Bible Commentaries
Genesis 18

Verses 1-33

This is the account of the sixth appearance of God to Abraham. In it four phases of relationship between God and Abraham are revealed. God visited Abraham and Abraham provided for Him. God bestowed on Abraham and Abraham received from Him. God communicated to Abraham and Abraham answered with the statement of a difficulty. God listened to Abraham and Abraham interceded with Him.

The picture of Abraham providing for the supernatural Visitors is beautiful in its revelation of his love and loyalty; but yet more in its manifestation of the grace of God.

Jehovah now communicated to Abraham His purpose concerning the cities of the Plain and His reasons for making this communication were stated. Abraham was the depository of blessing to the nations. It was fitting that his children should know the meaning of the destruction of Sodom.

Abraham found himself confronted with a difficulty which had to do with the strict justice of God; and his question, "shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" revealed his anxiety for the vindication of the character of God among the nations. The story of the intercession of Abraham with God on behalf of the cities, in the interest of the righteous, is a wonderful revelation of the patience of God. He will ever listen to honest intercession, though He knows His ways are infinitely better, than the fears that prompt our prayers. The sequel shows that in His action He goes beyond anything we ask. Abraham stopped at ten. Jehovah saved the two or three in whom there was any trace of recognition of Himself.