Genesis 18:8

And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set [it] before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

And he took {H3947} butter {H2529}, and milk {H2461}, and the calf {H1121}{H1241} which he had dressed {H6213}, and set {H5414} it before them {H6440}; and he stood {H5975} by them under the tree {H6086}, and they did eat {H398}.

Then he took curds, milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it all before the men; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.

Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate.

And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 18:8 is part of a profound narrative where the Lord, accompanied by two angels, appears to Abraham near the terebinth trees of Mamre. This verse specifically describes Abraham's diligent and generous act of serving a meal to his divine and angelic guests. The preceding verses detail Abraham's immediate and earnest invitation for the strangers to rest and refresh themselves (Genesis 18:3-5), followed by Sarah's involvement in preparing bread and a young calf. This lavish meal sets the stage for the pivotal conversation where the Lord reiterates the promise of a son to Abraham and Sarah, despite their old age, immediately after they finish eating (Genesis 18:10).

Key Themes

  • Extraordinary Hospitality: Abraham exemplifies remarkable hospitality, a virtue highly esteemed in ancient Near Eastern culture. He doesn't merely offer a modest meal but a lavish spread of butter, milk, and a choice calf, personally overseeing its preparation and serving. This generosity underscores his reverence for his guests, whom he instinctively treats with the highest honor.
  • Divine Manifestation and Communion: The fact that the Lord Himself partakes in this meal is significant. It illustrates God's willingness to condescend and engage with humanity in a tangible, personal way. This divine visitation is not merely an apparition but an intimate communion, emphasizing God's personal relationship with His chosen servant, Abraham.
  • Humility and Service: Abraham's posture of "he stood by them under the tree" while they ate highlights his humility and dedication to service. He acts as a humble host, ensuring his guests are comfortable and well-attended, a stark contrast to his own elevated status as a wealthy patriarch. This attitude of service precedes the reception of a great promise.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "butter" (חֶמְאָה, chem’ah) can also refer to curds or cream, a rich dairy product. The "calf which he had dressed" (בֶּן־בָּקָר רַךְ וָטוֹב, ben-baqar rakh v'tov) literally means "a tender and good calf," indicating a prime selection for a special occasion. The phrase "he stood by them" (וְהוּא עֹמֵד עֲלֵיהֶם, v'hu omed aleihem) emphasizes Abraham's active role as a server, not merely a provider, showing deep respect for his guests.

Practical Application

Genesis 18:8 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It challenges us to practice hospitality with generosity and a servant's heart, remembering that we might be entertaining more than just ordinary individuals. It reminds us that our service, even in seemingly mundane acts like preparing a meal, can be an act of worship and an opportunity for divine encounter. Furthermore, it beautifully illustrates God's desire for personal relationship and communion with His people, inviting us to seek His presence and engage with Him intimately in our daily lives.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 19:3 (4 votes)

    And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

  • Judges 5:25 (2 votes)

    He asked water, [and] she gave [him] milk; she brought forth butter in a lordly dish.

  • John 12:2 (2 votes)

    There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.

  • Luke 12:37 (2 votes)

    Blessed [are] those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.

  • Revelation 3:20 (2 votes)

    Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

  • Nehemiah 12:44 (2 votes)

    ¶ And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.

  • Judges 13:15 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Manoah said unto the angel of the LORD, I pray thee, let us detain thee, until we shall have made ready a kid for thee.