Overview: (NET) The reader knows this is a theophany [appearance of the LORD]. The three visitors are probably the LORD [18:13] and two angels (see Gen 19:1). It is not certain how soon Abraham recognized the true identity of the visitors. His actions suggest he suspected this was something out of the ordinary, though it is possible that his lavish treatment of the visitors was done quite unwittingly. Bowing down to the ground would be reserved for obeisance of kings or worship of the LORD. Whether he was aware of it or not, Abraham’s action was most appropriate.
Repeated phrases:
(1) Abraham did his best to host the 3 men for a fest.
"ran from the entrance of the tent to meet them" v.2, "bowed low on the ground" v.2, "do not pass by and leave your servant" v.3, "hurried into the tent" v.6, "Quick!" v.6, " 3 measures of fine flour" v.6, "chose a fine, tender calf' v.7, "they ate while he was standing..." v.8
Three measures (Heb “three seahs”) was equivalent to about twenty quarts (twenty-two liters) of flour, which would make a lot of bread. The animal prepared for the meal was far more than the three visitors needed. This was a banquet for royalty. Either it had been a lonely time for Abraham and the presence of visitors made him very happy, or he sensed this was a momentous visit.
(2) Sarah were old and impossible to have a child
18:11 Abraham and Sarah were old and advancing in years; Sarah had long since passed menopause.)
v.12 So Sarah laughed to herself, thinking, “After I am worn out will I have pleasure, especially when my husband is old too?”
"when I am old" v.13
Humanly speaking, it was impossible for Sarah to have a child.
v.14 Is anything impossible for the LORD? I will return to you when the season comes round again and Sarah will have a son.”
(NET) The point of these narratives is that the creation of Abraham’s offspring, which eventually became Israel, is no less a miraculous work of creation than the creation of the world itself.
Reflection: From the creation and recreation (Noah's descendants) we did not see any hope of mankind. We are sinful and waiting for any judgment. Now, God gave us hope in Abraham and his descendant. From the NT, we know now that was because Jesus Christ would be born from the descendant of Abraham. From Christ indeed we have the hope of reconciliation with God. Thank God for not giving up on us and gave us Jesus Christ.
Structure of v.1-19
v.1-15 Abraham encountered 3 men who were on their way to somewhere v.5. Abraham did his best to host the 3 men with a meal. Then God confirmed to Abraham and Sarah that next year they would have a son.
v.16-19 The LORD did not want to hide from Abraham that He was about to check on the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah because Abraham would be the chosen one.
The relationship between the 2 passages is linked by the "friendship" between Abraham and the LORD.
v.17 “Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?
However, it is more than a "friendship" because in v.18-19,
v.18a After all, Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation...
v.19 I have chosen him so that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just. Then the LORD will give to Abraham what he promised him.”
Abraham would have descendants that demonstrate to the world the way of the LORD by doing what is right and just.
Reflection: Abraham had a special relationship with the LORD. The LORD did not just gave Abraham a promise and then left his life. He came back to visit Abraham and made sure they both convinced about that. He treated Abraham like a friend and did not want to hide from him what He was about to do. God wanted to do that because Abraham would known Him better this way and demonstrate the right way to live.
Do we have a on going relationship with the LORD? Or do you grow your relationship with your LORD better than last year? Are you more convinced with the truth each day? Do you learn from the Bible and know how to demonstrate the right way to live?
Audrey
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