Chapter 7—Angels in the Patriarchal Age
Abraham
God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven
walked and talked with him as friend with friend.—
Patriarchs and
Prophets, 138
.
The Lord communicated His will to Abraham through angels.
Christ appeared to him, and gave him a distinct knowledge of the
requirements of the moral law, and of the great salvation which would
be accomplished through Himself.—
The Review and Herald, April
29, 1875
.
After the birth of Ishmael, the Lord manifested Himself again to
Abraham, and said unto him, “I will establish my covenant between me
and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, for an everlasting
covenant.” Again the Lord repeated by His angel His promise to give
Sarah a son, and that she should be a mother of many nations.—
The
Spirit of Prophecy 1:96
.
When judgments were about to be visited upon Sodom, the fact
was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with God
for sinners. His interview with the angels presents also a beautiful
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example of hospitality.
In the hot summer noontide the patriarch was sitting in his tent
door, looking out over the quiet landscape, when he saw in the distance
three travelers approaching. Before reaching his tent, the strangers
halted, as if consulting as to their course. Without waiting for them
to solicit favors, Abraham rose quickly, and as they were apparently
turning in another direction, he hastened after them, and with the
utmost courtesy urged them to honor him by tarrying for refreshment.
With his own hands he brought water that they might wash the dust
of travel from their feet. He himself selected their food, and while
they were at rest under the cooling shade, an entertainment was made
ready, and he stood respectfully beside them while they partook of his
hospitality....
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