Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

be observed by him and his descendants as a sign that they were
separated from idolaters and that God accepted them as His special
treasure. They were not to marry the heathen, for by so doing they
would be tempted to engage in the sinful practices of other nations
and be drawn into idolatry.
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.
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).
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
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