Genesis 18 records one of the most mysterious and intriguing events in the Bible – three men visiting Abraham and Sarah. This story raises many questions – who were these three men? Why did they visit? What is the significance of this event? By analyzing the biblical text carefully, we can uncover some answers.
The Three Men Appear to Abraham
Genesis 18 opens with Abraham sitting at the entrance of his tent near the great trees of Mamre. It was the hottest part of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby (Genesis 18:1-2). Realizing these men needed hospitality, Abraham rushed from his tent to greet them. He bowed low to the ground and urged them to stop awhile to rest, eat, and refresh themselves (Genesis 18:3-5).
The three men accepted Abraham’s gracious invitation. Abraham hurried into the tent and instructed Sarah to bake some bread. He ran to select a choice, tender calf for a servant to prepare. Abraham set curds, milk and the prepared calf before the three visitors. He stood by them under a tree as they ate (Genesis 18:6-8).
The Three Men Promise a Son
After the meal, the three men asked about Sarah. “Where is your wife Sarah?” they inquired (Genesis 18:9). Abraham explained she was in the tent. Then one of the visitors proclaimed, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son.” (Genesis 18:10). Sarah was listening from the tent and laughed silently to herself about this promise. After all, she was already advanced in age.
Then the visitor who had announced the promise of a son said, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son” (Genesis 18:13-14). Frightened, Sarah denied laughing. But the visitor affirmed, “Yes, you did laugh” (Genesis 18:15).
This conversation confirms that at least one of the three visitors had supernatural knowledge. He knew Sarah’s thoughts and words, even though she was concealed inside the tent. He also had power over life and reproduction, promising a miraculous child for elderly Sarah. This divine being clearly was more than a mere mortal man.
Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
Next, the three visitors got up to depart and looked out toward Sodom. One figure (the Lord) said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?” (Genesis 18:16-17). What followed was a remarkable conversation where Abraham plead for mercy for the wicked city of Sodom.
Abraham drew near the Lord and spoke reverently, asking if He would really destroy the righteous with wicked. What if there were 50 righteous people in Sodom? Would the Lord still sweep it away rather than spare the city? The Lord agreed that for 50 righteous people He would not destroy it (Genesis 18:22-26).
Emboldened, Abraham continued to advocate for mercy, asking if the Lord would spare Sodom for 45 righteous. Then 40? 30? 20? Finally, Abraham asked if the Lord would spare Sodom for just 10 righteous. Each time, the Lord agreed not to destroy the city for the sake of the righteous remnant. But sadly, not even 10 righteous people lived in the depraved city except Lot and his family.
Significance of the Three Visitors
Looking closely at this intriguing story, Abraham’s three visitors seem to be divine beings on an important mission. Bible scholars offer several insights about their identities and purposes:
- One was the Lord Himself, indicated by Genesis 18:1, 13, 17, 20, and 33 using God’s name Yahweh.
- Another was likely the preincarnate Christ, since John 1:18 notes, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son has made him known.” He brings the message about Isaac’s birth.
- Some propose the third person was an angelic companion, evidenced by Genesis 19:1 referring to two angels arriving in Sodom.
Together, this important visit accomplished several purposes:
- To reaffirm God’s covenant promises, including the miraculous birth of Isaac.
- To reveal God’s judgment against sin but also His mercy.
- To display Abraham’s hospitality and righteous character.
- To picture Christ interceding between God and mankind.
This intriguing event provides a powerful glimpse into God’s divine nature, foretelling Jesus Christ while highlighting Abraham’s exemplary faith.
Abraham’s Godly Character
This account provides vivid demonstrations of Abraham’s outstanding faith and growth in godliness. Consider how Abraham models commendable virtues:
- Hospitality – Abraham warmly and generously welcomed these strangers. Hosting guests was a sacred duty in nomadic cultures. His attentive service showed compassion.
- Humility – Instead of demanding service, Abraham personally served his visitors, offering generous food and standing by ready to attend to any needs.
- Intercession – Abraham boldly but humbly appealed to the Lord for mercy on behalf of Sodom. His persistent requests demonstrated concern for justice and the righteous.
- Trust – Despite Sarah’s aged barrenness, Abraham trusted God could work a miracle and provide the promised heir. He clung to hope.
As Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, some have entertained angels unaware. Abraham’s selfless hospitality and virtuous character shine through this account. His example calls us to follow his pattern of faith.
Sarah’s Vacillating Faith
Sarah also plays a prominent role in this account. Her reactions reveal a wavering faith common to many believers:
- She laughed cynically when she heard the promise of bearing a child in old age. Her faith faltered due to doubts.
- She lied, denying her laughter when confronted. Fear led her to hide her lack of faith.
- Despite her doubts, Sarah did conceive and bear Isaac according to God’s promise. Her faith lagged initially but was still proven genuine.
Sarah’s story offers hope for all struggling believers.Saving faith withstands doubts, questions, even temporary disbelief. Despite our failures, God remains faithful (2 Timothy 2:13). Sarah is honored for her persevering faith (Hebrews 11:11-12). Her example urges us to cling to hope despite seasons of wavering trust.
Parallels to God Visiting Man Through Christ
Many Bible scholars find strong parallels between this Genesis account and God visiting mankind through Jesus Christ. Comparing details reveals striking similarities:
- Abraham warmly welcomed the three visitors, as believers are exhorted to welcome Christ into their lives and fellowship.
- Their divine knowledge and miraculous power reflects Christ’s deity revealed through His teaching and miracles.
- The promise of an heir parallels God sending His Son to become the ultimate heir and blessing for Abraham’s descendants.
- Abraham’s intercession foreshadows Christ advocating for God’s people.
- Destruction being withheld from Sodom mirrors God’s mercy through Christ.
Again, this intriguing episode points toward God’s supreme visitation through His Son Jesus Christ. Through Christ, God powerfully fulfills His covenant promises.
Foreshadowing the Incarnation
One of Abraham’s visitors clearly possesses divine attributes and knowledge beyond any created being. This hints at a Christophany, a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God. Details in this account foreshadow Christ’s later coming:
- Appearing in human form, eating Abraham’s food, reflects the incarnation of Christ coming in the flesh.
- The promise of a miraculous birth points to Christ’s virgin birth.
- Abraham standing before the Lord mirrors those who stood before Christ to petition His mercy and grace.
- The Lord going His way after meeting Abraham aligns with Christ returning to heaven afterHis earthly ministry.
This intriguing episode contains threads woven throughout Scripture pointing to the incarnation of God in Christ. It reveals truths in seed form that later blossom into the full revelation of the Gospel.
Insights on the Nature of God
This account also provides valuable glimpses into God’s holy and just, yet merciful character:
- God’s holiness means He cannot ignore sin but must punish wickedness.
- His justice requires acting to avenge evil, seen in His plans to destroy wicked Sodom.
- But His mercy spares judgment for the sake of a righteous remnant, showing undeserved grace.
- His patience is shown in tolerating sinful society while allowing time for repentance.
Through Abraham’s intercession, we gain deeper understanding of God balancing His just anger at sin with His compassionate patience and mercy. This truth echoes at the cross, where God’s justice and mercy meet in Christ.
Lessons for Believers Today
This intriguing episode provides helpful lessons believers today can apply:
- We must show hospitality, generosity, and humble service as Abraham exemplified.
- Like Sarah, we should cling to faith despite seasons of doubt and disbelief.
- We must remember our imperative to intercede for others, appealing to divine mercy.
- Prayer requires persistence, following Abraham’s bold example.
- We must believe God’s promises despite human logic, just as Abraham trusted.
This account challenges us to demonstrate compassion, graciousness, trust in God’s Word, and steadfast prayer. Abraham’s outstanding faith provides a model for believers in every age.
Conclusion
The three mysterious visitors to Abraham remain shrouded in some mystery. But clearly God Himself came accompanied by two angels, or perhaps even a Christophany, to reaffirm His covenant and display His divine attributes. This crucial event exemplifies virtuous godly living, highlights God’s mercy, and points to Christ – the ultimate Visitor and Savior of mankind.