Genesis 18:2

And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

And he lift up {H5375} his eyes {H5869} and looked {H7200}, and, lo, three {H7969} men {H582} stood {H5324} by him: and when he saw {H7200} them, he ran {H7323} to meet {H7125} them from the tent {H168} door {H6607}, and bowed {H7812} himself toward the ground {H776},

He raised his eyes and looked, and there in front of him stood three men. On seeing them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, prostrated himself on the ground,

And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.

and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,

Commentary

Genesis 18:2 (KJV): And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw [them], he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,

Context

This verse describes a pivotal moment in the life of Abraham. It occurs shortly after God has reaffirmed His covenant and the promise of a son through Sarah in Genesis chapter 17. Abraham is dwelling by the oaks of Mamre and is sitting by his tent door during the heat of the day when these unexpected visitors appear.

Key Themes

  • Divine Appearance: The arrival of the three men, one of whom is later identified as the Lord, signifies a personal and direct visitation from God to Abraham.
  • Abraham's Hospitality: Abraham's immediate and energetic reaction—running to meet them and bowing—highlights his profound respect and eagerness to welcome strangers, a virtue highly prized in ancient cultures and throughout the Bible.
  • Readiness and Reverence: Abraham's actions demonstrate his humble readiness to serve and honor his guests, recognizing their potential significance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "lift up his eyes and looked" indicates that Abraham was attentive and observant. The action of "bowed himself toward the ground" translates the Hebrew word shachah (שָׁחָה), which means to bow down or prostrate oneself. This word is frequently used in the Old Testament to describe acts of deep respect, homage, or worship, suggesting Abraham immediately recognized the extraordinary status of his visitors.

Commentary and Application

Abraham's response in this verse is a powerful illustration of genuine hospitality. Despite his age and the hot conditions, he doesn't hesitate. Upon seeing the three men, he runs from his tent door to greet them and shows deep reverence by bowing. While he initially sees them as simply "three men," the subsequent narrative reveals that these visitors include the Lord Himself and two angels, who later proceed to Sodom (Genesis 19:1). Abraham's welcoming act towards strangers unexpectedly meant welcoming divine messengers. This incident is often cited alongside the reminder in Hebrews 13:2: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." Abraham's hospitality sets the stage for the significant conversation that follows, including the reaffirmation of the promise concerning Isaac's birth and the intercession for Sodom.

Reflection

Genesis 18:2 challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to open our homes and lives to others, especially those we don't know. Abraham's prompt, respectful, and generous welcome to unexpected visitors serves as an enduring example of how hospitality can be a pathway for divine interaction and blessing.

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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 13:2 (14 votes)

    Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

  • Genesis 18:22 (7 votes)

    And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

  • Genesis 19:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing [them] rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

  • Genesis 23:7 (5 votes)

    And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, [even] to the children of Heth.

  • Judges 13:3 (5 votes)

    And the angel of the LORD appeared unto the woman, and said unto her, Behold now, thou [art] barren, and bearest not: but thou shalt conceive, and bear a son.

  • Genesis 43:28 (4 votes)

    And they answered, Thy servant our father [is] in good health, he [is] yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeisance.

  • Genesis 18:16 (4 votes)

    ¶ And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.