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The Beginning of the End
separated from idolaters and that God accepted them as His special
treasure. They were not to marry the heathen, for by so doing they
would be tempted to engage in the sinful practices of other nations
and be drawn into idolatry.
Abraham Unwittingly Entertains Angels
God conferred great honor on Abraham. Angels walked and
talked with him. When judgments were about to come to Sodom,
the fact was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with
God for sinners.
In the hot summer noontime Abraham was sitting in his tent door
when he saw three travelers in the distance. Before they reached
his tent, the strangers stopped. Without waiting for them to ask
any favors, with the utmost courtesy Abraham urged them to honor
him by staying for refreshment. With his own hands he brought
water that they might wash the dust of travel from their feet. He
selected food, and while they were resting under the cooling shade,
he stood respectfully beside them while they ate and drank what
he provided. Years later an inspired apostle referred to this act of
courtesy: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some
have unwittingly entertained angels” (
Hebrews 13:2
).
Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired travelers, not
thinking that among them One was divine, whom he might worship
without sin. But the true character of the heavenly messengers was
now revealed. They were on their way as agents of wrath, yet to
Abraham they spoke first of blessings. God does not take delight in
vengeance.
Abraham had honored God and the Lord honored him, reveal-
ing to him His purposes. “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am
doing?” said the Lord. “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah
is great, and because their sin is very grave, I will go down now
and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry
against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” God knew
Sodom’s guilt, but He expressed Himself in human terms, that His
justice might be understood. He would go Himself to conduct an
examination of their course. If they had not passed the limits of
divine mercy, He would give them an opportunity for repentance.
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