Genesis 18:20 KJV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 18:16-22

The messengers from heaven had now despatched one part of their business, which was an errand of grace to Abraham and Sarah, and which they delivered first; but now they have before them work of another nature. Sodom is to be destroyed, and they must do it, Gen. 19:13. Note, As with the Lord there is mercy, so he is the God to whom vengeance belongs. Pursuant to their commission, we here find, 1. That they looked towards Sodom (Gen. 18:16); they set their faces against it in wrath, as God is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 18:20

And the Lord said ,.... The Targum of Jonathan adds, to the ministering angels, the two angels that were with him in the likeness of men; or to Abraham, at least in his hearing, by which he understood that Sodom and other cities were about to be destroyed for their sins: because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great ; either of Lot in it, whose righteous soul was vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked, and cried to heaven against them; or of the inhabitants that were oppressed... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:20

Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah - See note on Genesis 13:13 . read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:20

Verse 20 20.The cry of Sodom. The Lord here begins more clearly to explain to Abraham his counsel concerning the destruction of the five cities; although he only names Sodom and Gomorrah, which were much more famous than the rest. But before he makes mention of punishment, he brings forward their iniquities, to teach Abraham that they justly deserved to be destroyed: otherwise the history would not tend to instruction. But when we perceive that the anger of God is provoked by the sin of man, we... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 18:16-33

Abraham's intercession for Sodom. The whole wonderful scene springs out of the theophany. Abraham's faith has given him a special position with the Lord. "Shall I hide from Abraham that thug which I do?" &c.; The true priesthood and mediatorship is friendship with God. The grace of God first gives the likeness and then exalts it. The Lord knew Abraham because Abraham knew the Lord . The superior angel, the Lord, remains behind his companions that Abraham might have the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 18:20

A nd the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Literally, the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah (cf. Genesis 4:10 ), because it is (not, it is indeed, Baumgarten, Keil) multiplied ; the place of emphasis being conceded to the subject of discourse, viz; the cry of Sodom's wickedness. And because their sin is very great. Literally, and their sin, because it is heavy, i.e. abundant and heinous. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 18:1-33

- The Visit of the Lord to Abraham2. השׂתחיה vayı̂śtachû “bow,” or bend the body in token of respect to God or man. The attitude varies from a slight inclination of the body to entire prostration with the forehead touching the ground.6. סאה se'ah a “seah,” about an English peck, the third part of an ephah. The ephah contained ten omers. The omer held about five pints.This chapter describes Abraham’s fellowship with God. On the gracious assurance of the Redeemer and Vindicator, “Fear not, I am... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 18:1-33

Messengers from God (18:1-33)A short time later three men visited Abraham (who was still living at Hebron; see 13:18; 14:13; 18:1.) Abraham welcomed them, not realizing at first that they were God’s special representatives. This was another appearance of the angel of the Lord (18:1-8; see also v. 22; 19:1; Hebrews 13:2). Apparently Abraham had not been able to convince Sarah that she would have a child, so God sent his messenger to her direct. She had to share Abraham’s faith (9-15).Because... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Genesis 18:20

cry. Figure of speech Prosopopoeia. App-6 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 18:20-21

"Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come up unto me; and if not, I will know."The amazing anthropomorphism here represents God as having heard a very damaging report of the wickedness of the doomed cities, and as making a personal trip down to them in order to have the facts first hand. The justice and fairness of any authority making such an... read more