Proper 6 (11)

1Verse 1. Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent. 2Verse 2. And Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 3Verse 3. “My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by. 4Verse 4. Let a little water be brought, that you may wash your feet and rest yourselves under the tree. 5Verse 5. And I will bring a bit of bread so that you may refresh yourselves. This is why you have passed your servant’s way. After that, you may continue on your way.” “Yes,” they replied, “you may do as you have said.” 6Verse 6. So Abraham hurried into the tent and said to Sarah, “Quick! Prepare three seahs of fine flour, knead it, and bake some bread.” 7Verse 7. Meanwhile, Abraham ran to the herd, selected a tender and choice calf, and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it. 8Verse 8. Then Abraham brought curds and milk and the calf that had been prepared, and he set them before the men and stood by them under the tree as they ate. 9Verse 9. “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked. “There, in the tent,” he replied. 10Verse 10. Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. 11Verse 11. And Abraham and Sarah were already old and well along in years; Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. 12Verse 12. So she laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?” 13Verse 13. And the LORD asked Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Can I really bear a child when I am old?’ 14Verse 14. Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you — in about a year — and Sarah will have a son.” 15Verse 15. But Sarah was afraid, so she denied it and said, “I did not laugh.” “No,” replied the LORD, “but you did laugh.”

2Verse 2. After they had set out from Rephidim, they entered the Wilderness of Sinai, and Israel camped there in front of the mountain. 3Verse 3. Then Moses went up to God, and the LORD called to him from the mountain, “This is what you are to tell the house of Jacob and explain to the sons of Israel: 4Verse 4. ‘You have seen for yourselves what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 5Verse 5. Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations — for the whole earth is Mine. 6Verse 6. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you are to speak to the Israelites.” 7Verse 7. So Moses went back and summoned the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. 8Verse 8. And all the people answered together, “We will do everything that the LORD has spoken.” So Moses brought their words back to the LORD.