The account of the Three Visitors is found in Genesis 18:1-15, a significant narrative in the life of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. This event is pivotal as it not only demonstrates the hospitality of Abraham but also serves as a divine revelation concerning the birth of Isaac, the child of promise.

Biblical Account:

The passage begins with the LORD appearing to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre. As Abraham sat at the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day, he looked up and saw three men standing nearby. Recognizing the significance of these visitors, Abraham hurried to meet them, bowing low to the ground as a gesture of respect and reverence.

Genesis 18:2-3 states: "When he looked up and saw three men standing nearby, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. 'My lord,' said Abraham, 'if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.'"

Abraham's response to the visitors is characterized by his eagerness to serve and his generous hospitality. He offers them water to wash their feet and a place to rest under the tree. He then hastens to prepare a meal, instructing Sarah to bake bread and selecting a choice calf for a servant to prepare.

Divine Revelation:

As the visitors ate, they inquired about Sarah, Abraham's wife. One of the visitors, who is identified as the LORD, delivered a prophetic message: Sarah would bear a son by the same time next year. This announcement was met with incredulity by Sarah, who was listening at the tent's entrance. Given her advanced age and the fact that she was past the age of childbearing, Sarah laughed to herself at the prospect.

Genesis 18:13-14 records the LORD's response: "And the LORD said to Abraham, 'Why did Sarah laugh and say, "Can I really bear a child when I am old?" 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.'"

Theological Significance:

The visit of the three men is often interpreted as a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humankind. The identity of the visitors has been the subject of much theological discussion. Traditionally, one of the visitors is understood to be the LORD Himself, while the other two are considered to be angels. This interpretation is supported by the subsequent narrative in Genesis 19, where two angels proceed to Sodom.

The encounter underscores several key themes in biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. Despite the natural impossibility of Sarah bearing a child, God's promise to Abraham is assured. Secondly, the narrative emphasizes the importance of hospitality, a virtue highly esteemed in the ancient Near Eastern culture and throughout Scripture.

Cultural and Historical Context:

The setting of the oaks of Mamre, near Hebron, is significant as it was a place where Abraham had previously built an altar to the LORD (Genesis 13:18). The practice of hospitality was a crucial aspect of nomadic life, and Abraham's actions reflect the customs of his time, where welcoming strangers was both a duty and an honor.

In summary, the account of the Three Visitors is a profound moment in the biblical narrative, revealing God's intimate involvement in the lives of His chosen people and His sovereign power to bring about His purposes, regardless of human limitations.