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Genesis 18:1
Verse
Context
The Three Visitors
1Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent.2And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
Sermons
Milton Green
Chuck Missler
Carter Conlon
Walter Beuttler
John Gifford Bellett
Flavius Josephus
F.B. MeyerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the Lord appeared - See note on Gen 15:1. Sat in the tent door - For the purpose of enjoying the refreshing air in the heat of the day, when the sun had most power. A custom still frequent among the Asiatics.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
When sitting, about mid-day, in the grove of Mamre, in front of his tent, Abraham looked up and unexpectedly saw three men standing at some distance from him (עליו above him, looking down upon him as he sat), viz., Jehovah (Gen 18:13) and two angels (Gen 19:1); all three in human form. Perceiving at once that one of them was the Lord (אדני, i.e., God), he prostrated himself reverentially before them, and entreated them not to pass him by, but to suffer him to entertain them as his guests: "Let a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and recline yourselves (השּׁען( sevle to recline, leaning upon the arm) under the tree." - "Comfort your hearts:" lit., "strengthen the heart," i.e., refresh yourselves by eating and drinking (Jdg 19:5; Kg1 21:7). "For therefore (sc., to give me an opportunity to entertain you hospitably) have ye come over to your servant:" כּן על כּי does not stand for כּי כּן על (Ges. thes. p. 682), but means "because for this purpose" (vid., Ewald, 353).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre,.... That is, to Abraham; and very likely this appearance of God was quickly after the affair of the circumcision, to show his approbation of his ready obedience to his command; and at this time he was in the plains, or at the oaks of Mamre, the oaken grove there, as has been observed on Gen 13:18; and which seems to be the best rendering of the words, since in Gen 18:4; mention is made of a tree to sit and stand under; and Abraham might choose this place for his habitation, because of the shadiness of it, in those hot countries: and he sat in the tent door, in the heat of the day; partly to cool and refresh himself, and partly to observe if any passengers passed by, to invite them in; this being a time of day when such needed refreshment, and it was proper for them to lie by a while, and not proceed on their journey until it was cooler: or rather to or "near" the tent door, as Noldius (g), or before it, without or under the shade of the tree, after mentioned. (g) Ebr. Concord. Part. p. 13.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The appearance of God to Abraham seems to have had in it more of freedom and familiarity, and less of grandeur and majesty, than those we have hitherto read of; and therefore more resembles that great visit which, in the fullness of time, the Son of God was to make to the world, when the Word would be flesh, and appear as one of us. Observe here, I. How Abraham expected strangers, and how richly his expectations were answered (Gen 18:1): He sat in the tent-door, in the heat of the day; not so much to repose or divert himself as to seek an opportunity of doing good, by giving entertainment to strangers and travellers, there being perhaps no inns to accommodate them. Note, 1. We are likely to have the most comfort of those good works to which we are most free and forward. 2. God graciously visits those in whom he has first raised the expectation of him, and manifests himself to those that wait for him. When Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming towards him. These three men were three spiritual heavenly beings, now assuming human bodies, that they might be visible to Abraham, and conversable with him. Some think that they were all created angels, others that one of them was the Son of God, the angel of the covenant, whom Abraham distinguished from the rest (Gen 18:3), and who is called Jehovah, Gen 18:13. The apostle improves this for the encouragement of hospitality, Heb 13:2. Those that have been forward to entertain strangers have entertained angels, to their unspeakable honour and satisfaction. Where, upon a prudent and impartial judgment, we see no cause to suspect ill, charity teaches us to hope well and to show kindness accordingly. It is better to feed five drones, or wasps, than to starve one bee. II. How Abraham entertained those strangers, and how kindly his entertainment was accepted. The Holy Ghost takes particular notice of the very free and affectionate welcome Abraham gave to the strangers. 1. He was very complaisant and respectful to them. Forgetting his age and gravity, he ran to meet them in the most obliging manner, and with all due courtesy bowed himself towards the ground, though as yet he knew nothing of them but that they appeared graceful respectable men. Note, Religion does not destroy, but improve, good manners, and teaches us to honour all men. Decent civility is a great ornament to piety. 2. He was very earnest and importunate for their stay, and took it as a great favour, Gen 18:3, Gen 18:4. Note, (1.) It becomes those whom God has blessed with plenty to be liberal and open-hearted in their entertainments, according to their ability, and (not in compliment, but cordially) to bid their friends welcome. We should take a pleasure in showing kindness to any; for both God and man love a cheerful giver. Who would eat the bread of him that has an evil eye? Pro 23:6, Pro 23:7. (2.) Those that would have communion with God must earnestly desire it and pray for it. God is a guest worth entertaining. 3. His entertainment, though it was very free, was yet plain and homely, and there was nothing in it of the gaiety and niceness of our times. His dining-room was an arbour under a tree; no rich table-linen, no side-board set with plate. His feast was a joint or two of veal, and some cakes baked on the hearth, and both hastily dressed up. Here were no dainties, no varieties, no forced-meats, no sweet-meats, but good, plain, wholesome food, though Abraham was very rich and his guests were very honourable. Note, We ought not to be curious in our diet. Let us be thankful for food convenient, though it be homely and common; and not be desirous of dainties, for they are deceitful meat to those that love them and set their hearts upon them. 4. He and his wife were both of them very attentive and busy, in accommodating their guests with the best they had. Sarah herself is cook and baker; Abraham runs to fetch the calf, brings out the milk and butter, and thinks it not below him to wait at table, that he might show how heartily welcome his guests were. Note, (1.) Those that have real merit need not take state upon them, nor are their prudent condescensions any disparagement to them. (2.) Hearty friendship will stoop to any thing but sin. Christ himself has taught us to wash one another's feet, in humble love. Those that thus abase themselves shall be exalted. Here Abraham's faith showed itself in good works; and so must ours, else it is dead, Jam 2:21, Jam 2:26. The father of the faithful was famous for charity, and generosity, and good house-keeping; and we must learn of him to do good and to communicate. Job did not eat his morsel alone, Job 31:17.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:1-15 The Lord’s visit to Abraham set the time for Isaac’s birth. The three visitors were probably the Lord and two angels (see study note on 16:7). Abraham’s peaceful and generous reception of the visitors contrasts sharply with the chaos and corruption of Sodom (ch 19). Eating together was important in making or confirming covenants; when God was ready to fulfill the covenant promise, he came in person to share a meal with Abraham. Fellowship with God has always been signified by a communal meal (see Exod 24:9-11; Matt 26:17-30 // Luke 22:7-38; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:20-34).
Genesis 18:1
The Three Visitors
1Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent.2And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Blood Covenant) 1 - Blood Covenant
By Milton Green15K1:26:08Blood CovenantGEN 14:18GEN 17:5GEN 17:15GEN 18:1MAT 7:15ACT 4:32In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the covenant between God and His people. The speaker refers to various passages in the Bible, such as Genesis 18, where the Lord appears to Abraham. The speaker suggests that the Lord's appearance may be Jesus, highlighting the revelation of Jesus throughout the entire Bible. The sermon also mentions the concept of covenant and how it has been concealed from people due to traditions and the influence of the enemy. The speaker concludes by discussing the exchange of robes and weapons between Jonathan and David, emphasizing the significance of covenant in their relationship.
Genesis #12 Ch. 12-13 the Call of Abraham
By Chuck Missler4.4K1:28:14AbrahamGEN 14:1GEN 18:1ACT 7:2ROM 1:21In this sermon, the speaker discusses the transition from the preface of Genesis to the period of the nation. He emphasizes that God's pattern is always the same: there is a call, obedience, and then revelation. The speaker also highlights the importance of responding to God's call and being obedient. The sermon then focuses on Genesis chapter 18, where the Lord appears to Abraham and Abraham shows great hospitality towards the three men. The speaker emphasizes the tradition of hospitality in old cultures and how it is seen as a major sin to not show hospitality.
When God Rests Under the Tree
By Carter Conlon2.2K41:50Rest Of GodGEN 18:1In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Abraham and the appearance of the Lord to him. The preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own limitations and relying on God's provision. He highlights the significance of Abraham's willingness to serve and provide for the Lord and his companions, even with limited resources. The preacher also emphasizes the idea that God chooses to work through those who acknowledge their need for Him and have a contrite spirit.
The Lord's Visits to His People
By Walter Beuttler1GEN 18:1MAT 24:40JHN 6:60JHN 14:21JHN 20:14HEB 2:6REV 3:20Walter Beuttler preaches about the various ways the Lord visits His people, emphasizing the importance of earnest prayer, liberation from bondage, supernatural manifestations of power, and personal visits from Jesus. He highlights the need for a desire and hunger for the Lord's visit, as well as the significance of recognizing and responding to His presence. Beuttler stresses the value of attitudes towards the Lord's visit, illustrating through biblical examples how the Lord desires to be wanted and constrained by His people for a deeper connection and manifestation of His power.
Confusion and Order
By John Gifford Bellett0GEN 18:1EXO 18:1ISA 11:6MAT 22:21LUK 24:13JHN 4:1JHN 13:1PHP 2:3REV 21:1John Gifford Bellett preaches about the various confusion and challenges that Jesus faced in His earthly ministry, dealing with political and religious authorities, His disciples, and the different regions of Galilee, Judea, and Samaria. Despite the chaos, Jesus' path shone brightly, untouched by darkness, showcasing His ability to answer every challenge with wisdom and grace. Bellett emphasizes that like Jesus, we too must navigate through the confusion and challenges of our daily lives, knowing that order will eventually prevail in God's perfect timing, as seen in various biblical examples.
From Creation to the Death of Isaac
By Flavius Josephus0GEN 17:9GEN 18:1GEN 19:1GEN 21:1GEN 22:1Flavius Josephus recounts the stories of Abraham, Lot, and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, a righteous man, shows hospitality to angels and intercedes for the Sodomites. Lot, his nephew, is saved from the destruction of Sodom. Abraham's faith is tested when he is asked to sacrifice his son Isaac. The lineage of Abraham, including the birth of Ishmael and Isaac, is detailed, explaining the origin of circumcision among the Jews and Arabs.
The Divine Guest
By F.B. Meyer0Divine HospitalityFaith in God's PromisesGEN 18:11KI 8:27PRO 8:31ISA 57:15JER 32:17MAT 25:45LUK 24:30ACT 13:39HEB 11:11REV 3:20F.B. Meyer reflects on the profound moment when God visited Abraham in the plains of Mamre, emphasizing the significance of divine hospitality and the importance of recognizing God's presence in our lives. He draws parallels between Abraham's humble service to his guests and our own interactions with others, suggesting that Christ often comes to us disguised as strangers. Meyer encourages believers to embrace faith, reminding them that nothing is too hard for the Lord, and that true faith is rooted in the promises of God. He concludes with the assurance that God desires to dwell with us, transforming our lives through His presence and promises.
The Inspired Moment and the Inspired Walk
By Richard E. Bieber0GEN 15:1GEN 17:1GEN 18:1GEN 18:9MAT 28:16GAL 2:20Richard E. Bieber preaches on the inspired moments in Abraham's life when God spoke to him, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these moments as gifts from God and welcoming them. He highlights how Abraham's faith in God during ordinary days transformed them into days of faith, urging listeners to bring the glory of inspired moments into their daily walk. Drawing parallels to Abraham's walk of faith, he encourages living a blameless life in God's presence, trusting Him in every aspect of life, just as Abraham did.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And the Lord appeared - See note on Gen 15:1. Sat in the tent door - For the purpose of enjoying the refreshing air in the heat of the day, when the sun had most power. A custom still frequent among the Asiatics.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
When sitting, about mid-day, in the grove of Mamre, in front of his tent, Abraham looked up and unexpectedly saw three men standing at some distance from him (עליו above him, looking down upon him as he sat), viz., Jehovah (Gen 18:13) and two angels (Gen 19:1); all three in human form. Perceiving at once that one of them was the Lord (אדני, i.e., God), he prostrated himself reverentially before them, and entreated them not to pass him by, but to suffer him to entertain them as his guests: "Let a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and recline yourselves (השּׁען( sevle to recline, leaning upon the arm) under the tree." - "Comfort your hearts:" lit., "strengthen the heart," i.e., refresh yourselves by eating and drinking (Jdg 19:5; Kg1 21:7). "For therefore (sc., to give me an opportunity to entertain you hospitably) have ye come over to your servant:" כּן על כּי does not stand for כּי כּן על (Ges. thes. p. 682), but means "because for this purpose" (vid., Ewald, 353).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre,.... That is, to Abraham; and very likely this appearance of God was quickly after the affair of the circumcision, to show his approbation of his ready obedience to his command; and at this time he was in the plains, or at the oaks of Mamre, the oaken grove there, as has been observed on Gen 13:18; and which seems to be the best rendering of the words, since in Gen 18:4; mention is made of a tree to sit and stand under; and Abraham might choose this place for his habitation, because of the shadiness of it, in those hot countries: and he sat in the tent door, in the heat of the day; partly to cool and refresh himself, and partly to observe if any passengers passed by, to invite them in; this being a time of day when such needed refreshment, and it was proper for them to lie by a while, and not proceed on their journey until it was cooler: or rather to or "near" the tent door, as Noldius (g), or before it, without or under the shade of the tree, after mentioned. (g) Ebr. Concord. Part. p. 13.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
The appearance of God to Abraham seems to have had in it more of freedom and familiarity, and less of grandeur and majesty, than those we have hitherto read of; and therefore more resembles that great visit which, in the fullness of time, the Son of God was to make to the world, when the Word would be flesh, and appear as one of us. Observe here, I. How Abraham expected strangers, and how richly his expectations were answered (Gen 18:1): He sat in the tent-door, in the heat of the day; not so much to repose or divert himself as to seek an opportunity of doing good, by giving entertainment to strangers and travellers, there being perhaps no inns to accommodate them. Note, 1. We are likely to have the most comfort of those good works to which we are most free and forward. 2. God graciously visits those in whom he has first raised the expectation of him, and manifests himself to those that wait for him. When Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming towards him. These three men were three spiritual heavenly beings, now assuming human bodies, that they might be visible to Abraham, and conversable with him. Some think that they were all created angels, others that one of them was the Son of God, the angel of the covenant, whom Abraham distinguished from the rest (Gen 18:3), and who is called Jehovah, Gen 18:13. The apostle improves this for the encouragement of hospitality, Heb 13:2. Those that have been forward to entertain strangers have entertained angels, to their unspeakable honour and satisfaction. Where, upon a prudent and impartial judgment, we see no cause to suspect ill, charity teaches us to hope well and to show kindness accordingly. It is better to feed five drones, or wasps, than to starve one bee. II. How Abraham entertained those strangers, and how kindly his entertainment was accepted. The Holy Ghost takes particular notice of the very free and affectionate welcome Abraham gave to the strangers. 1. He was very complaisant and respectful to them. Forgetting his age and gravity, he ran to meet them in the most obliging manner, and with all due courtesy bowed himself towards the ground, though as yet he knew nothing of them but that they appeared graceful respectable men. Note, Religion does not destroy, but improve, good manners, and teaches us to honour all men. Decent civility is a great ornament to piety. 2. He was very earnest and importunate for their stay, and took it as a great favour, Gen 18:3, Gen 18:4. Note, (1.) It becomes those whom God has blessed with plenty to be liberal and open-hearted in their entertainments, according to their ability, and (not in compliment, but cordially) to bid their friends welcome. We should take a pleasure in showing kindness to any; for both God and man love a cheerful giver. Who would eat the bread of him that has an evil eye? Pro 23:6, Pro 23:7. (2.) Those that would have communion with God must earnestly desire it and pray for it. God is a guest worth entertaining. 3. His entertainment, though it was very free, was yet plain and homely, and there was nothing in it of the gaiety and niceness of our times. His dining-room was an arbour under a tree; no rich table-linen, no side-board set with plate. His feast was a joint or two of veal, and some cakes baked on the hearth, and both hastily dressed up. Here were no dainties, no varieties, no forced-meats, no sweet-meats, but good, plain, wholesome food, though Abraham was very rich and his guests were very honourable. Note, We ought not to be curious in our diet. Let us be thankful for food convenient, though it be homely and common; and not be desirous of dainties, for they are deceitful meat to those that love them and set their hearts upon them. 4. He and his wife were both of them very attentive and busy, in accommodating their guests with the best they had. Sarah herself is cook and baker; Abraham runs to fetch the calf, brings out the milk and butter, and thinks it not below him to wait at table, that he might show how heartily welcome his guests were. Note, (1.) Those that have real merit need not take state upon them, nor are their prudent condescensions any disparagement to them. (2.) Hearty friendship will stoop to any thing but sin. Christ himself has taught us to wash one another's feet, in humble love. Those that thus abase themselves shall be exalted. Here Abraham's faith showed itself in good works; and so must ours, else it is dead, Jam 2:21, Jam 2:26. The father of the faithful was famous for charity, and generosity, and good house-keeping; and we must learn of him to do good and to communicate. Job did not eat his morsel alone, Job 31:17.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
18:1-15 The Lord’s visit to Abraham set the time for Isaac’s birth. The three visitors were probably the Lord and two angels (see study note on 16:7). Abraham’s peaceful and generous reception of the visitors contrasts sharply with the chaos and corruption of Sodom (ch 19). Eating together was important in making or confirming covenants; when God was ready to fulfill the covenant promise, he came in person to share a meal with Abraham. Fellowship with God has always been signified by a communal meal (see Exod 24:9-11; Matt 26:17-30 // Luke 22:7-38; Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 11:20-34).