Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 4. Let a little water-be fetched, and wash your feet, &c.] In these verses we find a delightful picture of primitive hospitality. In those ancient times shoes such as ours were not in use; and the foot was protected only by sandals or soles, which fastened round the foot with straps. It was therefore a great refreshment in so hot a country to get the feet washed at the end of a day's journey; and this is the first thing that Abraham proposes.
Rest yourselves under the tree] We have already heard of the oak grove of Mamre, chap. xii. 6, and this was the second requisite for the refreshment of a weary traveler, viz., rest in the shade.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-8 - Abraham was waiting to entertain any weary traveller, for inns were no to be met with as among us. While Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming. These were three heavenly beings in human bodies Some think they were all created angels; others, that one of them wa the Son of God, the Angel of the covenant. Washing the feet is customary in those hot climates, where only sandals are worn. We shoul not be forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares, Heb 13:2; nay, the Lord of angels himself as we always do, when for his sake we entertain the least of his brethren. Cheerful and obliging manners in showing kindness, are grea ornaments to piety. Though our condescending Lord vouchsafes no personal visits to us, yet still by his Spirit he stands at the doo and knocks; when we are inclined to open, he deigns to enter; and by his gracious consolations he provides a rich feast, of which we partak with him, Re 3:20.
Original Hebrew יקח3947 נא4994 מעט4592 מים4325 ורחצו7364 רגליכם7272 והשׁענו8172 תחת8478 העץ׃6086
