Genesis 18

Genesis 18 tells the story of a divine visit to Abraham, where the Lord appears to him in the form of three men. This chapter highlights Abraham’s hospitality, a revelation of the coming judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, and the promise of a son to Sarah despite her old age. It illustrates God’s personal interaction with humanity, His justice, and His mercy.

Genesis 18:1-3 (NKJV):
Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant.”

Abraham was sitting in the heat of the day when he noticed three men approaching. These three men are two angels and the pre-incarnate Christ. Recognizing their importance, he hurried to meet them and showed great reverence by bowing. He addressed one of the visitors as “My Lord" (Adonai, a title often reserved for God in the Old Testament)” indicating his recognition that this was a divine encounter. His eagerness to serve them reflects the cultural importance of hospitality but also Abraham’s awareness of the divine presence.

Genesis 18:4-5 (NKJV):
“Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.”
They said, “Do as you have said.”

Abraham offers practical hospitality by bringing water for their feet, a common courtesy for travelers in a dusty land. He invites them to rest and offers food, calling it a “morsel” though he intends to provide a feast. This modesty in his words emphasizes humility, and his desire to serve reflects a deeper respect for his divine visitors.

Genesis 18:6-8 (NKJV):
So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.

Abraham’s actions demonstrate both haste and care in preparing a meal for his guests. He involves Sarah and his servants, ensuring that they prepare the best food available. He does not sit with them but stands by, further indicating his respect for his visitors.

Genesis 18:9-10 (NKJV):
Then they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?”
So he said, “Here, in the tent.”
And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.”
(Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.)

The visitors inquire about Sarah, indicating that their visit is not merely social but has a specific purpose. One of them, who is the Lord, announces the promise of a son, reaffirming the covenant made with Abraham earlier. Sarah’s presence in the tent, though unmentioned until now, shows she is curious about the conversation. This promise of a child, despite her age, will test their faith.

Genesis 18:11-12 (NKJV):
Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?”

Sarah’s reaction to the promise of a child is one of disbelief, expressed through a quiet laugh. Her internal thoughts reveal doubt, especially considering her advanced age and the physical impossibility of childbearing. This moment highlights the human struggle to believe in God's promises when they seem impossible by natural means. Her laughter is not malicious but rather a reflection of her honest skepticism.

Genesis 18:13-15 (NKJV):
And the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid.
And He said, “No, but you did laugh!”

The Lord responds to Sarah’s laughter, even though she had laughed silently. This demonstrates God's omniscience and ability to discern the thoughts of the heart. His rhetorical question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” serves as a reminder of His limitless power. Sarah’s denial reflects her fear and embarrassment at being caught, but God gently corrects her. This interaction reveals both the mercy and the authority of God.

Genesis 18:16-19 (NKJV):
Then the men rose from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to send them on the way. And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing, since Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.”

As the visitors prepare to leave, the Lord contemplates whether to reveal His plans to Abraham regarding Sodom. God acknowledges Abraham's unique role in the divine plan, as he is chosen to lead future generations in righteousness and justice. This moment reveals the intimate relationship between God and Abraham, where God not only communicates promises but also shares His purposes with Abraham, showing trust and partnership.

Genesis 18:20-21 (NKJV):
And the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave, I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry against it that has come to Me; and if not, I will know.”

God reveals His reason for visiting: the cries of the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah have reached heaven, and He intends to investigate the situation. This reflects God's justice in confirming the extent of evil before bringing judgment. Though He is omniscient, the language used emphasizes His fairness and thoroughness in dealing with humanity's sin, allowing no room for misunderstanding or false accusations.

Genesis 18:22-23 (NKJV):
Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord.
And Abraham came near and said, “Would You also destroy the righteous with the wicked?”

The two men, who are angels, head toward Sodom, but Abraham remains with the Lord. As he stands before God, Abraham bravely intercedes, appealing to God’s justice and mercy. His question demonstrates his concern for the righteous who might be living among the wicked. Abraham’s role here as an intercessor emphasizes his relationship with God and his deep compassion for people.

Genesis 18:24-25 (NKJV):
“Suppose there were fifty righteous within the city; would You also destroy the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous that were in it? Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”

Abraham boldly pleads for Sodom, asking if God would spare the city if fifty righteous people are found. His appeal is rooted in God’s character as the just Judge of the earth. Abraham is not questioning God’s justice, but rather affirming that He will do what is right. This moment highlights the tension between God's justice and mercy, as Abraham appeals for the city to be spared for the sake of the righteous.

Genesis 18:26-28 (NKJV):
So the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.”
Then Abraham answered and said, “Indeed now, I who am but dust and ashes have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose there were five less than the fifty righteous; would You destroy all of the city for lack of five?”
So He said, “If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it.”

God agrees to spare Sodom if fifty righteous are found, showing His willingness to be merciful. Abraham, showing humility by calling himself "dust and ashes," cautiously lowers the number to forty-five. God’s response continues to show His patience and grace. This conversation reflects the growing boldness of Abraham in interceding and the compassionate nature of God, who is willing to listen and show mercy even in judgment.

Genesis 18:29-30 (NKJV):
And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Suppose there should be forty found there?”
So He said, “I will not do it for the sake of forty.”
Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Suppose thirty should be found there?”
So He said, “I will not do it if I find thirty there.”

Abraham continues to negotiate with God, lowering the number to forty and then thirty. Each time, God graciously agrees to spare the city if that number of righteous people is found. Abraham's persistence, combined with his humility in asking, reflects the heart of an intercessor. It also shows God's incredible patience and willingness to extend mercy for the sake of even a small group of righteous individuals.

Genesis 18:31-32 (NKJV):
And he said, “Indeed now, I have taken it upon myself to speak to the Lord: Suppose twenty should be found there?”
So He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty.”
Then he said, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak but once more: Suppose ten should be found there?”
And He said, “I will not destroy it for the sake of ten.”

Abraham courageously lowers the number again, first to twenty and then to ten. His cautious approach reflects his awareness of God's holiness and the gravity of the situation. God’s willingness to spare the city for even ten righteous people shows the extent of His mercy. However, the fact that Abraham stops at ten suggests his growing understanding of Sodom’s moral state, realizing how few righteous might actually be present.

Genesis 18:33 (NKJV):
So the Lord went His way as soon as He had finished speaking with Abraham; and Abraham returned to his place.

After this final exchange, the Lord departs, and Abraham returns home. This marks the end of their conversation, leaving Abraham with the knowledge that God's judgment is imminent but tempered with mercy. Abraham’s intercession has demonstrated his deep concern for justice, but ultimately, it rests in God’s hands. The chapter ends with a sense of anticipation, as the fate of Sodom will soon be revealed.