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Abraham's Exemplary Hospitality
TANAKH
Abraham's immediate and proactive hospitality towards the three figures, as he runs from the entrance of his tent to greet them and bows to the ground, is a powerful example of kindness and respect. In the book of Genesis, Abraham's encounter with three visitors highlights his exemplary hospitality and the significance of welcoming guests.
Divine Visit After Circumcision
MIDRASH
Abraham's act of circumcision and the resulting river of blood were so significant that they prompted a divine visit from God. Midrash Tanchuma, an early medieval collection of midrash, elaborates on the extraordinary nature of Abraham's devotion and the divine appreciation of his actions, for God to even go into an unclean place.
Angels and the Birth of Isaac
MIDRASH
The angels play a crucial role in advocating for Sarah's fertility and the timing of Isaac's birth, connecting Abraham's prayer for Abimelech to divine intervention for Sarah. Louis Ginzberg's early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, weaves together a rich tapestry of Jewish folklore and biblical stories, offering a unique perspective on the role of angels in the lives of the patriarchs.
Angels as Divine Representatives
COMMENTARY
Angels in the Torah are often described as 'God' Himself, emphasizing their role as divine representatives. Rashbam, a medieval French Torah commentator, offers a plain meaning (peshat) interpretation of the appearance of God to Abraham through angels.
The Joy of Sarah
COMMENTARY
The angels' visit was specifically to inform Sarah about Isaac's impending conception so that her joy would possibly positively influence the fetus. Rabbi Ovadiah Sforno, a 16th-century Italian commentator, provides a unique interpretation of the angels' visit to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18:9.
Divine Reciprocity in Abraham's Hospitality
TALMUD
The actions Abraham performed for the angels were mirrored by God in His actions for Abraham's descendants. The Talmudic tractate Bava Metzia discusses the principle of reciprocal divine actions, illustrating how Abraham's hospitality to the angels was repaid by God.
Abraham's Dedication to Hospitality
COMMENTARY
Abraham's act of running towards the angels, despite his physical pain, underscores his exceptional hospitality and dedication. The Tze'enah Ure'enah, a late 16th-century Yiddish commentary, relates a unique explanation for why Abraham had to run towards the angels in the Torah portion 'Vayera.'
Three Angels, Three Missions
COMMENTARY
The visit of three angels to Abraham each had a distinct mission, as explained by Rashi. The Siftei Chakhamim, a supercommentary on Rashi’s Torah commentary, elaborates on the necessity of three angels for three separate tasks: foretelling to Sarah, destroying Sodom, and healing Abraham.
The Humility of Great Leaders
REFERENCE
Even the greatest leaders, like Abraham, demonstrated humility by personally attending to their guests. Gershom Bader’s early 20th-century work draws a parallel between Abraham’s hospitality and Rabban Gamliel’s service to Torah students.
A Tale of Two Hospitalities
JEWISH THOUGHT
Abraham's hospitality is a model of kindness and graciousness, even in the face of personal discomfort, contrasting sharply with Lot's reluctant and ungracious invitation. In his 15th-century work, Akeidat Yitzchak, Rabbi Isaac Arama explores the contrasting approaches of Abraham and Lot to welcoming guests.
The Promise Fulfilled
MIDRASH
The angel's precise prediction of Sarah's conception and its fulfillment underscores the reliability and fulfillment of God's promises. Midrash Tanchuma, an early medieval collection of midrash, offers insights into the biblical story of Abraham and Sarah, emphasizing God's faithfulness and mercy.
 Abraham and the Three Angels, James Tissot, 1896-1902
Abraham and the Three Angels, James Tissot, 1896-1902
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