humanity was positive, sustained, and generous, it is not difficult to see how Ḥesed could have been, for the Apostle, the binding confirmation of the reality of God’s unending love for creation.

by Peter S. Perry

Attempting to define the word <Ḥesed for use in a sermon can be daunting since it tends to differ depending on the translation used. The author feels it is worth the time since defining Ḥesed may help preachers gain new insights into their and their congregants’ relationships with God.

by Peter Lau

Here is a detailed analysis of the relationships among Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, and God as reported in the Book of Ruth. The Ḥesed in Ruth springs from a generous spirit whose self sacrifice helps those in need without regard for one’s own peril.

by John W. Herbst

The Old Testament Books of Judges and Ruth are set in the same time period—Israel prior to the establishment of the monarchy—but hospitality clearly “works” in one but does not fare so well in the other. This intriguing article explores the reasons why.

by Matilda G. Chase

Travel in the ancient mid-east was treacherous and so when strange travelers showed up in a community, they were welcomed, given food, water, and foot washing as a way of providing hospitality, and also for protection of the host. Once travelers were offered food and rest, they were less likely to attack or steal from the host’s community.

by Christopher Carter

Our understanding of hospitality is rooted within the experiences of our childhood home, our respective ethnic and geographic cultures…guided by our religious and/or philosophical perspectives.

by Kang-Yup Na

From the very first act of God’s creation of heaven and earth (Genesis 1.1) to the eschatological vision of the new heaven and earth (Revelation 21.1), hospitality…illuminates every canonical book toward spiritual insight and nourishment…the conceptual world of the word ‘hospitality’ embraces the entirety of Christian theology, piety, and mission.

by Austin Park

The author digs into the bible to show how hospitality is a core principle for Jesus, and he poses some intriguing questions about Jesus’ behavior in this unusual tale of Jesus’ first miracle.

by Brandt L. Montgomery

Jesus wants us to do what is right instead of constantly worrying about always being right. He asks that we be welcoming to others just as He is welcoming to us.

by Elaine Chan

Sometimes the opportunity to be hospitable to a stranger may seem like too much trouble, imprudent, or even dangerous, but Hebrews 13.2 tells us “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

By Elaine Padilla

This is an intriguing study of the racial implications to be gleaned from the Song of Songs. Dr. Padilla guides the reader into the text in ways that help move it from sexual innuendo to serious scholarship.

By Naomi Koltun-Fromm

This probing analysis of ancient Hebrew texts offers revealing clues as to why the apparent bias against women became part of the ancient culture as reflected in the Hebrew Bible. This article offers a rich resource for pastors interested in exploring feminist issues.