Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/143

 Abraham's Hospitality

125

many, for hospitahty is regarded as and the rights of the guest and the

the Orient they are not

the

highest

virtue,

stranger precede everything

his

else.

But Abraham was not content merely to give the stranger rights, or to wait until he might claim entertainment.

He was eager rather to discharge the duty of hospitality Therefore, as the story emon every possible occasion. men

phasizes, he did not wait for the

to

come

to him, but

he ran to meet them, and urged them to honor him by acIt is another instance of Abraham's cepting his hospitality. greatness and large-heartedness.

merely hospitable

in

the

It

ordinary

shows that he was not sense,

sessed this virtue in the highest degree.

but

And

he pos-

that

even more,

it

shows that Abraham would not wait for duties to seek him out, but would run to meet and to serve his fellowmen in every possible way. This test, too, Abraham had stood. Abraham had no idea who the strangers were nor did he ask. It was enough that they wer^ tired and spent. But unconsciously he was entertaining God Himself, or at least three angels. It illustrates well the beautiful proverb from

our Bible,

He

that

is

gracious unto the poor lendeth unto the Lord.

Whenever we help the poor and show true as if we gave unto God Himself. And consists,

it

is

hospitality

who

they

us,

with

need, in truly loving our neighbor as ourselves.

We

are, in sharing

who

true

not merely in giving food and lodging to friends,

but in opening heart and hand to

all

hospitality,

all,

not asking

what we have, what God has given

have seen repeatedly that Abraham lived and* acted in just this spirit therefore he has become the world's model of

and generosity But especially to us Jews

hospitality

inspiration

of

true hospitality.

hood, and has always

is

Abraham Hospitality

model and means brotherthe

been a characteristic Jewish virtue.