Beginning of the End

Abraham Unwittingly Entertains Angels

God conferred great honor on Abraham. Angels walked and talked with him. When judgments were about to come to Sodom, the fact was not hidden from him, and he became an intercessor with God for sinners. BOE 59.3

In the hot summer noontime Abraham was sitting in his tent door when he saw three travelers in the distance. Before they reached his tent, the strangers stopped. Without waiting for them to ask any favors, with the utmost courtesy Abraham urged them to honor him by staying for refreshment. With his own hands he brought water that they might wash the dust of travel from their feet. He selected food, and while they were resting under the cooling shade, he stood respectfully beside them while they ate and drank what he provided. Years later an inspired apostle referred to this act of courtesy: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2). BOE 59.4

Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired travelers, not thinking that among them One was divine, whom he might worship without sin. But the true character of the heavenly messengers was now revealed. They were on their way as agents of wrath, yet to Abraham they spoke first of blessings. God does not take delight in vengeance. BOE 59.5

Abraham had honored God and the Lord honored him, revealing to him His purposes. “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?” said the Lord. “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.” God knew Sodom’s guilt, but He expressed Himself in human terms, that His justice might be understood. He would go Himself to conduct an examination of their course. If they had not passed the limits of divine mercy, He would give them an opportunity for repentance. BOE 59.6

Two of the heavenly messengers departed, leaving Abraham alone with the One whom he now knew to be the Son of God—and the man of faith pleaded for the inhabitants of Sodom. Once he had saved them by his sword; now he tried to save them by prayer. Lot and his household were still living there, and Abraham attempted to save them from the storm of divine judgment. BOE 60.1

With deep humility he urged his plea: “I who am but dust and ashes have taken upon myself to speak to the Lord.” He did not claim favor because of his obedience or the sacrifices he had made in doing God’s will. As a sinner, he pleaded in the sinner’s behalf. Yet Abraham showed the confidence of a child pleading with a loved father. Though Lot had chosen to live in Sodom, he did not join in the sins of its inhabitants. Abraham thought that there must be other worshipers of the true God in that large city, so he pleaded, “Far be it from You ... to slay the righteous with the wicked. ... Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” As his requests were granted, he gained the assurance that if even ten righteous persons could be found in Sodom, the city would be spared. BOE 60.2

Abraham’s prayer for Sodom shows that we should cherish hatred of sin but pity and love for the sinner. All around us people are going down to ruin. Every hour some are passing beyond the reach of mercy. Where are the voices of invitation, urging sinners to flee from this fearful doom? Where are those who are pleading with God for them? BOE 60.3