_THE LORD APPEARS AGAIN TO ABRAHAM, AND RENEWS THE PROMISE OF A SON BY SARAH. THE DESTRUCTION OF SODOM IS REVEALED TO ABRAHAM: HE INTERCEDES FOR THAT CITY, WHICH GOD PROMISES TO SPARE, IF TEN RIGHTEOUS SHOULD BE FOUND IN IT._... [ Continue Reading ]
AND THE LORD APPEARED UNTO HIM, &C.— We have here an account of another appearance of the Lord _Jehovah_ to Abraham; who came attended, as it seems most probable, by two angels, and in a human form. That one of these three was the _Lord,_ there can be no doubt; as the sacred historian introduces the... [ Continue Reading ]
MY LORD, IF NOW, &C.— It follows from the manner of Abraham's address, that one of these three persons appeared the principal; though it is probable that, at first sight, he took them for mere men only. See Hebrews 13:2. The good patriarch's forwardness to perform the benevolent offices of hospitali... [ Continue Reading ]
WASH YOUR FEET— It was a custom to wash the feet of guests, deduced from the earliest times to the apostles' days; see ch. Genesis 19:2.Genesis 24:32.Judges 19:21. Hence St. Paul appoints widows to be chosen, 1 Timothy 5:10 _if they have lodged strangers, if they have washed the saints' feet._ See L... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]
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 ren... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]
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 Genesis 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.... [ Continue Reading ]
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 s... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]
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... [ Continue Reading ]
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.James 4:8.... [ Continue Reading ]
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. It is impossib... [ Continue Reading ]
_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 ashe... [ Continue Reading ]