Holly Bible - KJV with Concise Commentaries by Z Selam - HTML preview
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the stranger, and after a very low bow, turn and lead him to the tent, putting an arm round his waist, or tapping him on the shoulder as they go, to assure him of welcome.
3 and said, My Lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not
away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
The hospitalities offered are just of the kind that are necessary and most grateful, the refreshment of water, for feet exposed to dust and heat by the sandals, being still the first observed among the pastoral people of Hebron.
4 let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest
yourselves under the tree:
How Abraham entertained those strangers, and how kindly his entertainment was accepted. The Holy Ghost takes particular notice of the very free and affectionate welcome Abraham gave to the strangers.
1. He was very complaisant and respectful to them. Forgetting his age and gravity, he ran to meet them in the most obliging manner, and with all due courtesy bowed himself towards the ground, though as yet he knew nothing of them but that they appeared graceful respectable men. Note, Religion does not destroy, but improve, good manners, and teaches us to honour all men. Decent civility is a great ornament to piety.
2. He was very earnest and importunate for their stay, and took it as a great favour, Ge 18:3, 4. Note,
(1.) It becomes those whom God has blessed with plenty to be liberal and open-hearted in their entertainments, according to their ability, and (not in compliment, but cordially) to bid their friends welcome. We should take a pleasure in showing kindness to any; for both God and man love a cheerful giver. Who would eat the bread of him that has an evil eye? Pr 23:6, 7.
(2.) Those that would have communion with God must earnestly desire it and pray for it. God is a guest worth entertaining.