Inside-Out Hospitality

Biblical hospitality is sometimes rooted in covenant, not convenience. In 2 Samuel 9, King David intentionally searches for someone from Saul’s house—not to eliminate a threat, but to honour a promise. This episode of Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight explores covenant hospitality and how kindness, loyalty, and integrity can restore dignity to the forgotten.

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Host:
Hi, everyone! Welcome to another captivating episode of Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight. In this show, we explore the lives of ordinary people—just like you and me—who displayed extraordinary hospitality in the Bible.

Today’s guest needs little introduction. He is the shepherd boy turned king, psalmist, giant slayer, and a man after God’s own heart. But today, we’re not focusing on his battles or songs—we’re spotlighting his hospitality.

King David, welcome to the Inside-Out Hospitality blog.

King David:
What an honour to be here.

Host:
The pleasure is ours. The Bible records several moments where you either received or showed hospitality, but one account stands out powerfully—2 Samuel 9.

After becoming king, many rulers in your time would have wiped out every remaining member of the former king’s household to avoid future threats. Yet you intentionally searched for someone from Saul’s family—not to destroy, but to show kindness. Why?

David:
I would sum it up in three words: gratitude, loyalty, and integrity.

I spent many years on the run while Saul pursued me. During that time, people sheltered, fed, and protected me—hospitality I never forgot. One of them was Jonathan, Saul’s son. We shared a covenant, and he made me promise to care for his family if anything happened to him (1 Samuel 20:14–17).

When I became king, I had to honour that promise—integrity demanded it. Yes, there was a risk. Jonathan’s surviving son could have betrayed me. But my confidence was not in self-preservation.

“The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my saviour… my place of safety.”
(Psalm 18:2, NLT)

Host:
That’s powerful. You didn’t just send gifts or pay a visit—you invited Mephibosheth into your palace, reassured him with your words, restored his land, and gave him servants.

“Don’t be afraid,” David said to him… “You will always eat at my table.”
(2 Samuel 9:7, NLT)

This really reframes how I see God. For a long time, I viewed Him as a harsh King waiting to punish me. But when I finally accepted His invitation, I realised He is kind. Like Mephibosheth, I didn’t have to keep hiding—I was invited to the table.

(To the audience)
Have you accepted God’s invitation?

So, King David—how do we apply this kind of hospitality today?

David:
We often do what looks right on the surface. When tragedy strikes, we rally people, organise a befitting burial, give money, and then we move on, feeling satisfied.

But hospitality doesn’t end with an envelope.

What happens to the widow afterwards? The children? Sometimes people host them physically but emotionally keep them at arm’s length—treating them like burdens instead of sons and daughters.

The world is full of crippled people, and I’m not talking only about physical disability. Many are wounded by life. Hospitality is how we extend God’s kindness and restore dignity.

Host:
That really is going the extra mile. For those of us without palaces, what are some practical ways to live this out?

David:
(Revelation 1:6 reminds us we are all kings and priests in Christ.)

Here are a few simple ideas:

• Remember those who’ve been forgotten—widows, orphans, or someone left behind socially or academically.
• Extend hospitality to the families of those who once cared for you.
• Help people gain sustainability—education, skills, or trades.
• Send encouraging words that affirm someone’s worth.
• Preach the gospel—it is the most excellent form of restoration.

When you allow God to use you, many more ideas will flow.

Host:
Thank you, King David. Any final words?

David:
Hospitality isn’t always smooth. My relationship with Mephibosheth had challenges. I listened too quickly to one side of a story and acted unfairly (2 Samuel 16; 19).

Not everyone will be happy with whom you choose to help. Misunderstandings will come. But don’t let that stop you—just be wise, patient, and willing to listen.

Host:
That’s real and refreshing. Hospitality isn’t perfect—but it’s worth it.

Thank you, King David, for your honesty and wisdom. And to our readers, go forth and slay every giant standing in the way of your hospitality journey!

This brings us to the end of Season 1 of Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight. Be sure to read the entire series—we may or may not have a quiz coming.

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Here’s to hosting from the Inside-Out

Hospitality Heroes series Season 1

Click the links to read more

1. Father Abraham
2. The Priest of Midian, Jethro
3. Martha: Part 1 and Part 2
4. Rahab the ‘Prostitute’
5. Oga Boaz
6. King David (You are here)