Genesis 18:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

It is written, "And having bowed down," he expressed, "Lord, if I have found favor in Your sight, do not make Your servant small." Who is capable of adequately praising this just man? How can he be honored, even with countless voices? To utter "O Lord" is commonplace; yet to declare "For I have found favor in Your sight" is truly remarkable. He asks You to bestow a kindness upon him, ensuring it is not for himself. This represents a profound love: the one who gives willingly often receives far more than what was given. However, those who hear this should not dismiss the righteousness of this man, thinking he spoke this way because he recognized who the travelers were.

Abraham humbled himself to the earth, pleading with the One who manifestly displayed God's glory to come into his home and bless his residence. Yet I have discovered favor in Your sight, and I will not reduce Your servant to a lesser status. I have truly found grace in Your eyes; please do not belittle Your servant.

Welcoming guests involves not only the desire to receive them but also the genuine care and kindness of the host. Abraham exemplifies this beautifully. He hurried to meet the travelers, exclaiming, “Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread that you may refresh your hearts; after that you may pass on, since you have come to your servant.” (Gen. 18:3-5). He recognized the three visitors and addressed the one Lord, acknowledging himself as His servant. In turn, he also aimed to serve the other two, whom he saw as companions, moving beyond mere obligation to fulfill his duty through heartfelt inclination and regular practice.

If I have obtained favor in your sight, do not disregard your servant. The strength of this invitation is well captured by the traditional Russian expression of hospitality: a plea for mercy. A divine love for one's neighbor, which involves sharing God's blessings with others, does not perceive this act as merely extending its own grace and mercy; rather, it recognizes it as the grace and mercy bestowed by others upon itself.

Certain passages from the Old Testament clearly indicate the Trinity of Persons within the one God. For instance, the sacred writer recounts God's appearance to Abraham at the oak of Mamre, stating: "And the Lord appeared to him at the oak tree of Mamre..." Following this, it is noted that "He (Abraham) lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men stood against him." Subsequently, we read: "When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the entrance of his tent and bowed down to the ground, and said: Master, if I have found favour before Thy eyes, pass not Thy servant by" (Gen. 18:1-3). Blessed Augustine poses the question: "Do you see that Abraham encounters three but worships one...?