“My
lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant.”
Genesis 18:3
Genesis 17 [22.] When he finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money; every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the same day, as God had said to him. Abraham was ninety-nine years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. Ishmael, his son, was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. In the same day both Abraham and Ishmael, his son, were circumcised. All the men of his house, those born in the house, and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.
Genesis 18 [1.] Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood opposite him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth, and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant. Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. I will get a morsel of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.”
They said, “Very well, do as you have said.”
Genesis 18 [6.] Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly prepare three seahs of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.” Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it. He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate.
Genesis 18 [9.] They asked him, “Where is Sarah, your wife?”
He said, “See, in the tent.”
Genesis 18 [10.] He said, “I will certainly return to you when the season comes round. Behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.”
Meaning:
- Divine Visitation:
Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre: The narrative begins with the manifestation of Yahweh to Abraham. This divine visitation sets the stage for a significant encounter.
- Hospitality of Abraham:
He ran to meet them... and bowed himself to the earth: Abraham's immediate response to the arrival of the three men reflects a deep sense of respect and hospitality. Despite not initially knowing their divine identity, he extends a warm welcome.
Let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree... He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them: Abraham goes above and beyond in providing for his guests. He offers water, rest, and a lavish meal, showcasing an exemplary model of hospitality.
- Dialogue and Promise:
My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight... Abraham addresses the guests with humility and seeks their favor, unknowingly entertaining divine beings.
They said, 'Very well, do as you have said.' The response of the guests affirms Abraham's hospitality, setting the stage for the unfolding revelation.
- Significance:
Divine Revelation through Hospitality: The passage illustrates how hospitality can lead to unexpected divine encounters. Abraham's generosity becomes a backdrop for a significant revelation.
Foreshadowing God's Promise: Unbeknownst to Abraham, this encounter sets the stage for the revelation of the promise of Isaac's birth, emphasizing the divine fulfillment of God's covenant.
Relevance for Today:
Openness to Divine Encounters: The passage encourages believers to maintain an attitude of hospitality and openness, recognizing that acts of kindness may lead to divine encounters.
Fulfillment of God's Promises: Just as Abraham's hospitality preceded the revelation of God's promise, believers are reminded that God's promises are often revealed in the course of faithful living.
Cross-References:
Hebrews 13:2: "Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it." A New Testament reflection on the importance of hospitality, drawing a connection to instances like Abraham's encounter.
Matthew 25:35: "For I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in." Jesus emphasizes the significance of caring for others, reflecting the spirit of hospitality.
In Our Daily Lives: Reflecting on Genesis 18:1-8 prompts us to consider our approach to hospitality. How do we welcome others into our lives, and are we open to the possibility of divine encounters in the midst of our everyday interactions?