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Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: Iam thy shield,and thy exceeding great reward.

Genesis 17:1-3,22
And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, Iam the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect…

Genesis 26:2
And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:

Mamre.

Genesis 13:18
Then Abram removedhis tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, whichis in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

Genesis 14:13
And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and thesewere confederate with Abram.

and he sat.

by the Oaks of Mamre
The Oaks of Mamre, also known as the terebinths of Mamre, were located near Hebron in the land of Canaan. This site is significant as it was a place where Abraham had previously built an altar to the LORD (Genesis 13:18). The location is associated with divine encounters and promises, reinforcing the sacredness of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants. Archaeological evidence suggests that this area was a significant settlement during the time of the patriarchs.

in the heat of the day
The mention of the heat of the day suggests a time of rest and inactivity, typical in the ancient Near East due to the intense midday sun. This detail highlights the unexpected nature of the divine visitation, as it occurs during a time when Abraham would not typically expect visitors. It underscores the idea that God’s interventions in human affairs often come at unexpected times.

while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent
Abraham's position at the entrance of his tent indicates a posture of readiness and hospitality, common in nomadic cultures. The tent symbolizes a temporary dwelling, reflecting Abraham's status as a sojourner in the land. This setting foreshadows the hospitality Abraham will extend to his visitors, a key theme in the subsequent narrative. The tent also serves as a metaphor for the tabernacle, where God would later dwell among His people, pointing forward to the ultimate dwelling of God with humanity in Jesus Christ.

• Scripture puts it plainly: “Then the LORD appeared…” (Genesis 18:1). The language is straightforward—a literal, visible manifestation of Yahweh.

• Earlier in Genesis the same Lord “appeared to Abram” (Genesis 12:7) and later “appeared to Isaac” (Genesis 26:2), reinforcing a pattern of personal, tangible encounters.

• These moments anticipate the fuller revelation of God in Christ, for “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). God is not distant; He steps into human space and time.

• God does not appear randomly; He comes “to Abraham,” the covenant bearer.

•Genesis 15:1 records, “After this, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision,” showing an ongoing, intimate relationship.

•James 2:23 calls Abraham “God’s friend.” The Lord’s visit underscores that friendship and affirms His faithfulness to the covenant promises ofGenesis 12:1-3.

• The setting is precise—Mamre, near Hebron.Genesis 13:18 says Abraham “built an altar to the LORD” there, marking it as a place of worship and remembrance.

• Later, Jacob will return to this region (Genesis 35:27), and David will rule from Hebron (2 Samuel 2:1-4), grounding these narratives in verifiable geography.

• The Oaks (or Terebinths) provide shade and signal permanence in a landscape of tents, hinting at God’s unchanging presence amid transient human dwellings.

• Midday in the Near East is scorching; most travelers rest. Yet God chooses this unlikely hour, showing He is not bound by human convenience.

•Jonah 4:8 depicts the sun’s “scorching wind” to illustrate discomfort, whilePsalm 121:6 promises, “the sun will not strike you by day,” linking divine protection to these harsh conditions.

• The timing magnifies the miracle: even at life’s hottest, most draining moments, the Lord can arrive unexpectedly.

• Abraham is at his post, looking outward. Nomads sat at the tent flap both to catch breezes and to welcome strangers.

• His posture anticipates the hospitality highlighted inHebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

•Job 31:32 reflects the same heart: “No stranger had to spend the night on the street, for my door has been open to the traveler.” Abraham’s readiness mirrors God’s own openness toward him.

Genesis 18:1 gives a snapshot of divine initiative and human readiness. The Lord personally, visibly, and literally visits Abraham—His covenant friend—at a real place, in real heat, while Abraham sits alert under the oaks of Mamre. Every detail reinforces God’s faithfulness, Abraham’s hospitality, and the unbroken thread of Scripture that presents a God who seeks, speaks, and steps into our world.

VISIT OF ANGELS TO ABRAHAM AT MAMRE; AND OVERTHROW OF SODOM.

(1)And the Lord (Jehovah)appeared unto him.--No new section could begin in this way, but evidently this is a continuation of the narrative of the circumcision. We thus find a Jehovistic section coupled in the closest way with one which is Elohistic (comp.Genesis 17:22-23); and even here it is Elohim who for Abraham's sake delivers Lot (Genesis 19:29). Far more important, however, is it to notice that this familiar intercourse, and clear revelation of Jehovah to Abraham, follows upon his closer relation to God by virtue of the sacrament of circumcision. Jewish tradition adds that this visit was made to Abraham on the third day after the rite had been performed, and was for the purpose of healing him from the painful consequences of it. It was on this account, as they think, that Abraham was resting at home, instead of being with his herds in the field.

The plains (Heb.,the oaks)of Mamre.--(SeeGenesis 13:18;Genesis 14:13.) . . .