CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 18:1. In the plains of Mamre.] _Heb._ In the oaks, or in the oak-grove of Mamre. “_Mamre_ was an ally of Abram, and under the shade of his oak-grove the patriarch dwelt in the interval between his residence at Bethel and at Beersheba” (ch. Genesis 13:18; Genesis 18:1). (_Jac... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 18:9. In the tent.] In the women’s apartments. GENESIS 18:10. I WILL CERTAINLY RETURN UNTO THEE.] _Heb._ Returning I will return. An emphatic form of affirmation. ACCORDING TO THE TIME OF LIFE.] _Heb_. According to the living time. “A singularly ambiguous phrase, upon which... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 18:17. That thing which I do.] Which I purpose doing, or am about to do. GENESIS 18:19. FOR I KNOW HIM.] _Heb._ For I have known him. “It is God’s _purpose_ with regard to Abraham, not His knowledge of the character of Abraham, that is here spoken of.” (_Alford_.) _MAIN H... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 18:21. Whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it.] _Heb._ Whether they have made completeness, or filled up the measure of their sins. AND IF NOT, I WILL KNOW.] _Onk._ “But if they repent I will not take vengeance.” GENESIS 18:22. STOOD YET.] _Heb._ And... [ Continue Reading ]
CRITICAL NOTES.— Genesis 18:23. The righteous with the wicked.] _Heb._ A righteous man with a wicked one (Numbers 16:19; Psalms 11:4). GENESIS 18:25. THAT BE FAR FROM THEE.] The Heb. term expresses detestation of a thing as profane, abominable, and consequently that which was forbidden to be done.... [ Continue Reading ]