Friend of StrangersSýnishorn

In many languages, the words stranger, guest, and enemy have identical meanings. The Hebrew word we most often translate as stranger is ger, which can also be translated as refugee, immigrant, guest, newcomer, sojourner, or foreigner, depending on the reasons for being on the move. If you are fleeing a war, you are a refugee; if you are working as a traveling salesman, you are a stranger, and if you are visiting a good friend, then you are a guest.

In Biblical times, hospitality was not just a valued attribute of certain good-hearted people but an established code of conduct that could determine the life or death of both host and guest. Because of the hot and harsh climate of the Middle East, most permanent or temporary settlements were located near water sources. Without access to these, people on the move would risk death. In addition, because of the risk of robbers, travelers needed protection when they arrived at new settlements.

When a stranger came to visit, it was still unclear to both the native and the stranger whether to regard each other as friend or foe. Since the native is generally the stronger party, it is incumbent upon him to extend a hand and offer hospitality to the stranger. When the stranger accepts the hospitality, he changes from a potential enemy to a protected guest. The secret to making peace is to extend a hand and offer hospitality instead of building a wall between yourself and the stranger. It is in the very offer of hospitality that the transition from potential enemy to protected guest takes place.