761. One of the first beverages a guest is offered is a drink of water. This is to recognize him as a person worthy of peaceful reception. To give a drink of water is the simplest way to pledge friendship with a person. The words of Jesus in the Gospel of Mark (9:41) demonstrate this custom, "Anyone who gives you a cup of water in My name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward."
762. The sharing of food in Eastern cultures is a very special act of hospitality. It is a way of making a covenant of peace and fidelity. When Abimelech wanted a permanent covenant with Isaac, the confirmation of that covenant came when Isaac "made a feast for them, and they ate and drank" (Gen. 26:30).
763. "The guest while in the house is its lord." This is a true statement of the spirit of Eastern hospitality. One of the first greetings a Palestinian host will give his guest is to say, "Hadtha beitak." meaning "This is your house." This phrase is repeated many times during the guest's stay. There was a similar attitude between Lot and his guests when he said, "My lords, please turn aside to your servant's house" (Gen. 19:2).
764. Defending to the death. In the lands of the East, when a host accepts a man as his guest he agrees to defend the guest from all possible enemies during the time of his stay, whatever the cost. The poet felt utterly secure, though he had enemies close to him, when he knew that God was his host. "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies" (Ps. 23:5).
765. Eastern people make mention of God in daily conversation. An astonished person will exclaim, "Mashallah," or "See what God has done!" which is the exact expression used by Balaam centuries ago (Num. 23:23). If a person is asked if he expects to do a certain thing, he will answer, "If God wills." Such an answer was recommended by James in his epistle (James 4:15).
