The Son of Promise
The last scene of circumcision involved everyone: not only Ishmael—
but also all the males of Abraham’s household were circumcised (Gen.
17:23–27). The word kol, “all,” “every,” is repeated four times (Gen.
17:23, 27). It is against this inclusive background that God appears to
Abraham to confirm the promise of a son, “Isaac.”
Read Genesis 18:1–15 and Romans 9:9. What lessons of hospitality
do we learn from Abraham’s reception of his visitors? How do you
explain God’s response to Abraham’s hospitality?
It is not clear whether Abraham knew who these strangers were
(Heb. 13:2), even though he acted toward them as if God Himself were
among them. He was sitting “in the tent door in the heat of the day”
(Gen. 18:1, NKJV), and because visitors are rare in the desert, he was
probably longing to meet with them. Abraham ran toward the men
(Gen. 18:2), although he was 99 years old. He called one of these per-
sons Adonai, “my Lord” (Gen. 18:3), a title often used for God (Gen.
20:4, Exod. 15:17). He rushed around them in the preparation of the
meal (Gen. 18:6, 7). He stood next to them, attentive to their needs and
ready to serve them (Gen. 18:8).
Abraham’s behavior toward heavenly strangers will become an inspiring
model of hospitality (Heb. 13:2). In fact, Abraham’s attitude of reverence
conveys a philosophy of hospitality. Showing respect and care toward
strangers is not just a nice gesture of courtesy. The Bible emphasizes that
it is a religious duty, as if directed toward God Himself (compare with
Matt. 25:35–40). Ironically, God is identified more with the hungry and
needy foreigner than with the generous one who receives them.
On the other hand, the divine intrusion into the human sphere denotes
His grace and love toward humanity. This appearance of God antici-
pates Christ, who left His heavenly home and became a human servant
to reach humankind (Phil. 2:7, 8). God’s appearance here provides
evidence for the certainty of His promise (Gen. 18:10, NKJV). He sees
Sarah, who hides herself “behind him” (Gen. 18:10), and knows her
most intimate thoughts (Gen. 18:12). He knows that she laughed, and
the word “laugh” is His last word. Her skepticism becomes the place
where He will fulfill His word.
Dwell more on the idea that “God is identified more with the hun-
gry and needy foreigner than with the generous one who receives
them.” Why is this concept so important for us to remember?