Genesis 18:3-5

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 18:1-8

The 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 fullness of time, the Son of God was to make to the world, when the Word would be flesh, and appear as one of us. Observe here, I. How Abraham expected strangers, and how richly his expectations were answered (Gen. 18:1): He sat in the tent-door, in the heat of the day; not so... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 18:3

And said, my Lord ,.... He addressed himself to one of them who appeared to him to be the greatest and most honourable, either by the appearance of his countenance, or by his dress, or by the situation in which he was between the other two, and by their carriage and behaviour to him: if now I have found favour in thy sight ; signifying he should esteem it an honour done him, that he and his companions would vouchsafe to stop and refresh themselves: pass not away, I pray thee, from thy... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 18:4

Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet ,.... Which was very refreshing to travellers in hot countries, who walked barefoot or in sandals; and this he proposes to be done by one of his servants, whose business it was, only desires they would give him leave to order it, 1 Samuel 25:41 ; and so it was usual in other countries, and in later times, for servants to fetch water to wash the hands and feet of guests F12 "----- dant manibus famuli lymphas." --Virgil.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 18:5

And I will fetch a morsel of bread ,.... A piece or a loaf of bread, as De Dieu shows the word signifies; bread being put for all the necessaries of life: and comfort ye your hearts ; eat to refresh your spirits and renew your strength, that ye may be able to pursue your journey: and after that ye shall pass on your way; I will retard you no longer: for therefore are ye come to your servant ; not that he thought they came this way on purpose to take some refreshment with him, but... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:3

And said, My Lord, etc. - The word is אדני Adonai , not יהוה Yehovah , for as yet Abraham did not know the quality of his guests. For an explanation of this word, See note on Genesis 15:8 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:4

Let a little water - be fetched, and wash your feet, etc. - In these verses we find a delightful picture of primitive hospitality. In those ancient times shoes such as ours were not in use; and the foot was protected only by sandals or soles, which fastened round the foot with straps. It was therefore a great refreshment in so hot a country to get the feet washed at the end of a day's journey; and this is the first thing that Abraham proposes. Rest yourselves under the tree - We have... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:5

I will fetch a morsel of bread - This was the third requisite, and is introduced in its proper order; as eating immediately after exertion or fatigue is very unwholesome. The strong action of the lungs and heart should have time to diminish before any food is received into the stomach, as otherwise concoction is prevented, and fever in a less or greater degree produced. For therefore are ye come - In those ancient days every traveler conceived he had a right to refreshment, when he... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:3

Verse 3 3.Pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant In asking thus meekly, and even suppliantly, there is no doubt that Abraham does it, moved by the reason which I have stated. For if he had slaughtered calves for all kinds of travelers, his house would soon have been emptied by his profuse expenditure. He, therefore, did honor to their virtue and their excellent endowments, lest he should pour contempt upon God. Thus, neither was he so liberal as to invite wanderers, or other men of all... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:5

Verse 5 5.For therefore are ye come to your servant He does not mean that they had come designedly, or for the express purpose of seeking to be entertained, as his guests; but he intimates that their coming had occurred opportunely, as if he would say, ‘You have not slipped into this place by chance; but have been led hither by the design and the direction of God.’ He, therefore, refers it to the providence of God, that they had come, so conveniently, to a place where they might refresh... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 18:1-15

Noontide at, Mamre, or angels' visits. I. THE ARRIVAL OF THE STRANGERS . 1. The appearance they presented. Seemingly three men, they were in reality three angels, or, more correctly, Jehovah accompanied by two celestial attend ants, who, at an unexpected moment, were making for Abraham's tent. So are the homes of saints ofttimes visited by angels unawares ( Hebrews 1:14 ), and, greater honor still, by him who claims the angels as his ministers ( Psalms 8:4 ; Isaiah 57:17... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 18:1-8

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 18:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 18:4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 18:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:3

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:5

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 18:1-15

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