17. the Lord said, Shall I hide—The chief stranger, no other than the Lord, disclosed to Abraham the awful doom about to be inflicted on Sodom and the cities of the plain for their enormous wickedness. read more
21. I will go down . . . and see—language used after the manner of men. These cities were to be made examples to all future ages of God's severity; and therefore ample proof given that the judgment was neither rash nor excessive (Ezekiel 18:23; Jeremiah 18:7). Jeremiah 18:7- :. ABRAHAM'S INTERCESSION. read more
23. Abraham drew near, and said, c.—The scene described is full of interest and instruction—showing in an unmistakable manner the efficacy of prayer and intercession. (See also Proverbs 15:8 James 5:16). Abraham reasoned justly as to the rectitude of the divine procedure (Romans 3:5; Romans 3:6), and many guilty cities and nations have been spared on account of God's people (Matthew 5:13; Matthew 24:22). read more
33. the Lord . . . left communing . . . and Abraham returned unto his place—Why did Abraham cease to carry his intercessions farther? Either because he fondly thought that he was now sure of the cities being preserved ( :-), or because the Lord restrained his mind from further intercession (Jeremiah 7:16; Jeremiah 11:14). But there were not ten "righteous persons." There was only one, and he might without injustice have perished in the general overthrow (Ecclesiastes 9:2). But a difference is... read more
Abraham was living near Hebron at this time (cf. Genesis 13:18). read more
8. Yahweh’s visit to Abraham 18:1-15Chapters 18 and 19 constitute one integrated story, but we shall consider this episode in the Abraham narrative section by section. Like the Flood story, it has a chiastic structure, this time focusing on the announcement of the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19:12-13). [Note: See Wenham, Genesis 16-50, p. 41, for the chiasm.] Again there is a mass destruction with only one man and his family escaping. Both stories end with intoxication and shameful treatment... read more
The "three men" were "the LORD" (the Angel of Yahweh, Genesis 18:13; Genesis 18:17; Genesis 18:20; Genesis 18:33) and "two angels" (Genesis 19:1; Genesis 18:22) who later visited Lot. If Abraham had previously met the Angel of the Lord it seems likely that he would have recognized Him at once (cf. Genesis 17:1; Genesis 17:22). If he had not, Abraham became aware of who this Angel was during this interview (cf. Genesis 18:25). read more
Abraham’s hospitality reflects oriental custom as practiced in his day and, in some respects, even today in the Middle East. He was behaving more wisely than he realized since he did not yet know that his guests were divine visitors (Genesis 18:8). "Where is Sarah?" (Genesis 18:9) recalls God’s earlier questions about Adam (Genesis 3:9) and Abel (Genesis 4:9). read more
Sarah’s laugh sprang from a spirit of unbelief due to long disappointment, as is clear from the Lord’s response to it (Genesis 18:14). Abraham’s laugh (Genesis 17:17) did not draw such a response. read more
Get a Bible verse delivered to your inbox every day!
Read on Mobile
Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Genesis 18:16
16. the men rose . . . Abraham went with them—It is customary for a host to escort his guests a little way. read more