Genesis 18:6

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead [it], and make cakes upon the hearth.

And Abraham {H85} hastened {H4116} into the tent {H168} unto Sarah {H8283}, and said {H559}, Make ready quickly {H4116} three {H7969} measures {H5429} of fine {H5560} meal {H7058}, knead {H3888} it, and make {H6213} cakes {H5692} upon the hearth {H6213}.

Avraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, "Quickly, three measures of the best flour! Knead it and make cakes."

So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.”

And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.

Commentary

Genesis 18:6 offers a vivid glimpse into Abraham's remarkable hospitality and the customs of the ancient Near East. This verse details Abraham's urgent instruction to his wife, Sarah, to prepare a meal for their unexpected guests, whom Abraham quickly recognized as highly significant, perhaps even divine.

Context

This verse is part of a pivotal narrative in Genesis chapter 18, where the Lord appears to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre with two angels. Abraham, sitting at his tent door in the heat of the day, spots three men approaching. His immediate reaction is one of profound respect and eager welcome. Before even knowing their identity, he runs to meet them, bows down, and humbly insists they rest and receive refreshment. Verse 6 describes the beginning of his lavish preparation, demonstrating his personal involvement and the urgency he felt in serving these special visitors.

Key Themes

  • Urgent and Lavish Hospitality: Abraham's command to "hasten" and Sarah's task to prepare "three measures of fine meal" underscore a commitment to immediate and abundant provision for guests. This quantity was far more than needed for three men, indicating Abraham's generous and welcoming spirit.
  • Active Service: Abraham doesn't merely offer; he actively directs and participates in the preparations, showcasing a hands-on approach to serving others. His actions embody the biblical principle of "given to hospitality" (Romans 12:13).
  • Partnership in Service: Abraham's instruction to Sarah highlights their unified effort in welcoming guests into their home, demonstrating a collaborative spirit in their domestic life and acts of service.
  • Reverence for Guests: Abraham's eagerness and the quality of the meal suggest a deep reverence for his visitors, perhaps an intuitive sense that he was entertaining angels unawares, as later reflected in Hebrews 13:2.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "hastened" (מַהֵר - maher) conveys a strong sense of urgency, eagerness, and quick action. It emphasizes Abraham's immediate and enthusiastic response to his guests. The phrase "three measures of fine meal" (שְׁלֹשׁ סְאִים סֹלֶת - shelosh se'im solet) is particularly significant. A seah was an ancient unit of dry measure, roughly equivalent to 2.5 gallons or about 7.3 liters. Therefore, "three measures" would be approximately 7.5 gallons or over 20 liters of flour, enough to bake a substantial amount of bread for a large gathering, far exceeding the needs of just three individuals. The term "fine meal" (solet) refers to the highest quality flour, typically used for offerings or reserved for honored guests, further illustrating the extraordinary nature of Abraham's hospitality.

Practical Application

Abraham's actions in Genesis 18:6 continue to inspire believers today, offering timeless lessons on hospitality and service:

  • Eagerness in Serving: We are called to respond with enthusiasm and promptness when opportunities arise to serve others, reflecting a heart willing to give generously.
  • Lavish Generosity: The example encourages us to provide not just adequately, but abundantly, using our best resources to bless others, mirroring God's own boundless generosity towards us (2 Corinthians 9:7).
  • Welcoming the Stranger: This narrative reminds us of the biblical imperative to welcome those we do not know, as we may be ministering to Christ himself through them (Matthew 25:35).
  • Shared Service: The collaboration between Abraham and Sarah highlights the beauty of working together with family or community in acts of service, fostering unity and mutual support.

This verse underscores that true faith often manifests through practical acts of love and selfless service, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's loving character.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 13:33 (3 votes)

    Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.

  • Isaiah 32:8 (2 votes)

    But the liberal deviseth liberal things; and by liberal things shall he stand.

  • Luke 10:38 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

  • Luke 10:40 (2 votes)

    But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

  • Hebrews 13:2 (2 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 4:9 (2 votes)

    Use hospitality one to another without grudging.

  • Galatians 5:13 (2 votes)

    ¶ For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only [use] not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.