Genesis 18

1 in the plains. Rather, “by the oaks,” or “terebinths” (R.V.).

2 three men. Two of whom were angels in human form, and the third Jehovah. See note on xvi. 7. The patriarch, however, was not at first aware of their celestial nature (Heb. xiii. 2): so that he was performing only an ordinary act of hospitality, such as the Arabs still practise.

3. My Lord. Abraham addressed one of the three, distinguished from the other two by some mark of superiority.

4 wash your feet. This is the first attention required where people travel barefooted, or with open sandals.

6 butter. Curdled milk.

10 according to the time of life. Rather, “when the season cometh round” (R.V.); “this time next year."—in. Rather, “within the tent door.”

12 laughed. See on xvii. 17. Sarah forgot or disbelieved the promise and the covenant, of which she must have heard.

17. I do. This narrative illustrates the high privilege of the believer in his relation to God (Amos iii. 7). We see, on the one hand, God’s testimony to Abraham’s piety (ver. 19); the gracious revelation of His purposes (vers. 17, 18); and His readiness to answer His servant’s prayers

(ver. 26, etc.): on the other, Abraham’s humble boldness (ver. 23, etc.) and perseverance in pleading not only for the righteous, but even for the reprobates in Sodom.

19 know him. Literally, “I have known him” (i.e., “have chosen him”), “in order that he may command,” etc. Abraham was admitted to this intimate communion with God partly that through him his children might be taught to obey God.

32 ten’s sake. Abraham’s plea rests on the principle that many sinners should escape rather than that a few righteous should be involved in their doom. And this principle God, as “the Judge of all the earth,” sanctions and acts upon. So it is still, the ungodly world is spared and blessed for the elect’s sake. Cp. Jer. v. 1.