Wednesday 4 November 2026

Psalm 16

Background
Today’s story from Genesis is a curious account of a visitor, or visitors, appearing to Abraham. In verses 2-8, the author describes three men appearing to Abraham and the hospitality he offers them. However, in verse 1 and the main dialogue in verses 9–15, the reader is told that it is ‘the Lord’ who appears and speaks to him. Some understand the passage as referring to angels sent as messengers from God. Other readers see a hint of God as Trinity, one God in three persons, a doctrine developed since New Testament times. However, this may read too much into the text. How is the reader meant to harmonise the two descriptions? Is that necessary, or can the text speak despite and through this ambiguity?

Abraham’s hospitality to the three men reflects the importance placed on hospitality in Middle Eastern culture. The verses convey hurry and urgency as Abraham attends to his unexpected guests.

This passage comes partway through the story of Abraham and Sarah and their desire for a child. God’s promise to the elderly couple, with Sarah unable to have children, comes when Abraham is 75 and remains unfulfilled 24 years later. Most people know the experience of promises that are not kept. Perhaps you take some people’s promises with ‘a pinch of salt’ because they do not always translate into action. The story makes clear that Sarah is now past child-bearing age. She laughs not with delight but in disbelief, unable to accept the promise. Many readers will recognise her embarrassment when she is caught laughing at the visitor’s words. She is afraid. Finally, the reader is left to ponder the question: "Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?" (verse 14).

To Ponder:

• Does it matter to you that the story moves between talking of three visitors and talking of the Lord? Can we meet God in the ambiguity or is a consensus of interpretation important here?
• Hebrews 13:2 reads, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it." Have you ever had an experience where you encountered God through the kindness or words of a stranger?

Prayer
Lord, help me to be open to meeting with you and may I notice your presence today in those I meet. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Kate Cambridge
Kate is a presbyter in the Winchester, Eastleigh and Romsey Circuit. In her free time she enjoys doing laundry (!), spending time with her family and wrestling ball point pens off her miniature poodle.