Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 5. I will fetch a morsel of bread] This was the third requisite, and is introduced in its proper order; as eating immediately after exertion or fatigue is very unwholesome. The strong action of the lungs and heart should have time to diminish before any food is received into the stomach, as otherwise concoction is prevented, and fever in a less or greater degree produced.
For therefore are ye come] In those ancient days every traveler conceived he had a right to refreshment, when he needed it, at the first tent he met with on his journey.
So do as thou hast said.] How exceedingly simple was all this! On neither side is there any compliment but such as a generous heart and sound sense dictate.
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 ואקחה3947 פת6595 לחם3899 וסעדו5582 לבכם3820 אחר310 תעברו5674 כי3588 על5921 כן3651 עברתם5674 על5921 עבדכם5650 ויאמרו559 כן3651 תעשׂה6213 כאשׁר834 דברת׃1696
