Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 8. And he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.] Nothing is more common in Hindostan than to see travelers and guests eating under the shade of trees. Feasts are scarcely ever held in houses. The house of a Hindoo serves for sleeping and cooking, and for shutting up the women; but is never considered as a sitting or dining room. - Ward.
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 ויקח3947 חמאה2529 וחלב2461 ובן1121 הבקר1241 אשׁר834 עשׂה6213 ויתן5414 לפניהם6440 והוא1931 עמד5975 עליהם5921 תחת8478 העץ6086 ויאכלו׃398
