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Genesis 18:2 - Divine guests arrive unexpectedly

Genesis 18:2 - בראשית 18:2

Hebrew Text

וַיִּשָּׂא עֵינָיו וַיַּרְא וְהִנֵּה שְׁלֹשָׁה אֲנָשִׁים נִצָּבִים עָלָיו וַיַּרְא וַיָּרָץ לִקְרָאתָם מִפֶּתַח הָאֹהֶל וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ אָרְצָה׃

English Translation

and he raised his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him; and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the ground,

Transliteration

Va'yisa eynav va'yar ve'hine shlosha anashim nitzavim alav va'yar va'yaratz likratam mi'petach ha'ohel va'yishtachu artza.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשָּׂ֤א עֵינָיו֙ וַיַּ֔רְא וְהִנֵּה֙ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה אֲנָשִׁ֔ים נִצָּבִ֖ים עָלָ֑יו וַיַּ֗רְא וַיָּ֤רׇץ לִקְרָאתָם֙ מִפֶּ֣תַח הָאֹ֔הֶל וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָֽרְצָה׃
וַיִּשָּׂ֤א עֵינָיו֙ וַיַּ֔רְא וְהִנֵּה֙ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה אֲנָשִׁ֔ים נִצָּבִ֖ים עָלָ֑יו וַיַּ֗רְא וַיָּ֤רׇץ לִקְרָאתָם֙ מִפֶּ֣תַח הָאֹ֔הֶל וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָֽרְצָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Avraham's Hospitality and the Nature of the Visitors

The verse (Bereishit 18:2) describes Avraham Avinu encountering three men who appear near his tent. Rashi explains that these were angels in human form, each with a specific mission: one to heal Avraham from his circumcision (which had occurred three days earlier), one to announce the birth of Yitzchak, and one to overturn Sedom. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 48:9) elaborates that these were the angels Michael, Gavriel, and Rafael, each corresponding to their respective tasks.

Avraham's Exemplary Character

Avraham's immediate response—running to greet the visitors despite being in pain from his circumcision—demonstrates his exceptional dedication to hachnasat orchim (hospitality). The Talmud (Shabbat 127a) teaches that welcoming guests is greater than receiving the Divine Presence, as Avraham interrupted his communion with Hashem (described in the preceding verses) to attend to these travelers. Rambam (Hilchot Avel 14:2) cites this as a model for prioritizing kindness to others.

The Significance of Bowing

Avraham's act of bowing (vayishtachu artzah) is analyzed by commentators:

  • Rashbam: Suggests this was a standard gesture of respect toward wayfarers in that era.
  • Sforno: Posits that Avraham recognized their angelic nature and bowed accordingly.
  • Kli Yakar: Notes that the bowing was directed toward the ground, not the angels themselves, avoiding any appearance of idolatry.

Literary and Thematic Connections

The phrase vayisa einav vayar ("he lifted his eyes and saw") appears in multiple biblical narratives (e.g., Bilam in Bamidbar 24:2). The contrast between Avraham's holy perception and others' misguided visions is emphasized in Midrash Tanchuma (Balak 7), showing how righteous individuals "see" opportunities for kindness where others might not.

Halachic Implications

The Gemara (Sotah 14a) derives from this episode that one should emulate Hashem's attributes—just as He clothed the naked (Adam and Chava) and visited the sick (Avraham), so must we. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 335:6) codifies visiting the sick based on this principle, showing how Avraham's actions became foundational to Jewish law.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Bava Metzia 86b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the hospitality of Abraham, illustrating his eagerness to welcome guests, which serves as a model for the mitzvah of welcoming guests (hachnasat orchim).
📖 Shabbat 127a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the importance of hospitality, where Abraham's actions are highlighted as exemplary behavior in welcoming guests.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who were the three men that appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:2?
A: According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, the three men were angels sent by Hashem. One came to announce that Sarah would have a child, one to heal Abraham from his circumcision, and one to destroy Sodom (Rashi on Genesis 18:2). They appeared as men to teach us the importance of hospitality (Talmud, Bava Metzia 86b).
Q: Why did Abraham bow to the ground when he saw the three men?
A: Abraham bowed to show humility and respect for his guests. The Midrash teaches that Abraham's hospitality was so great that he interrupted a conversation with Hashem to welcome strangers (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 48:9). This teaches us the importance of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests) in Judaism.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Abraham running to greet his guests?
A: We learn the great value of hospitality in Judaism. Despite being 99 years old and recovering from circumcision, Abraham hurried to serve guests. The Talmud (Shabbat 127a) states that welcoming guests is greater than receiving the Divine Presence, as Abraham left speaking with Hashem to welcome strangers.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Abraham 'raised his eyes' before seeing the men?
A: Rashi explains that Abraham was actually looking for travelers to invite, showing his constant desire to do kindness. The phrase teaches that true hospitality involves actively seeking opportunities to help others, not just waiting for them to come to you (Rashi on Genesis 18:2).
Q: How does Abraham's reaction to the guests apply to us today?
A: This teaches that we should emulate Abraham's qualities of kindness and hospitality. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 246:6) rules that welcoming guests is a mitzvah. Like Abraham, we should be eager to help others, showing respect through our actions, even when it requires effort on our part.