Genesis 18

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:5

Genesis 18:5. A morsel of bread— He promises little, and performs much; a true model of liberality. Under bread is comprehended here, as in many other places, food or eatables in general. For therefore are you come, i.e.. for the purpose of hospitable refreshment. See ch. Genesis 19:8. where the same phrase is used, and implies, "for the purpose of hospitable entertainment and security." read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:6

Genesis 18:6. And Abraham hastened, &c.— We cannot conceive a more beautiful picture of ancient and zealous hospitality, than these verses afford us. Surely those who are so forward to applaud the beauties of Heathen poets, cannot withhold their applause from so simple and fine a description as this! The word rendered measures, סאים saim, signifies the third part of an ephah, and, according to Cumberland's computation, is reckoned to weigh twelve or thirteen pounds; so that the quantity of... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:8

Genesis 18:8. He stood by them under the tree, &c.— A token of greater respect could not be given, than for the hospitable master thus to minister to his celestial guests. The text says, they did eat, which must either imply that there were all the external appearances of eating, or rather, we may believe, that they who had assumed a human form, imitated also human actions. Calmet is of opinion, that the great heathen writers, who were continually borrowing ideas from the Septuagint... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:10

Genesis 18:10. And he said, &c.— One only speaks, the superior person, when the Divine promise is renewed: and the authoritative manner in which he speaks, confirms our opinion on Gen 18:1 and ch. Genesis 16:7. I will certainly return to thee, according to the time of life, or at this time in the next year. Some of the ancient versions perfectly agree with this interpretation, which I believe to be the best: and Gen 16:14 seems to explain it in some measure. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:12

Genesis 18:12. Sarah laughed, &c.— It is universally agreed, that Sarah's was not a laugh of joy arising from the Divine promise, but a laughing springing from incredulity, as we think it appears that Abraham's was also. See note on ch. Genesis 17:17. She, however, supposing herself concealed from her guests, as she stood in the tent-door, to which the backs of her guests were turned, was greatly terrified at finding her incredulity detected; and therefore denied it: but the Divine Visitant... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:16

Genesis 18:16. Rose up, and looked toward Sodom— i.e.. shewed their intention of directing their course that way: though some conceive, that it implies their intention of setting their faces against or of destroying Sodom. Abraham, however, continuing his hospitable kindness, attended them on their way: when the Lord (He who had given the promise, Genesis 18:10, &c.) thought fit to reveal unto Abraham his designs concerning Sodom, in order, no doubt, to give the good man an opportunity to... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:20

Genesis 18:20. The cry of Sodom, &c.— The sin of cities is thus figuratively represented, calling aloud as it were to heaven for vengeance. See Isaiah 5:7. And for the phrase, I will go down and see, &c. see notes on ch. Genesis 11:4; Genesis 11:7. God is a just Judge, and will not punish without the strictest examination. Two of these three persons are deputed (Gen 11:22 compared with ch. Genesis 19:1.) to go to Sodom, while the third, the superior Person, the Jehovah, continues with... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:23

Genesis 18:23. And Abraham drew near, &c.— As well by the external reverence of his body as the internal reverence of his mind: to draw near to God is often used for the internal application of the soul to him. Jeremiah 30:21.Hebrews 10:22; Hebrews 10:22.James 4:8; James 4:8. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:25

Genesis 18:25. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right— Always act consistently with the clemency as well as the justice, which may reasonably be expected from so great and good a Being. Calling this Lord, Judge of all the earth, proves him to have been more than an angel. See Job 34:10-12. It is impossible to read this fine intercession of the patriarch, without the highest estimation for his love, his philanthropy, and humility, see Job 34:27. Sodom, in this passage, seems to be spoken... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:27

Genesis 18:27, &c. Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak, &c.— While other givers expect we should be satisfied, God, when he gives, expects and is pleased that we ask for more. Behold, 1. Abraham's renewal of his requests. (1.) His preface: deeply humbled, he confesses himself dust and ashes, unworthy to speak before God. Let us ever remember this, when we appear before God. (2.) His prayers and answers. He fain would succeed, and therefore lessens the number. God grants his... read more

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:5

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:6

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:8

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:10

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:12

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:16

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:20

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:23

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:25

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 18:27

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