_A.M. 2107. B.C. 1897._
We have an account in this chapter of another interview between God
and Abraham, probably within a few days after the former, as the
reward of his cheerful obedience to the law of circumcision. Here is,
( 1,) _ The visit which God made him, Genesis 18:1._
(2,) _ The matters... [ Continue Reading ]
This 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 fulness of time the Son of God was to make to the
world. _He sat in the tent-d... [ Continue Reading ]
_And lo, three men_ These _three men_ were three spiritual, heavenly
beings, now assuming human shapes, that they might be visible to
Abraham, and conversable with him. Some think they were all three
created angels; others, which is more probable, that one of them was
the Son of God. _He bowed himse... [ Continue Reading ]
_And he said, My Lord_ He addressed himself to one of the three, who
seemed to have the pre-eminence, probably because of some peculiar
majesty which appeared in his countenance, or the respect which the
other two paid him. _Let a little water be fetched_ As in those hot
climates people went bare-fo... [ Continue Reading ]
_Abraham ran to the herd_ In the several particulars here mentioned,
we have a lively picture of the hospitality, simplicity, benevolence,
and liberality of these ancient patriarchs. How different was their
manner of life from the refinement and modish formality of the higher
classes in modern times... [ Continue Reading ]
_Where is Sarah thy wife?_ By naming her, they gave intimation to
Abraham, that though they seemed strangers, yet they well knew him and
his family: by inquiring after her, they showed a kind concern for the
family of one whom they found respectful to them. And by speaking of
her, she overhearing it... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will certainly return unto thee, and visit thee according to the
time of life_ That is, nine months hence, and, in fulfilment of my
promise, _Sarah shall have a son._ God will return to those that bid
him welcome.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Sarah laughed within herself_ It was not a laughter of faith, like
Abraham's, (Genesis 17:17,) but a laughter of doubting and distrust.
The great objection which Sarah could not get over was her age. _I am
waxed old_ And past child-bearing in a course of nature, especially
having been hitherto barr... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 18:13 ; GENESIS 18:15. _ And the Lord_ (Hebrews, _Jehovah_)
_said, Wherefore did Sarah laugh?_ By showing that he knew what Sarah
did secretly, in another apartment of the tent, he manifested that he
could accomplish his word, however contrary to the ordinary course of
nature.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do_ Thus doth God in his
counsels express himself after the manner of men, with deliberation.
“The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him.” Those that by
faith live a life of communion with God, cannot but know more of his
mind than other people.... [ Continue Reading ]
_I know Abraham that he will command his children, and his household
after him_ This is a bright part of Abraham's character. He not only
_prayed_ with his family, but he _taught_ them, as a man of knowledge;
nay, he _commanded_ them, as a man in authority, and was prophet and
king, as well as pries... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will go down now and see_ Not as if there were any thing concerning
which God is in doubt; but he is pleased thus to express himself after
the manner of men, and to show that he ascertains the criminal's guilt
before he passes sentence.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the men_ That is, two of them, who appear to have been created
angels: _turned their faces from thence_ And went toward Sodom, which
they entered in the evening; but the one called Jehovah throughout the
chapter continued with Abraham, who _stood yet before the Lord_,
evidently the same person... [ Continue Reading ]
_Abraham drew near_ This expression intimates a holy concern, and a
holy confidence; he drew near with _an assurance of faith._... [ Continue Reading ]
_Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am but
dust and ashes_ He speaks as one amazed at his own boldness, and the
liberty God graciously allowed him, considering God's greatness, who
is the _Lord_, and his own meanness, but _dust and ashes._ Whenever we
draw near to God, it b... [ Continue Reading ]
_O let not the Lord be angry_ The importunity which believers use in
their addresses to God is such, that if they were dealing with a man
like themselves, they could not but fear that he would be _angry_ with
them. But he with whom we have to do is _God and not man_, and he is
pleased when he is _wr... [ Continue Reading ]
_Abraham returned to his place_ To wait what the event would be; and
it proved that his prayer was heard; and yet Sodom was not spared,
because there were not ten righteous persons in it.... [ Continue Reading ]