Abraham Entertains Three Strangers by Gustave Doré, Genesis 18:1-15, Bible.Gallery
Artwork Description
The painting portrays a pivotal moment in one of the extraordinary appearances God made to Abraham. It served the purpose of reaffirming the promise of Sarah conceiving a son in her old age and also forewarning him about the impending fate of Sodom and Gomorrah.
The artist's portrayal of the visitors as angels with wings is a slight misinterpretation of the narrative. Though they were indeed angels, one of them being the Angel of the Covenant (the Lord himself), they initially appeared in human form, taking on bodies for the occasion. As the narrative unfolds, they suddenly appeared before Abraham as he sat at the door of his tent on a scorching day. Abraham's gracious hospitality towards them led to his unknowingly entertaining angels, a concept beautifully captured in the artwork.
During their encounter, Sarah's initial disbelief in the promise was effectively rebuked and seemingly overcome. As the group set forth towards the cities of the plain, Abraham accompanied them part of the way. It was at a significant point, traditionally believed to be Kaphar Baritka, where one can glimpse the Dead Sea through a ravine, that the Lord disclosed His solemn intentions regarding Sodom and Gomorrah. While the two angels continued on their mission towards Sodom, the Lord remained to listen to Abraham's heartfelt prayer on behalf of the doomed cities. This prayer revealed the generous and spiritual nature of Abraham, demonstrating his status as the heir of the divine promises and offering a timeless model of intercession for all generations to follow.
Entertaining angels, especially the Angel of the Lord, is an esteemed privilege, particularly fitting for a prominent believer like Abraham, who is known as the father of the faithful. However, the Lord Jesus Himself emphasized that any act of kindness shown to His people, because they are His, is also done unto Him and will be recognized and honored on the Day of Judgment. Hence, modern believers, no matter how humble, have the potential to receive a similar honor as that bestowed upon Abraham. The artwork not only commemorates this exceptional biblical event but also serves as a poignant reminder of the profound significance of extending kindness to God's chosen people.