Genesis 18:7

_AND ABRAHAM RAN UNTO THE HERD, AND FETCHT A CALF TENDER AND GOOD, AND GAVE IT UNTO A YOUNG MAN; AND HE HASTED TO DRESS IT._ Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf. Animal food is seldom indulged in by the wealthiest pastoral chiefs, and is never provided except for visitors of a superior rank, when a kid or lamb is killed. A calf is a still higher stretch of hospitality (1 Samuel 28:24; Luke 15:23), and it would probably be cooked, as is usually done when haste is required, either by roasting it whole, or by cutting it up into small pieces and broiling these on skewers over the fire. The heat of the climate rendering it impossible to preserve meat for any length of time, it is eaten as soon as cooked; and habit has adapted the oriental taste to prefer it when recently killed. It is

1-8 Abraham was waiting to entertain any weary traveller, for inns were not to be met with as among us. While Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming. These were three heavenly beings in human bodies. Some think they were all created angels; others, that one of them was the Son of God, the Angel of the covenant. Washing the feet is customary in those hot climates, where only sandals are worn. We should not be forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares, Hebrews 13:2; nay, the Lord of angels himself; as we always do, when for his sake we entertain the least of his brethren. Cheerful and obliging manners in showing kindness, are great ornaments to piety. Though our condescending Lord vouchsafes not personal visits to us, yet still by his Spirit he stands at the door and knocks; when we are inclined to open, he deigns to enter; and by his g...

- The Visit of the Lord to Abraham 2. השׂתחיה _vayı̂śtachû_ “bow,” or bend the body in token of respect to God or man. The attitude varies from a slight inclination of the body to entire prostration with the forehead touching the ground. 6. סאה _s__e__'ah_ a “seah,” about an English peck, the third part of an ephah. The ephah contained ten omers. The omer held about five pints. This chapter describes Abraham’s fellowship with God. On the gracious assurance of the Redeemer and Vindicator, “Fear not, I am thy shield and thy exceeding great reward,” he ceased to fear, and believed. On the solemn announcement of the Conqueror of evil and the Quickener of the dead, “I am God Almighty; walk before me and be perfect,” he began anew to walk with God in holiness and truth. The

EXPOSITION GENESIS 18:1 AND THE LORD—_Jehovah_, the Divine name employed throughout the present and succeeding chapters, which are accordingly assigned to the Jehovist (Tuch, Bleek, Davidson, Colenso), with the exception of Genesis 19:29, which is commonly regarded as a fragment of the original Elohist's narration (vide _infra_)_—_APPEARED UNTO HIM. The absence of Abraham's name has been thought to favor the idea that the present chapter should have begun at Genesis 17:23 (Quarry). That the time of this renewed Divine manifestation was shortly after the incidents recorded in the preceding chapter is apparent, as also that its obje

AND ABRAHAM RAN UNTO THE HERD,.... While Sarah and her maids were kneading the dough and making the cakes: AND FETCHED A CALF TENDER AND GOOD; a fine fat calf, which was reckoned very delicious food, and much in use with the ancients q and generally made a part in any grand entertainment, and was accounted fit for a king, see 1 Samuel 28:24: AND GAVE [IT] UNTO A YOUNG MAN: one of his servants, to kill and dress as soon as possible; Jarchi says this was Ishmael, whom he trained up to such service: AND HE HASTED TO DRESS IT; the young man made all the haste he could to get it ready, according to the orders of Abraham. q αυταρ εγων αγεληθεν ελασσας πιονα μοσχον --Orpheus de lapidibus, ver. 63....

CHAPTER 18 THE SIXTH COMMUNICATION AND JEHOVAH VISITS ABRAHAM _ 1. The manifestation (Genesis 18:1)_ 2. Abraham's welcome (Genesis 18:3) 3. The promise repeated (Genesis 18:9) 4. Sarah's laughter (Genesis 18:11) 5. The departure towards Sodom (Genesis 18:16) 6. Abraham's intercession (Genesis 18:17) This most remarkable visitation was the answer of Jehovah to Abraham's obedience of faith. The one in the middl

At the midday siesta Abraham suddenly becomes aware that three men are standing near his tent. That they appear with such mysterious suddenness does not, however, suggest their true character to him. He sees in them wayfarers, and treats them with prompt and generous hospitality. Addressing the leader, he proffers an invitation to rest and modest refreshment. He bids Sarah prepare cakes, kills a calf, procures soured milk and new milk, and sets this improvised meal, such as a Bedouin chief would offer to-day, before his guests, and while they eat stands in attendance. They ask after Sarah, and learn that she is in the tent. Yahweh promises that He will return and Sarah shall have a son. She is listening and laughs inwardly in incredulity. The visitors, who had shown themselves familiar with her name and childlessness, and who have promised a child, give a further proof of their mysteriou...

RAN. Such speedy hospitality common in the East....

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (J) Genesis 18:1. Visit of three Angels to Abraham, and the promise of a son to Sarah. 16 33. Colloquy of Jehovah with Abraham; Jehovah's purpose to overthrow Sodom and Gomorrah and the intercession of Abraham. Genesis 19:1. Visit of two Angels to Lot in Sodom, and the escape of Lot to Zoar. 24 28. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities of the Plain. 30 38. The origin of the Moabites and Ammonites. With the exception of Genesis 19:29, which is from P, the whole of this remarkable section is from J. Few passages in the O.T. narrative can rival it in simplicity, vividness, and grace of style. The interposition of t

PART THIRTY-ONE THE STORY OF ABRAHAM: THE PATRIARCH AS INTERCESSOR Genesis 18:1-33 1. _Abraham as the Gracious Host_ (Genesis 18:1-8) 1 And Jehovah appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; 2 and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth, 3 and said, My lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: 4 let now a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: 5 and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart; after that ye shall pass on: -forasmuch as ye are come to your servant. And they said, So do,