A Visit From Celestial Strangers: Tissot’s ‘Abraham and the Three Angels’

A Visit From Celestial Strangers: Tissot’s ‘Abraham and the Three Angels’
God can work wonders for good people. "Abraham and the Three Angels," circa 1896–1902, by James Jacques Joseph Tissot. Gouache on board-mounted paper; 7 3/4 inches by 11 5/16 inches. The Jewish Museum. Public Domain
Yvonne Marcotte
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Abraham left the land of his father to settle in Canaan. His prosperity and influence had grown. His tent set up near Shechem bore the trappings of Bedouin wealth: rugs and carpets of the most beautiful design and craftsmanship.

Despite his wealth, Abraham’s tent did not peal with a child’s laughter, as he and his wife, Sarah, had passed childbearing age and had no children. However, on this day, he was about to receive a visit from three strangers who would change his life in this regard.