Hospitality and Hostility in Judges 4

Abstract

The customs that make up the hospitality code in the ancient Middle East, as portrayed in the biblical narrative, demonstrate the intent to maintain the honor of person, household and community by offering service and protection to strangers. Analogies between the code of hospitality found in the biblical narrative and more modem communities in the Middle East are striking. A model of behavior operates, which attempts to transform the hostile stranger into a non-threatening guest. However, if the protocol of custom is violated by either the guest or host, all restraints and protections are set aside and the host may become hostile. The episode in Judges 4 is explained by the application of the hospitality model. The author/editor manipulates customary expectations by using a scheme of systematic violation of the code of hospitality in working toward the climactic and ironic end.

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