As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

“And he was standing over them under the tree and they ate.” (18:8)

We learn hospitality from Abraham, but he learned it from the Creator. Abraham saw that nothing in the Universe is without purpose, and he saw that men utilized a tree to sit in its shade. This demonstrated the Creator’s hospitality. When the tree also provides fruit, it is an additional gift of Hashem’s hospitality. Abraham followed the system of “You shall walk in His ways.” (Debarim 28:9)

Since we know that Abraham constantly proclaimed in the name of Hashem (12:8, 13:4, 21:33) everywhere, it is certain that he also did so when he stood over (served) his guests. As they ate and drank, they thanked him and praised his hospitality; but it is certain that he replied: “Who is the owner?”

Abraham always utilized the opportunity to speak at length on the necessity to recognize the Creator from His creations. It is certain that he pointed out the miracles of rain and wind and sunshine that produce food. And he spoke of the wonder of seeds in the fruit (1:11). And of the miracle of reproduction of species after their own kind (1:11, 1:21, 1:24) and of all the wonders of plan and purpose which fill the earth.

It is certain that he dilated on the kindly purpose of all G-d’s phenomena, in the same vein as the Psalmist: “For You have caused me happiness by Your work, Hashem; I sing at the deeds of your hands. How great are your works, Hashem! How very deep are your thoughts!” (Tehillim 92:5-6) Abraham’s kindliness to wayfarers was a reflection of Hashem’s kindliness to Mankind.

Quoted from “The Beginning” By Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Shabbat Shalom

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