He stood by them under the tree, &c.— A token of greater respect could not be given, than for the hospitable master thus to minister to his celestial guests. The text says, they did eat, which must either imply that there were all the external appearances of eating, or rather, we may believe, that they who had assumed a human form, imitated also human actions. Calmet is of opinion, that the great heathen writers, who were continually borrowing ideas from the Septuagint translation of the Old Testament, derived their celebrated fable of Orion from this part of sacred history. Three Gods, they suppose, visited Orion's father: they found him at the door of his hut: the old man (senex Hyreus, as he is called, like the old man of Ur) received them with the greatest hospitality: he was childless, and a son was promised him, in which part of the story some ridiculous fables are intermixed.
REFLECTIONS.—We have here Abraham's hospitality to three unknown strangers, though afterwards found to be celestial visitants in human forms.
1. His affectionate invitation of them. He sat in the tent-door, to welcome in the weary traveller: such labours of love became the father of the faithful. Note; A Christian's heart is generous and hospitable. No sooner does the opportunity offer, than with profound respect and urgent entreaty, he entertains them in the heat of the day under the shade of a tree. Observe, (1.) Religion never teaches rudeness, but civility. (2.) A good man thinks it a favour done him, that he has it in his power to relieve the destitute.
2. The hearty welcome given them. Luxury of diet yet unknown (and how much better were it still unknown!) and pride of equipage make no part of Abraham's entertainment. Himself and Sarah were not too great to serve: and one plain dish, beneath a tree, completes the banquet. Happy simplicity! where friendship unfeigned made hypocritical compliments useless, and plain abundance supplied those wants of hunger, which pampered appetite never knew. Note; (1.) True faith produces fervent charity: no fruits like those which grow on this tree. (2.) True nobility and greatness are ever most condescending.