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The LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day.
Verse 1. Sitting, and so forth that he might lose no opportunity of exercising hospitality.
He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood near him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth,
Verse 2. Men in outward appearance, but angels indeed. Hebrews 13:2. Saint Augustine de Calmet. D. xvi. chapter 29. Some have supposed, that one of them was the Son of God, whom Abraham adored, and who bears throughout the chief authority. Tres vidit et unum adoravit. He saw three and adored one, as we read in the Church office. In the former supposition, which is generally adopted, this adoration was only a civil ceremony, if Abraham considered them as mere men; or it might be mixed with a degree of religious, though inferior veneration, if he imagined they were angels; or in fine, he adored God in his representatives. Bible.
and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant.
Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.
Verse 4. Wash ye, or let your feet be washed by me, or by my servants, laventur. Menochius.
I will get a piece of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.” They said, “Very well, do as you have said.”
Verse 5. Therefore, Providence has directed you hither. Abraham promises but little, and gives much, in the true spirit of generous hospitality. Calmet.
Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly prepare three seahs of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.”
Verse 6. Measures, or one epha; that is, three pecks and three pints, English corn measure.—Flour, of the finest quality, similæ.—Hearth, as being soonest ready.
1 seah is about 7 liters or 1.9 gallons or 0.8 pecks
Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it.
Verse 7. Himself. These rich and truly noble people, do not esteem it beneath themto wait on strangers. They provide abundance, but no dainties. Bible.
He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate.