Abraham the Friend of God (Genesis 18)

The heat of the day is upon the plain of Mamre. Abraham sits in his tent under a spreading oak. Looking up, he sights three wayfarers not far off. He hastens to them. Reaching their immediate presence, he bows himself toward the ground. The leader of the group, whom Abraham is quick to detect, is now addressed in speech of reverential courtesy. Favors are offered in terms most belittling to the favors. It is but a little water that will be fetched them. Let them then wash their feet, and rest...