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
God chose to reveal His intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah to Abraham. He did so because of His plans for Abraham. He wanted to challenge Abraham to act wisely and nobly for justice."In this section [Genesis 18:1-21] we have an illustration of fellowship with God and some of its essential features. Fellowship is the crowning purpose of God’s revelation (1 John 1:3). There is nothing higher than this, for man’s life finds its complete fulfillment in union and communion with God. Notice the... read more
9. Abraham’s intercession for Lot 18:16-33After God reviewed the reasons for sharing His plans for the destruction of Sodom with Abraham, He told the patriarch that He was about to investigate the wicked condition of that city. This news moved Abraham to ask God to be just in His dealings with the righteous there."A rhetorical question in each section-’Is anything too demanding for Yahweh?’ [Genesis 18:14]; ’Shall not he who judges all the earth give right judgment?" [Genesis 18:25]-sounds the... read more
The Visit of the Angels to Abraham. The Judgment of Sodom announced. Abraham intercedes on its BehalfIn this beautiful narrative the writer dwells on the unique revelations of God’s purposes with which Abraham was favoured. In after times the patriarch received the title of ’the friend of God’ (2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8; James 2:23). The chapter is from the Primitive document. The religious lessons, the vivid description, and the consciousness of God’s immediate presence and interest in... read more
(21) I will go down.—God examines before He punishes (see Note on Genesis 11:5) with the same care and personal inspection as the most conscientious earthly judge.Altogether.—Some take this word, not as an adverb, but as a noun (comp. Isaiah 10:23), and translate “I will see whether they have done according to the cry of it: (in which case there shall be for them) utter destruction.” But the ellipse is harsh; and inquiry, the knowing and not the punishing, is the prominent thought in the words... read more
Abraham's Intercession Genesis 18:16-33 When Scott the commentator was dying, we are told that he spoke much to those around him on the way in which his prayers for others had been answered. He thought he had failed less in the duty of intercession than in any other. Whether that be true of Scott or not, it is surely very true of Abraham. His nearness to God is never more apparent than when he intercedes for Sodom. Meyer notes these features of his prayer: (1) It was lonely prayer. 'He waited... read more
ABRAHAM’S INTERCESSION FOR SODOMGenesis 18:1-33THE scene with which this chapter opens is one familiar to the observer of nomad life in the East. During the scorching heat and glaring light of noon, while the birds seek the densest foliage and the wild animals lie panting in the thicket and everything is still and silent as midnight, Abraham sits in his tent door under the spreading oak of Mamre. Listless, languid, and dreamy as he is, he is at once aroused into brightest wakefulness by the... read more
CHAPTER 18 The Sixth Communication and Jehovah Visits Abraham 1. The manifestation (Genesis 18:1-2 ) 2. Abraham’s welcome (Genesis 18:3-8 ) 3. The promise repeated (Genesis 18:9-10 ) 4. Sarah’s laughter (Genesis 18:11-15 ) 5. The departure towards Sodom (Genesis 18:16 ) 6. Abraham’s intercession (Genesis 18:17-33 ) This most remarkable visitation was the answer of Jehovah to Abraham’s obedience of faith. The one in the middle was none other than Jehovah in human form; the other two... read more
18:21 I will {k} go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the {l} cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.(k) God speaks after the fashion of men: that is, I will enter into judgment with good advise.(l) For our sins cry for vengeance, though no one accuses us. read more
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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