In the midst of conversing with G‑d, Avraham sees three men approaching and runs to welcome them to his home. From Avraham’s behavior we learn that welcoming guests is greater than receiving the Shechinah, the Divine Presence.
But, having no precedent from which to learn, how did Avraham know that it was permissible to welcome human company during his reception of the Divine Presence? Was he not concerned that such behavior was inappropriate and disrespectful to his esteemed Guest?
Avraham’s conclusion that it was permissible to welcome guests in the midst of meeting with G‑d was based simply on the weather. Rashi notes that it was unusually hot that day, as G‑d sought to spare Avraham the trouble of welcoming guests: “G‑d took the sun out of its sheath so as not to trouble him with visitors.”
Noticing G‑d’s interference with the weather patterns, Avraham realized what was going on. He wondered: if a meeting with G‑d may not be interrupted to welcome people into your home, then what need is there for Divine intervention to keep the passersby away right now? From the fact that G‑d “took the sun out of its sheath” even while appearing to Avraham, in order to prevent guests from disturbing him, Avraham deduced that if guests would pass by, it was obviously still a mitzvah to welcome them even if it would disturb his meeting with G‑d. Hence, concluded Avraham, welcoming guests must be greater than receiving the Shechinah! So when three men approached during G‑d’s visit, “He [Avraham] saw, and he ran toward them...”
—Likkutei Sichos, vol. 25, p. 82, fn. 45
