“And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant.”
Genesis 18:3 is a verse from the Old Testament, which narrates the account of Abraham’s encounter with three visitors, who are later revealed to be angels of the Lord. This particular verse captures Abraham’s response as he extends hospitality and pleads with one of the visitors not to pass by, but rather to remain and partake of his hospitality.
To better understand the significance of Genesis 18:3, it is helpful to examine the broader context of the chapter. In the preceding verses, we learn that Abraham was sitting at the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day when he saw three men standing nearby. Recognizing them as divine visitors, he ran to meet them, bowed down, and welcomed them into his tent. It is during this encounter that Abraham speaks the words found in Genesis 18:3.
This verse reveals several key aspects of Abraham’s character and his relationship with God:
- Hospitality: Abraham’s immediate response upon seeing the three visitors was to extend hospitality. Hospitality was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern culture, and Abraham exemplifies this virtue by offering food, water, and rest to the visitors. His urgency in asking them not to pass by reflects his desire to honor and serve them.
- Humility: Abraham addresses one of the visitors as “My Lord,” acknowledging their authority and divine nature. This demonstrates Abraham’s recognition of God’s presence in the encounter and his reverence towards the divine.
- Favor and Relationship with God: Abraham acknowledges that finding favor in the sight of the Lord is a privilege. He recognizes that this encounter is not merely coincidental but a significant moment of divine visitation. Abraham had already experienced a close relationship with God, having received promises and guidance from Him, and this encounter further deepens their connection.
- Prayerful Request: Abraham makes a humble request for the visitor not to pass away but to remain with him as his servant. This can be seen as an expression of his desire to continue to interact with the divine presence and receive further blessings, guidance, or revelation.
Genesis 18:3 highlights Abraham’s faith and trust in God as he opens his home and heart to the divine visitors. The hospitality displayed by Abraham in this verse is often commended as an example of how believers should welcome and care for others, as well as an example of how God’s blessings can flow through acts of kindness and generosity.
Overall, Genesis 18:3 invites us to reflect on our own attitudes towards hospitality, humility, and prayerful interaction with God. It encourages us to recognize divine encounters and seize the opportunities to extend kindness and receive blessings, acknowledging that God’s favor and presence can be experienced through acts of hospitality and faithful service.
