Mamre was an Amorite chieftain who was allied with Abraham. He is best known for the fact that Abraham lived by Mamre's terebinth grove near Hebron, and he participated together with his brothers Aner and Eshcol in the rescue mission to free Lot from the four kings. The place Mamre became an important base for Abraham and is linked to several central events in the patriarchal history.
13One who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, the brother of Eshcol and Aner; these were allies of Abram.
13One who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, the brother of Eshcol and Aner; these were allies of Abram.
14When Abram heard that his kinsman had been taken captive, he mustered his trained men, born in his household, three hundred eighteen of them, and pursued as far as Dan.
24I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share belonging to the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their share."
24I will take nothing but what the young men have eaten, and the share belonging to the men who went with me—Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their share."
It was at the oaks of Mamre that the Lord appeared to Abraham and promised that Sarah would bear a son. The place thus became associated with the promise concerning Isaac.
5Let me bring a piece of bread to refresh you, and then go on your way—since you have come by your servant." "Very well," they said, "do as you have said."
6Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. "Quick," he said, "three measures of the finest flour! Knead it and bake bread." [footnote: About twenty liters.]
10Then he said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son." Now Sarah was listening at the entrance of the tent, behind him.