Genesis Chapter 18
It had been just a couple of months since God had appeared to Abraham and called him to walk in righteousness as he would be the father of many nations. In this chapter, most likely about three months later, the Bible tells us that the LORD or Yahweh appeared walking toward. Abraham and Sarah’s place of living. Bible scholars will tell us that the word used here from the Hebrew is the same word used to describe Yahweh, an appearance of Jesus in the Old Testament. Yahweh had visited Abraham twice before as seen in Genesis 12:7 and Genesis 17:1.
In Genesis 17:1 the LORD announced to Abraham who He was. He said, “I am God Almighty.” In this chapter there was no announcement but there is a sense that Abraham knew immediately who had come to visit. It was Yahweh accompanied by two other men. I don’t know about you, but when I read this, I immediately thought this might be an appearance of the trinity. But I also knew that the Bible said that no man has seen God the Father. So, with a little study of commentaries, the answer was found quite simply as to who the other two men were.
Let's Reflect
1. Who were the other two men who were with the LORD? See chapter 19:1.
2. As was a common custom, Abraham wanted to show hospitality to sojourners who were passing by his home. What did he want to do for these three men?
3. Three times we read that Abraham’s preparations for these men were done quickly. He wanted to give of his best to these men. What does the Bible say that the men did with the food that was prepared for them?
4. Abraham was asked a question that bares noticing because these men were not just strangers passing by. They asked about his wife using her name. What name did they call Abraham’s wife?
5. What statement did the LORD make, regarding the promise, that caused Sarah to laugh?
6. Sarah had lost all hope of having a child of her own. Who could blame her? She had waited so long, and she was getting old, and what other fact was she thinking about that made it difficult for her to still have hope?
7. When the LORD asked Abraham why his wife laughed at His word, what did Sarah say?
8. The three men started to leave. Abraham, out of common courtesy, started to walk a little way with them. While the angels went on towards Sodom, the LORD paused to have a talk with Abraham. What did the LORD want to talk to Abraham about?
9. The LORD already knew the outcome of the visit to Sodom, but it was Abraham’s heart that He wanted to mold and make to be more like His own. He wanted Abraham to intercede on the behalf of others. Would you say that Abraham was persistent in interceding for the lives of the righteous in Sodom?
10. As Abraham was persistent in asking God to spare the lives of the righteous, he was also humble. What words did you read that show the humility of Abraham?
