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The second duty here exhorted to is hospitality, especially towards strangers, which consisted in receiving them into their houses, and furnishing them with all needful accommodations. In those eastern countries inns were not so ready as with us, and Christians were generally poor, not able to bear their own charges in their travelling from place to place. Strangers, even amongst Heathens, were accounted sacred, and under the peculiar protection of God.
And a punishment was appointed for those that were inhospitable towards them. Hospitality is a prescribed duty, but this part of it, to wit, the entertaining of strangers, which was so great a virtue in ancient times, is now driven out of the world by the wickedness of some, and the covetousness of others; few strangers are worthy to receive entertainment, and as few have hearts to give it.
Observe farther, the manner of prescribing this duty. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; no doubt a positive command is included in the prohibition, forget not; that is, remember to do it, be always in a readiness for the discharge of this duty; our hearts ought to be always in a gracious disposition towards such duties as are attended with difficulty or charge; the liberal mind deviseth liberal things.
Observe lastly, The reason enforcing the duty, hereby some have entertained angels unawares: so did Abraham and Lot entertain three angels, in the appearance of men, not knowing who or what they were. By receiving strangers, out of faith in Christ, and love to God, we may receive precious saints, and (which is more) some blessed angels sent to keep them, and (which is most of all) Jesus Christ himself, who at present represents, and will hereafter acknowledge and reward, such kindnesses shown to his members as done to himself, Matthew 25.