Gen 18:1-3 | KingComments | STEP | In James 2 Abraham is called “a friend of God” ( ). Another two times it is written of him he is a friend of God ( ; ). A friend is someone to whom you entrust secrets and considerations that you do not disclose to everyone ( ). In this chapter the LORD informs Abraham of His purposes concerning him ( ) and concerning the world ( ). The place where Abraham is when the LORD appears to him is “by the oaks of Mamre” while he sits “at the tent door”. The word for ‘oak’ is derived from a word that means ‘strong’ or ‘hard’. The oak is known for its long life and also for the shade it provides against the heat of the sun. “Mamre” means ‘fatness’ or ‘vitality’. Abraham resides in a place that speaks of life force to which a long life is attached. His place at the tent door makes him notice immediately that he gets visitors. He has control over what is coming his way and can see whether he should be hospitable or consider the visit dangerous and not receive it. This place at the tent door indicates the place that each father has to take in his family. Every father is responsible for what he does and does not allow to enter into his house. The hottest part of the day is the moment when people prefer to hide as far as possible, but Abraham is at his post. The LORD appears to Abraham, together with two angels. Abraham knows the LORD and therefore recognizes Him. Instead of being scared, he runs to receive Him hospitably. He desires that the LORD refreshes Himself, of which the washing of the feet speaks, and offers Him a meal, which expresses fellowship and rest. He acknowledges and appreciates the enormous privilege of this visit. We see how Abraham reacts to this visit from heaven with confidential freedom and at the same time with great reverence. He bows down to the ground and asks the LORD – Abraham speaks only to Him – not to pass him by (cf. ). He takes before Him the place of a servant. The LORD and the angels accept the invitation. This is how the Lord Jesus would like to be invited to every family. Only those who live like Abraham in separation from the world and obedience to God’s Word will enjoy this privilege ( ). Besides being an example of intimate fellowship with God, Abraham is also an example of hospitality. We, too, are called to be hospitable and that without complaining ( ; ; ).

‏ Genesis 18:1-3

Introduction

In James 2 Abraham is called “a friend of God” (Jam 2:23). Another two times it is written of him he is a friend of God (2Chr 20:7; Isa 41:8). A friend is someone to whom you entrust secrets and considerations that you do not disclose to everyone (Jn 15:15). In this chapter the LORD informs Abraham of His purposes concerning him (Gen 18:9-15) and concerning the world (Gen 18:20-21).

The LORD Appears to Abraham

The place where Abraham is when the LORD appears to him is “by the oaks of Mamre” while he sits “at the tent door”. The word for ‘oak’ is derived from a word that means ‘strong’ or ‘hard’. The oak is known for its long life and also for the shade it provides against the heat of the sun. “Mamre” means ‘fatness’ or ‘vitality’. Abraham resides in a place that speaks of life force to which a long life is attached.

His place at the tent door makes him notice immediately that he gets visitors. He has control over what is coming his way and can see whether he should be hospitable or consider the visit dangerous and not receive it. This place at the tent door indicates the place that each father has to take in his family. Every father is responsible for what he does and does not allow to enter into his house. The hottest part of the day is the moment when people prefer to hide as far as possible, but Abraham is at his post.

The LORD appears to Abraham, together with two angels. Abraham knows the LORD and therefore recognizes Him. Instead of being scared, he runs to receive Him hospitably. He desires that the LORD refreshes Himself, of which the washing of the feet speaks, and offers Him a meal, which expresses fellowship and rest. He acknowledges and appreciates the enormous privilege of this visit.

We see how Abraham reacts to this visit from heaven with confidential freedom and at the same time with great reverence. He bows down to the ground and asks the LORD – Abraham speaks only to Him – not to pass him by (cf. Lk 24:28-29). He takes before Him the place of a servant. The LORD and the angels accept the invitation.

This is how the Lord Jesus would like to be invited to every family. Only those who live like Abraham in separation from the world and obedience to God’s Word will enjoy this privilege (Jn 14:23).

Besides being an example of intimate fellowship with God, Abraham is also an example of hospitality. We, too, are called to be hospitable and that without complaining (1Pet 4:9; Rom 12:13; Heb 13:2).