Genesis 18 Commentary
The identity of the three visitors is interesting.
Verse 1. The LORD appears. The view of the author.
Verse 2. The men appear. The view of Abraham.
Verse 3. Abraham addresses one of them as his lord. Note the difference. It’s lord and Lord or LORD. And it’s singular, lord and not lords.
Verse 5 and 9. They respond as a team.
Verse 22. Abraham’s lord becomes his Lord.
Of course, the narration is consistent; they are collectively called the LORD (ADONAI). Abraham appears to direct his conversation to one of them. It would be reasonable to assume that it’s actually this one who remains as the two men take off to Lot’s Sodom. Initially, it’s a team of three.
The general observation is that angels never receive worship. They refuse to be worshiped. The fact that the three of them collectively receive worship from Abraham means we have a completely different arrangement.
The LORD God enjoyed a meal of a choice calf from Abraham. The LORD Jesus Christ would enjoy meals with His disciples. No wonder humanity continued to offer meals in form of burned offerings! Partly. Bread from the “finest flour” would be a constant feature in the Sanctuary and later in the Temple of the LORD. Instinctively or otherwise tradition, Abraham used the finest flour for the LORD God.
Abraham hurries to his wife. “Quick”, he orders. Then he runs to the herd. The servant hurriedly prepares the specially selected calf. You don’t want to keep the LORD waiting! Whatever we have learnt from father Abraham!
Like Abraham, Sarah laughs at the idea of her conceiving. Doubt is quickly followed by a lie. How humans multiply sins! Yes, even before the LORD!
Verse 19 highlights the role of a father in the family – to direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD. “So help me, LORD”.
Then Abraham stands in half of Lot. His role as an intercessor is clear. This is the second time Abraham has saved Lot in a big way. He saved him from slavery at the hands of human authorities. Now he must save him from the hand of the LORD.
“…is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Romans 8v34. Then we know the role Abraham has played in this chapter – a precursor of the Son’s role!
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