18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three {a} men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,(a) That is, three angels in the shape of men. read more
A DIVINE VISITATION Though previous to this chapter we read twice of the Lord appearing to Abraham (ch.13:7; 17:1), we are not told in what way He appeared. Now, in chapter 18 we are faced with what is called a "theophany," for the Lord Himself appears in manhood form, and two angels accompany Him, also appearing as men. They are called angels in chapter 19:1. The occasion is not confirmed to leaving a message, but involves having a prolonged visit with Abraham. It is clear that the Lord... read more
LOT ’S AFTERMATH We have almost forgotten Lot, but he is not having a happy time in the land of his choice. The Sodomites have learned nothing by experience and are increasing in iniquity and ripening for judgment. The facts in chapter 18 introduce the story of the climax in their case. A SECOND THEOPHANY (Genesis 18:1-15 ) The word “ LORD ” in (Genesis 18:1 is in capitals, another manifestation of the second Person of the Godhead as in the case of “the Angel of the LORD ” in the last... read more
Abraham's Intercession for the Cities of the Plain Genesis 18:0 This chapter gives two views of life as unlike each other as possible. The one is a quiet domestic scene, and the other a scene of terrible judgment. In the heat of the day Abraham was sitting in his tent under the shade of the trees, when three travellers came unexpectedly upon him. The account reads very curiously; for in the first verse we are told that "the Lord appeared unto Abraham as he sat in the tent door in the heat of... read more
And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, That is a sweet precept of the Holy Ghost by the Apostle, and founded, no doubt, on this circumstance. Hebrews 13:2 . read more
Men in outward appearance, but angels indeed. (Hebrews xiii. 2; St. Augustine, City of God xvi. chap. 29.) Some have supposed, that one of them was the Son of God, whom Abraham adored, and who bears throughout the chief authority. Tres vidit et unum adoravit. He saw three and adored one, as we read in the Church office. In the former supposition, which is generally adopted, this adoration was only a civil ceremony, if Abraham considered them as mere men; or it might be mixed with a degree of... read more
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... read more
Abraham welcomes the Lord and the Angels v. 1. And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains, that is, the groves of terebinths, the oaks of Canaan, of Mamre, the Amorite, at Hebron. This was the sixth visit, or appearance, of the Lord to His servant. And he sat in the tent-door in the heat of the day, shortly before noon. v. 2. And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him. It was not a case of a slow approach, but of a sudden appearance. A moment before no one had been... read more
SEVENTH SECTIONAbraham in the Oak-Grove of Mamre, and the three Heavenly Men. Hospitality of Abraham. The definite announcement of the birth of a Son. Sarah’s Doubt. The announcement of the judgment upon Sodom connected with the Promise of the Heir of blessing. The Angel of the Lord, or the Friend of Abraham and the two angels of deliverance for Sodom. Abraham’s intercession for Sodom. The destruction of Sodom. Lot’s rescue. Lot and his Daughters. Moab and AmmonChs. 18 and 191And the Lord... read more
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Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Genesis 18:1-33
CHAPTER 18 The Sixth Communication and Jehovah Visits Abraham 1. The manifestation (Genesis 18:1-2 ) 2. Abraham’s welcome (Genesis 18:3-8 ) 3. The promise repeated (Genesis 18:9-10 ) 4. Sarah’s laughter (Genesis 18:11-15 ) 5. The departure towards Sodom (Genesis 18:16 ) 6. Abraham’s intercession (Genesis 18:17-33 ) This most remarkable visitation was the answer of Jehovah to Abraham’s obedience of faith. The one in the middle was none other than Jehovah in human form; the other two... read more