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Patriarchs and Prophets
and thus separated from idolaters, and that God accepted them as His
peculiar treasure. By this rite they were pledged to fulfill, on their part,
the conditions of the covenant made with Abraham. They were not to
contract marriages with the heathen; for by so doing they would lose
their reverence for God and His holy law; they would be tempted to
engage in the sinful practices of other nations, and would be seduced
into idolatry.
God conferred great honor upon Abraham. Angels of heaven
walked and talked with him as friend with friend. 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 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. This act of courtesy God regarded of sufficient importance
to record in His word; and a thousand years later it was referred to
by an inspired apostle: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for
thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Hebrews 13:2
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Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired wayfarers, little
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thinking that among them was One whom he might worship with-
out sin. But the true character of the heavenly messengers was now
revealed. Though they were on their way as ministers of wrath, yet
to Abraham, the man of faith, they spoke first of blessings. Though
God is strict to mark iniquity and to punish transgression, He takes no
delight in vengeance. The work of destruction is a “strange work” to
Him who is infinite in love.
“The secret of the Lord is with them that fear Him.”
Psalm 25:14
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Abraham had honored God, and the Lord honored him, taking him into
His counsels, and revealing to him His purposes. “Shall I hide from