“And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.”
Context: Genesis 18 is the chapter where Abraham receives a visit from three angelic visitors who came to announce the birth of Isaac and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. In this particular verse, Abraham shows great hospitality by quickly preparing a meal for his guests.
Hospitality: The act of Abraham running to the herd and fetching a tender calf demonstrates his hospitality and willingness to show kindness to his guests. Hospitality was highly valued in the ancient Near Eastern culture, and Abraham exemplifies this virtue by providing food and refreshment to the visitors. This story serves as an example of how believers should show hospitality and generosity towards others.
Promptness: Abraham’s response is marked by promptness and urgency. He doesn’t delay in providing for his guests but quickly takes action to prepare a meal for them. This shows his eagerness to serve and his recognition of the importance of attending to the needs of others in a timely manner. It reminds us of the value of being responsive and proactive in our relationships with others.
Symbolic significance: The choice of a tender and good calf for the meal may carry some symbolic meaning. In the Bible, the calf often symbolizes abundance, celebration, and sacrifice. By offering a calf, Abraham not only provides a generous meal but also presents an act of worship and thanksgiving to God through this sacrificial gesture.
Foreshadowing: This verse also foreshadows the concept of God’s provision and blessings. The visitation of the angelic visitors and the promise of Isaac’s birth signify God’s faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. The act of Abraham providing the calf for the meal can be seen as a representation of God’s provision and blessing in response to Abraham’s faith and hospitality.
Application:
- Hospitality: We can learn from Abraham’s example of hospitality and strive to show kindness, generosity, and hospitality to those around us, whether they are strangers or friends.
- Promptness: Abraham’s prompt response teaches us the importance of not delaying in meeting the needs of others. We should be ready to serve and help others in a timely manner.
- Sacrificial worship: Abraham’s offering of a calf reminds us of the importance of sacrificial worship and thanksgiving. We can express our gratitude to God through acts of worship and by offering ourselves and our resources to Him.
Overall, Genesis 18:7 highlights Abraham’s hospitality, promptness, and sacrificial worship, providing valuable lessons for us to apply in our lives today.
