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From Eternity Past
Abraham Entertains Angels Unawares
God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels walked and
talked with him. When judgments were about to be visited on Sodom,
the fact was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with
God for sinners.
In the hot summer noontide the patriarch was sitting in his tent
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door when he saw in the distance three travelers. Before reaching
his tent, the strangers halted. Without waiting for them to solicit
favors, Abraham 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 selected
food, and while they were at rest under the cooling shade, he stood
respectfully beside them while they partook of his hospitality. Years
later this act of courtesy was referred to by an inspired apostle: “Be
not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares.”
Hebrews 13:2
.
Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired wayfarers, little
thinking that among them was One whom he might worship without
sin. But the true character of the heavenly messengers was now re-
vealed. They were on their way as ministers of wrath, yet to Abraham
they spoke first of blessings. God takes no delight in vengeance.
Abraham had honored God and the Lord honored him, revealing
to him His purposes. “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I
do?” said the Lord. “The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and
because their sin is very grievous, I will go down now, and see whether
they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come
unto me. And if not, I will know.” God knew Sodom’s guilt, but He
expressed Himself after the manner of men, that His justice might be
understood. He would go Himself to institute an examination of their
course. If they had not passed the limits of divine mercy, He would
grant them space for repentance.
Two of the heavenly messengers departed, leaving Abraham alone
with Him whom he now knew to be the Son of God. And the man of
faith pleaded for the inhabitants of Sodom. Once he had saved them
by his sword; now he endeavored to save them by prayer. Lot and his
household were still dwellers there, and Abraham sought to save them
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from the storm of divine judgment.