And he sat at the opening of the tent in the heat of the day (Gen. 18:1)
This is the mark of the true tzadik (righteous individual), who always sees himself "at the opening," i.e., the very beginning, along the path of righteousness. Considering himself still "outside" and far from spiritual perfection, he worries that his deeds haven't accomplished much... (Toldot Yaakov Yosef)
And he lifted up his eyes and behold, he saw three ("vehinei shlosha") men standing by him (Gen. 18:2)
The numerical equivalent of the Hebrew letters of "vehinei shlosha" is 701, the same as "eilu Gavriel, Michael u'Refael" - "these are Gabriel, Michael and Raphael" - the three angels who came to visit Abraham. (Baal HaTurim)
And they said, So do as you have said (Gen. 18:5)
The way of tzadikim is to say little, yet do much. The angels knew that Abraham was a tzadik, and that he would go out of his way - above and beyond what he had already offered - to make them feel at ease. They therefore asked him to "do as he had said" with regard to their comfort, and no more. (Torat Moshe)
For I know him...that he will do justice and judgment (Gen. 18:19)
What is the connection between justice and judgment? Whenever G-d gives a person an abundance of blessings, he must ask himself: Do I really deserve so much goodness? Why me and not someone else? This "self-judgment" will then prompt him to give tzedaka (charity) in a generous and unstinting manner. (Sefer HaMaamarim)
And he said...possibly ten will be found there (Gen. 18:32)
Why did Abraham say "possibly"? If there were ten righteous people in the city, isn't it logical to assume that he was acquainted with them? Rather, Abraham was concerned that there might be "hidden tzadikim" living in Sodom, who were afraid to reveal themselves as such in their wicked society. (Shoshanat Avraham)
Reprinted from the Parshat Vayera 5762/2001 edition of L’Chaim.
