_A.M. 2107. B.C. 1897._ We have an account in this chapter of another interview between God and Abraham, probably within a few days after the former, as the reward of his cheerful obedience to the law of circumcision. Here is, ( 1,) _ The visit which God made him, Genesis 18:1._ (2,) _ The matters... [ Continue Reading ]
This 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 fulness of time the Son of God was to make to the world. _He sat in the tent-d... [ Continue Reading ]
_And lo, three men_ These _three men_ were three spiritual, heavenly beings, now assuming human shapes, that they might be visible to Abraham, and conversable with him. Some think they were all three created angels; others, which is more probable, that one of them was the Son of God. _He bowed himse... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he said, My Lord_ He addressed himself to one of the three, who seemed to have the pre-eminence, probably because of some peculiar majesty which appeared in his countenance, or the respect which the other two paid him. _Let a little water be fetched_ As in those hot climates people went bare-fo... [ Continue Reading ]
_Abraham ran to the herd_ In the several particulars here mentioned, we have a lively picture of the hospitality, simplicity, benevolence, and liberality of these ancient patriarchs. How different was their manner of life from the refinement and modish formality of the higher classes in modern times... [ Continue Reading ]
_Where is Sarah thy wife?_ By naming her, they gave intimation to Abraham, that though they seemed strangers, yet they well knew him and his family: by inquiring after her, they showed a kind concern for the family of one whom they found respectful to them. And by speaking of her, she overhearing it... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will certainly return unto thee, and visit thee according to the time of life_ That is, nine months hence, and, in fulfilment of my promise, _Sarah shall have a son._ God will return to those that bid him welcome.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sarah laughed within herself_ It was not a laughter of faith, like Abraham's, (Genesis 17:17,) but a laughter of doubting and distrust. The great objection which Sarah could not get over was her age. _I am waxed old_ And past child-bearing in a course of nature, especially having been hitherto barr... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 18:13 ; GENESIS 18:15. _ And the Lord_ (Hebrews, _Jehovah_) _said, Wherefore did Sarah laugh?_ By showing that he knew what Sarah did secretly, in another apartment of the tent, he manifested that he could accomplish his word, however contrary to the ordinary course of nature.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do_ Thus doth God in his counsels express himself after the manner of men, with deliberation. “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him.” Those that by faith live a life of communion with God, cannot but know more of his mind than other people.... [ Continue Reading ]
_I know Abraham that he will command his children, and his household after him_ This is a bright part of Abraham's character. He not only _prayed_ with his family, but he _taught_ them, as a man of knowledge; nay, he _commanded_ them, as a man in authority, and was prophet and king, as well as pries... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will go down now and see_ Not as if there were any thing concerning which God is in doubt; but he is pleased thus to express himself after the manner of men, and to show that he ascertains the criminal's guilt before he passes sentence.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the men_ That is, two of them, who appear to have been created angels: _turned their faces from thence_ And went toward Sodom, which they entered in the evening; but the one called Jehovah throughout the chapter continued with Abraham, who _stood yet before the Lord_, evidently the same person... [ Continue Reading ]
_Abraham drew near_ This expression intimates a holy concern, and a holy confidence; he drew near with _an assurance of faith._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am but dust and ashes_ He speaks as one amazed at his own boldness, and the liberty God graciously allowed him, considering God's greatness, who is the _Lord_, and his own meanness, but _dust and ashes._ Whenever we draw near to God, it b... [ Continue Reading ]
_O let not the Lord be angry_ The importunity which believers use in their addresses to God is such, that if they were dealing with a man like themselves, they could not but fear that he would be _angry_ with them. But he with whom we have to do is _God and not man_, and he is pleased when he is _wr... [ Continue Reading ]
_Abraham returned to his place_ To wait what the event would be; and it proved that his prayer was heard; and yet Sodom was not spared, because there were not ten righteous persons in it.... [ Continue Reading ]