Abraham’s Meal for the Lord in Alonei Mamre
Alonei Mamre, “The Oaks of Mamre,” just 2km from the city of Hebron, in the Judaean Hills, is where this infamous meal was held. According to the scriptures, it was at this site where Abraham and Sarah resided, but what else does the Bible tell us about this very special meal?
The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.
And Abraham said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, my Lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.”
“Very well,” they answered, “Do as you say.” Abraham then hurried into the tent to Sarah, saying to her, “Quickly, prepare three measures of fine flour, knead it, and make bread cakes.” He ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it, and then brought the curds and milk and the calf, and set these before them. While they ate, he stood near them under a tree.”
(Genesis 18, 1-8)
What can we learn from the meal Abraham had with the three angels?
Imagine living in the time of the Bible, where, like Abraham, the men were usually sitting at the entrance of their tents, while the women worked inside the tent. We learn here that, like Abraham, the first hospitable gesture a man would offer guests in his home, was water. Most of the Land of the Bible was a dry and barren desert, where parched travelers sought to quench their thirst after very long journeys.
This is how we learn, perhaps the most important lesson from Abraham’s meal for the Lord— hospitality.
This meal was so significant, that it became the root and inspiration of ancient and modern Middle Eastern hospitality. Abraham prepared far more food than the angels could ever eat. Inspired by this meal, and until today, most Middle Eastern homes and restaurants serve their guests much more food than could ever possibly be consumed by the number of guests at the table.
The tradition of hospitality, just as it was in the time of the Bible, is passed on from generation to generation, where the customs from thousands of years ago, remained true throughout history. As travelers walked the harsh desert lands, to survive, they relied on the kindness of strangers, where access to water and food was a matter of life and death. The sharing of food together was a token of friendship, endearment, and even commitment. Until today, hospitality and the welcoming of guests into homes throughout the Middle East, are considered sacred, deeply respected, and a religious duty. Offering food and shelter to guests is a way to receive blessings from God.
Here in the Holy Land, on this Christmas holiday, and every day, we wish for your homes to be filled with many guests who will enjoy your hospitality, bringing you and your family blessings from God.
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