Genesis 18:6 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

And Abraham hastened, &c.— We cannot conceive a more beautiful picture of ancient and zealous hospitality, than these verses afford us. Surely those who are so forward to applaud the beauties of Heathen poets, cannot withhold their applause from so simple and fine a description as this! The word rendered measures, סאים saim, signifies the third part of an ephah, and, according to Cumberland's computation, is reckoned to weigh twelve or thirteen pounds; so that the quantity of bread ordered by the patriarch must have been upwards of thirty-six pounds. So great store, some think, might have been provided for the magnificence of the entertainment; while others imagine, that Abraham might intend to furnish his guests with some provisions for the rest of their journey, according to the manners of ancient times. Possibly the word saim might be here used in an indeterminate sense; though supposing the quantity to be equal to what is mentioned above, it is not out of proportion to the rest of the provisions. Let it be observed, the Arabians and other eastern nations, even to this day, prepare cakes, by laying them upon the hearth, or hot stones, and covering them with hot cinders.