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Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Genesis 18:22-33

This is the first time in Scripture that a man initiated a conversation with God. He prayed for the people of Sodom, not just Lot. Abraham’s intercession raises several questions in the minds of thoughtful Bible students. Did Abraham succeed in his intercession since God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah? Some interpreters believe he did not because he quit too soon.". . . Abraham ceased asking before God ceased giving." [Note: Ibid., p. 116. See also Chris Wright, "Intercession or Irritation?"... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:1-33

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Genesis 18:1-33

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

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Genesis 18:1-33

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

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Genesis 18:1-33

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

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:1-33

A DIVINE VISITATION Though previous to this chapter we read twice of the Lord appearing to Abraham (ch.13:7; 17:1), we are not told in what way He appeared. Now, in chapter 18 we are faced with what is called a "theophany," for the Lord Himself appears in manhood form, and two angels accompany Him, also appearing as men. They are called angels in chapter 19:1. The occasion is not confirmed to leaving a message, but involves having a prolonged visit with Abraham. It is clear that the Lord... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - Genesis 18:1-33

LOT ’S AFTERMATH We have almost forgotten Lot, but he is not having a happy time in the land of his choice. The Sodomites have learned nothing by experience and are increasing in iniquity and ripening for judgment. The facts in chapter 18 introduce the story of the climax in their case. A SECOND THEOPHANY (Genesis 18:1-15 ) The word “ LORD ” in (Genesis 18:1 is in capitals, another manifestation of the second Person of the Godhead as in the case of “the Angel of the LORD ” in the last... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - Genesis 18:1-33

Abraham's Intercession for the Cities of the Plain Genesis 18:0 This chapter gives two views of life as unlike each other as possible. The one is a quiet domestic scene, and the other a scene of terrible judgment. In the heat of the day Abraham was sitting in his tent under the shade of the trees, when three travellers came unexpectedly upon him. The account reads very curiously; for in the first verse we are told that "the Lord appeared unto Abraham as he sat in the tent door in the heat of... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 18:23-33

23-33 Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. Abraham, indeed, failed in his request for the whole place, but Lot was miraculously... read more

Paul E. Kretzmann

The Popular Commentary by Paul E. Kretzmann - Genesis 18:23-33

Abraham's Intercession v. 23. And Abraham drew near and said, Wilt Thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? It was a holy boldness which Abraham here displayed, both in drawing near to the Lord until he stood face to face with Him, and in speaking as he did: Surely Thou wilt not sweep off the righteous with the godless! v. 24. Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city; wilt Thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? v. 25. That be... read more

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