The Testament of Abraham

And the Archistrategos, having departed from the presence of God, went down to Abraham at the Oak of Mamre, and he found the righteous Abraham in the field nearby, with pairs of plowing oxen attending him, along with the sons of Masek and twelve other servants. And behold, the Archistrategos was coming toward him.

And when Abraham saw the Archistrategos Michael coming from afar, like a most handsome soldier, Abraham arose and went to meet him, as was his custom, to go out to meet and receive all strangers.

And the Archistrategos greeted him first and said, “Hail, most honored father, righteous chosen soul of God, genuine friend of the Heavenly One.”

And Abraham said to the Archistrategos, “Hail, most honored soldier, radiant as the sun and most handsome beyond all the sons of men! Welcome have you come.”

“This is the favor I ask concerning your presence: From where has the youth of your age come? Teach me, your supplicant, from where and from what army and by what road has your beauty arrived?”

And the Archistrategos said, “I, righteous Abraham, come from the great city. I have been sent by the great King, bringing a message for his genuine friend, because the King also summons him.”

And Abraham said, “Come, my lord, go with me to my field.” And the Archistrategos said, “I will come.”

And when they went to the field of plowing, they sat down for conversation.

And Abraham said to his servants, the sons of Masek, “Go to the herd of horses and bring two gentle and tame horses, so that I and this stranger may mount them.”

And the Archistrategos said, “No, my lord Abraham, let them not bring horses, because I abstain from this, from ever sitting on a four-footed animal.

For was not my King rich in much merchandise, having authority over both men and all kinds of animals? But I abstain from this, from ever sitting on a four-footed animal.

Let us go, therefore, righteous soul, walking on foot to your house, being lifted up.” And Abraham said, “Amen, so be it.”