“And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.”
Abraham offers a little food so the visitors can be refreshed before going on — 'since you have come to your servant.' The 'little food' he offers will turn out in the following verses to be a lavish meal. The gap between the modest offer ('let me get you a morsel of bread') and the actual provision (fine flour, a choice calf, curds and milk) reflects the character of true hospitality: the host minimizes the gift so as not to create obligation in the guest, while actually providing far more than advertised. The visitors agree to stay. 2 Kings 4:8 shows the Shunammite woman urging Elisha to eat — the same eager hospitality that results in a divine gift to the host. The application: offer what you have as a 'little,' not as an impressive display. The modesty of the offer and the lavishness of the provision together characterize generosity that is other-centered rather than self-presenting.
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