Genesis 18:3
and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Abraham’s plea, "pass not by your servant," reveals more than just polite hospitality; it’s a deep desire not to let a divine encounter slip away. He’s not just offering refreshment to travelers, but keenly aware he might be missing a crucial moment with God Himself, and he’s actively trying to hold onto that connection.
Three divine visitors have just appeared to Abraham, who, recognizing their importance, immediately shows them profound hospitality by offering refreshment and rest. He addresses the apparent leader of the group, pleading with him not to pass by his servant, revealing Abraham’s deep respect and his desire to host them. This encounter sets the stage for a divine conversation where God will reveal His plan to judge Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham will boldly intercede for the wicked cities.
Imagine unseen guests approaching your home. How do you react? Abraham's response reveals a timeless principle of showing honor.
Abraham's immediate and eager offer to host the three visitors wasn't just politeness; it was a profound act of faith and respect. He called them 'my lord' and himself their 'servant,' using language of deep humility.
What's the key to making a request that's more likely to be heard? Abraham’s approach offers a powerful clue.
Abraham's plea, 'if I have found favor in your sight,' isn't about questioning God's affection. Instead, it's a wise and humble way to preface his request.
Understand the original words
chen · Hebrew Noun
Unmerited kindness, grace, or approval granted by a superior to an inferior, often used in the context of seeking God's blessing or presence.
ebed · Hebrew Noun
A person who serves another, often used in the Bible to describe the humble posture of a believer or prophet in relation to God's sovereign authority.
This encounter occurs as Abraham is living as a sojourner in Canaan, a time of established nomadic routines and patriarchal authority, setting the stage for a pivotal divine revelation and intervention.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham settles in the land
Abraham, a nomadic patriarch, settles with his family and livestock in the region of Canaan, near the oak of Mamre.
c. 2000 BC— this verse
Divine visitors appear
Three divine figures, appearing as men, approach Abraham's encampment during the heat of the day.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham shows hospitality
Abraham, showing remarkable courtesy and generosity, invites the visitors to rest, wash their feet, and partake in a meal.
c. 2000 BC
Promise of Isaac reaffirmed
The divine visitors reveal themselves more fully, and the promise of a son to Abraham and Sarah is confirmed.
c. 2000 BC
This passage parallels Abraham's request for the visitors to 'not pass by' by showing the disciples' desire for Jesus to 'stay with them' as evening approached, highlighting the warmth and importance of hospitality and fellowship.
Hebrews 13:2This verse directly alludes to Abraham's encounter, reminding readers that in showing hospitality, they might 'entertain angels unawares,' underscoring the spiritual significance of Abraham's act of kindness.
1 Peter 4:9Peter urges believers to 'show hospitality to one another without grumbling,' echoing the spirit of Abraham's eager and respectful invitation, even when unsure of the true nature of his guests.
Genesis 19:1-3This passage immediately follows, showing the 'men' (angels) accepting Abraham's invitation and revealing the critical nature of their visit to Sodom, making Abraham's plea to stop them all the more significant.
calvinGenesis 18:1-33: "And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;"
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
Et negavit Sarah, dicendo, Non risi: quia timuit. Et dixit, Nequaquam, quia risisti.
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
Et surrexerunt inde viri, et respexerunt contra faciem S…
gillGenesis 18:3: "And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:"
And said, my Lord,.... He addressed himself to one of them who appeared to him to be the greatest and most honourable, either by the appearance of his countenance, or by his dress, or by the situation in which he was between the other two, and by their carriage and behaviour to him: if now I have found favour in thy sight; signifying he should esteem it an honour done him, t…
Abraham’s plea, "pass not by your servant," reveals more than just polite hospitality; it’s a deep desire not to let a divine encounter slip away. He’s not just offering refreshment to travelers, but keenly aware he might be missing a crucial moment with God Himself, and he’s actively trying to hold onto that connection.
Three divine visitors have just appeared to Abraham, who, recognizing their importance, immediately shows them profound hospitality by offering refreshment and rest. He addresses the apparent leader of the group, pleading with him not to pass by his servant, revealing Abraham’s deep respect and his desire to host them. This encounter sets the stage for a divine conversation where God will reveal His plan to judge Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham will boldly intercede for the wicked cities.
Three divine visitors have just appeared to Abraham, who, recognizing their importance, immediately shows them profound hospitality by offering refreshment and rest. He addresses the apparent leader of the group, pleading with him not to pass by his servant, revealing Abraham’s deep respect and his desire to host them. This encounter sets the stage for a divine conversation where God will reveal His plan to judge Sodom and Gomorrah, and Abraham will boldly intercede for the wicked cities.
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Judgment on Sodom declared
The divine figures reveal their purpose to investigate the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham intercedes for Sodom
Abraham engages in a profound negotiation with the Lord, pleading for the righteous within Sodom.
"and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant." — Abraham’s plea, "pass not by your servant," reveals more than just polite hospitality; it’s a deep desire not to let a divine encounter slip away. He’s not just offering refreshment to travelers, but…
