Bible Commentaries
Genesis 18

Introduction

Overview

Genesis 18:1, The Lord appears to Abraham, who entertains angels; Genesis 18:9, Sarah is reproved for laughing at the promise of a son; Genesis 18:16, The destruction of Sodom is revealed to Abraham; Genesis 18:23, Abraham makes intercession for the inhabitants.

Verse 1

appeared: Genesis 15:1, Genesis 17:1-3, Genesis 17:22, Genesis 26:2, Genesis 48:3, Exodus 4:1, 2 Chronicles 1:7, Acts 7:2

Mamre: Genesis 13:18, Genesis 14:13

and he sat: In these verses we have a delightful picture of genuine and primitive hospitality: avenerable father sits at the tent door, not only to enjoy the current of refreshing air, but that if he saw any weary and exhausted travellers, he might invite them to rest and refresh themselves during the heat of the day, and the same custom still continues in the east. It was not the custom, nor was there any necessity, for strangers to knock at the door, or to speak first, but to stand till they were invited.

Reciprocal: Genesis 12:7 - appeared Genesis 18:22 - stood Genesis 19:1 - General Genesis 20:1 - from Genesis 31:11 - the angel Genesis 35:9 - General Genesis 35:27 - Mamre Exodus 4:5 - the Lord Hebrews 11:9 - dwelling

Verse 2

And he: Judges 13:3, Judges 13:9, Hebrews 13:2

three: Genesis 18:22, Genesis 19:1, Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9

he ran: Romans 12:13

bowed: Genesis 23:7, Genesis 33:3-7, Genesis 43:26, Genesis 43:28, Genesis 44:14, Ruth 2:10, 2 Kings 2:15

Reciprocal: Genesis 23:12 - General Genesis 32:13 - a present Genesis 42:6 - bowed Genesis 48:12 - he bowed himself Exodus 18:7 - did obeisance Numbers 22:36 - went Joshua 5:13 - a man Judges 19:15 - no man 2 Samuel 9:6 - he fell 2 Samuel 12:4 - a traveller 2 Samuel 24:20 - bowed 1 Kings 18:7 - fell on Isaiah 58:7 - bring Ezekiel 10:1 - as the Matthew 25:35 - I was a Luke 24:4 - two men Hebrews 11:9 - dwelling

Verse 3

favour: Genesis 32:5

Reciprocal: Genesis 30:27 - favour Genesis 34:11 - General Genesis 39:4 - Joseph Genesis 47:25 - let us Genesis 50:4 - found grace Judges 6:18 - bring Judges 13:15 - let us Luke 19:5 - for

Verse 4

wash your feet: In those ancient times, shoes such as ours, were not in use; and the foot was protected only with sandals or soles, fastened round the foot with straps. It was, therefore, not only necessary from motives of cleanliness, but also a very great refreshment, in so hot a country, to get the feet washed at the end of a day's journey; and this is the first thing that Abraham proposes. Genesis 19:2, Genesis 24:32, Genesis 43:24, 1 Samuel 25:41, Luke 7:44, John 13:5-15, 1 Timothy 5:10

tree: Rest in the shade was the second requisite for the refreshment of a weary traveller.

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:25 - General Judges 19:21 - they washed 2 Samuel 11:8 - wash 2 Kings 3:11 - poured water Luke 7:38 - wash Acts 16:15 - come Ephesians 3:20 - able

Verse 5

And I: Judges 6:18, Judges 13:15, Matthew 6:11

bread: This was the third requisite, and is introduced in its proper order; as eating immediately after exertion or fatigue is very unwholesome.

comfort: Heb. stay, Judges 19:5, Psalms 104:15, Isaiah 3:1

are ye come: Heb. ye have passed, Genesis 19:8, Genesis 33:10

Reciprocal: Exodus 2:20 - call him 1 Kings 13:7 - refresh 1 Kings 17:11 - a morsel Acts 16:15 - come

Verse 6

Make ready quickly: Heb. hasten

three: Isaiah 32:8, Matthew 13:33, Luke 10:38-40, Acts 16:15, Romans 12:13, Galatians 5:13, Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9

Reciprocal: Genesis 19:3 - a feast Genesis 24:67 - his mother Judges 6:19 - and made 2 Samuel 13:6 - make me Proverbs 31:13 - worketh Ezekiel 4:12 - cakes Luke 19:6 - he 1 Timothy 5:14 - guide Hebrews 11:9 - dwelling

Verse 7

Genesis 19:3, Judges 13:15, Judges 13:16, Amos 6:4, Malachi 1:14, Matthew 22:4, Luke 15:23, Luke 15:27, Luke 15:30

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 28:24 - a fat calf Luke 19:6 - he

Verse 8

he took: Genesis 19:3, Deuteronomy 32:14, Judges 5:25

stood: Nehemiah 12:44, Luke 12:37, Luke 17:8, John 12:2, Galatians 5:13, Revelation 3:20

and they: Genesis 19:3, Judges 13:15, Luke 24:30, Luke 24:43, Acts 10:41

Reciprocal: 1 Samuel 28:24 - a fat calf

Verse 9

Where: Genesis 4:9

in: Genesis 24:67, Genesis 31:33, Titus 2:5

Reciprocal: Proverbs 7:11 - her feet 1 Timothy 5:14 - guide Hebrews 11:9 - dwelling

Verse 10

he said: Genesis 18:13, Genesis 18:14, Genesis 16:10, Genesis 22:15, Genesis 22:16

according: Genesis 17:21, Genesis 21:2, 2 Kings 4:16, 2 Kings 4:17

Sarah: Genesis 17:16, Genesis 17:19, Genesis 17:21, Genesis 21:2, Judges 13:3-5, Luke 1:13, Romans 9:8, Romans 9:9, Galatians 4:23, Galatians 4:28

Reciprocal: Genesis 16:2 - the Lord Genesis 21:1 - Sarah as Genesis 24:36 - Sarah Genesis 24:67 - his mother Genesis 26:2 - appeared 2 Kings 4:14 - she hath no child Matthew 1:21 - she Luke 1:20 - because

Verse 11

old: Genesis 17:17, Genesis 17:24, Luke 1:7, Luke 1:18, Luke 1:36, Romans 4:18-21, Hebrews 11:11, Hebrews 11:12, Hebrews 11:19

the: Genesis 31:35, Leviticus 15:19

Reciprocal: Genesis 11:30 - barren Genesis 21:7 - for I Genesis 24:1 - was old Joshua 13:1 - Joshua 1 Kings 1:1 - and stricken in years Isaiah 51:2 - unto Abraham Romans 4:19 - considered

Verse 12

laughed: Genesis 18:13, Genesis 17:17, Genesis 21:6, Genesis 21:7, Psalms 126:2, Luke 1:18-20, Luke 1:34, Luke 1:35, Hebrews 11:11, Hebrews 11:12

my: Ephesians 5:33, 1 Peter 3:6

Reciprocal: Genesis 11:30 - barren Genesis 23:6 - my lord Genesis 31:35 - my lord Judges 19:26 - her lord was 1 Kings 1:17 - My lord 1 Kings 18:7 - my lord Elijah 2 Kings 4:16 - do not lie 2 Kings 7:2 - if the Lord Psalms 78:20 - can he give

Verse 13

Wherefore: John 2:25

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:10 - he said Genesis 18:12 - laughed Genesis 43:1 - General Mark 10:27 - With men Acts 12:11 - I know

Verse 14

Is: Numbers 11:23, Deuteronomy 7:21, 1 Samuel 14:6, 2 Kings 7:1, 2 Kings 7:2, Job 36:5, Job 42:2, Psalms 93:1, Psalms 95:3, Jeremiah 32:17, Micah 7:18, Zechariah 8:6, Matthew 3:9, Matthew 14:31, Matthew 19:26, Mark 10:27, Luke 1:13, Luke 1:37, Luke 8:50, Ephesians 3:20, Philippians 3:21, Philippians 4:13, Hebrews 11:19

I will: Genesis 18:10, Genesis 17:21, Deuteronomy 30:3, 2 Kings 4:16, Psalms 90:13, Micah 7:18, Luke 1:13, Luke 1:18

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:1 - Almighty Genesis 21:1 - Sarah as Genesis 21:2 - at the set Genesis 22:8 - General Genesis 35:11 - God Almighty Exodus 4:11 - General Numbers 20:8 - speak 2 Kings 7:18 - as the man Isaiah 50:2 - Is my Isaiah 59:1 - the Lord's Isaiah 66:9 - bring to Daniel 3:17 - our God Daniel 6:20 - able Zephaniah 3:17 - is mighty Matthew 22:29 - nor Mark 1:40 - if thou Mark 12:24 - neither Mark 14:36 - all Luke 5:12 - if Luke 18:27 - General Acts 26:8 - General Romans 4:21 - he was able Romans 9:9 - At this time

Verse 15

denied: Genesis 4:9, Genesis 12:13, Job 2:10, Proverbs 28:13, John 18:17, John 18:25-27, Ephesians 4:23, Colossians 3:9, 1 John 1:8

Nay: Psalms 44:21, Proverbs 12:19, Mark 2:8, John 2:25, Romans 3:19

Reciprocal: 1 Peter 3:6 - and

Verse 16

to bring: Acts 15:3, Acts 20:38, Acts 21:5, Romans 15:24, 3 John 1:6

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:33 - And the

Verse 17

2 Kings 4:27, 2 Chronicles 20:7, Psalms 25:14, Amos 3:7, John 15:15, James 2:23

Reciprocal: Genesis 31:11 - the angel Job 24:1 - not see Ezekiel 10:1 - as the Daniel 2:23 - and hast Matthew 20:17 - took

Verse 18

become: Genesis 12:2, Genesis 12:3, Genesis 22:17, Genesis 22:18, Genesis 26:4, Psalms 72:17, Acts 3:25, Acts 3:26, Galatians 3:8, Galatians 3:14, Ephesians 1:3

Reciprocal: Genesis 13:15 - General Genesis 13:16 - General Genesis 28:14 - and in thee Genesis 35:11 - a nation Genesis 46:3 - I will Exodus 2:24 - remembered Exodus 24:11 - did eat Ezra 9:12 - and leave it John 5:46 - for John 15:16 - that your 2 Thessalonians 1:12 - and ye

Verse 19

For I: 2 Samuel 7:20, Psalms 1:6, Psalms 11:4, Psalms 34:15, John 10:14, John 21:17, 2 Timothy 2:19

command: Genesis 17:23-27, Deuteronomy 4:9, Deuteronomy 4:10, Deuteronomy 6:6, Deuteronomy 6:7, Deuteronomy 11:19-21, Deuteronomy 32:46, Joshua 24:15, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Job 1:5, Psalms 78:2-9, Proverbs 6:20-22, Proverbs 22:6, Isaiah 38:19, Ephesians 6:4, 1 Timothy 3:4, 1 Timothy 3:5, 1 Timothy 3:12, 2 Timothy 1:5, 2 Timothy 3:15

that the: 1 Samuel 2:30, 1 Samuel 2:31, Acts 27:23, Acts 27:24, Acts 27:31

Reciprocal: Genesis 14:14 - born Genesis 17:27 - circumcised Genesis 26:5 - General Genesis 35:2 - unto his Exodus 21:4 - shall be her Exodus 33:12 - I know Leviticus 14:42 - General Leviticus 21:15 - profane Deuteronomy 6:2 - and thy son Joshua 22:24 - for fear Judges 13:12 - How shall we order the child Ruth 2:4 - And they 1 Samuel 1:21 - General 2 Samuel 6:20 - bless 2 Samuel 22:22 - the ways 1 Kings 2:4 - That the Lord 1 Chronicles 16:43 - to bless 2 Chronicles 14:4 - commanded 2 Chronicles 33:16 - commanded 2 Chronicles 34:32 - caused Ezra 9:12 - and leave it Esther 4:16 - I also Job 4:3 - Behold Job 23:10 - he knoweth Psalms 78:5 - that they Psalms 101:2 - walk Proverbs 4:4 - He Jeremiah 2:21 - wholly Jeremiah 32:39 - for the Ezekiel 18:5 - that Micah 6:8 - to do Zechariah 10:7 - yea Matthew 25:17 - he also Acts 10:2 - with Acts 11:14 - all Acts 13:10 - the right Acts 16:31 - and thy Acts 18:8 - believed Acts 18:25 - instructed Romans 12:8 - ruleth Philippians 4:8 - are just Titus 1:6 - having

Verse 20

the cry: Genesis 4:10, Genesis 19:13, Isaiah 3:9, Isaiah 5:7, Jeremiah 14:7, James 5:4

sin: Genesis 13:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 3:9 - General Genesis 6:5 - God Genesis 10:19 - Sodom Genesis 19:4 - all Exodus 2:23 - cry Numbers 11:17 - talk with Job 24:1 - not see Psalms 78:59 - God Jeremiah 23:14 - Sodom Ezekiel 16:46 - thy younger sister Ezekiel 16:49 - fulness Ezekiel 16:50 - and committed Joel 3:13 - for their Jonah 1:2 - for Luke 16:2 - How Luke 17:28 - General Romans 5:13 - until Revelation 18:5 - reached

Verse 21

I will go down: This is spoken figuratively; and as the Jewish writers speak, according to the language of men. So eyes, ears, hands, and other members of the body are attributed to God, for effecting those things which men cannot accomplish without these members. Genesis 11:5, Genesis 11:7, Exodus 3:8, Exodus 33:5, Micah 1:3, John 6:38, 1 Thessalonians 4:16

see: Job 34:22, Psalms 90:8, Jeremiah 17:1, Jeremiah 17:10, Zephaniah 1:12, Hebrews 4:13

I will know: Exodus 33:5, Deuteronomy 8:2, Deuteronomy 13:3, Joshua 22:22, Psalms 139:1-24, Luke 16:15, 2 Corinthians 11:11

Reciprocal: Genesis 3:9 - General Genesis 6:5 - God Genesis 6:12 - God Exodus 2:23 - cry Exodus 3:7 - I know Numbers 11:17 - I will come Deuteronomy 9:13 - I have Job 24:1 - not see Psalms 14:2 - The Lord Psalms 78:59 - God Isaiah 3:9 - and they declare Jonah 1:2 - for Luke 16:2 - How Luke 17:28 - General Acts 7:34 - and am Revelation 18:5 - reached

Verse 22

the men: Genesis 18:2, Genesis 19:1

stood: The two, whom we suppose to have been created angels, departed at this time; and accordingly two entered Sodom at evening: while the one, called Jehovah throughout the chapter, continued with Abraham, who "stood yet before the Lord." - Scott. Genesis 18:1, Psalms 106:23, Jeremiah 15:1, Jeremiah 18:20, Ezekiel 22:30, Acts 7:55, 1 Timothy 2:1

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:33 - And the Genesis 19:17 - he said Genesis 19:27 - to the Deuteronomy 5:5 - General Ezekiel 10:1 - as the Ezekiel 14:23 - that I have not

Verse 23

drew: Psalms 73:28, Jeremiah 30:21, Hebrews 10:22, James 5:17

Wilt: Genesis 18:25, Genesis 20:4, Numbers 16:22, 2 Samuel 24:17, Job 8:3, Job 34:17, Psalms 11:4-7, Romans 3:5, Romans 3:6

Reciprocal: Genesis 19:29 - that God Numbers 11:2 - prayed 2 Samuel 20:19 - peaceable 1 Kings 17:20 - hast thou also Isaiah 59:16 - he saw Jeremiah 5:1 - if there Ezekiel 9:8 - Ah Ezekiel 14:16 - they shall Ezekiel 22:30 - make John 9:31 - him Acts 27:24 - lo 1 Timothy 2:1 - supplications James 4:8 - Draw nigh to God James 5:16 - The effectual

Verse 24

there: Genesis 18:32, Isaiah 1:9, Jeremiah 5:1, Matthew 7:13, Matthew 7:14

spare: Acts 27:24

Reciprocal: Genesis 19:21 - that Joshua 6:23 - out Rahab 1 Samuel 23:10 - destroy the city 2 Chronicles 12:12 - also in Judah things went well Job 35:8 - may profit Jeremiah 27:18 - let them

Verse 25

be far: Jeremiah 12:1

that the: Job 8:20, Job 9:22, Job 9:23, Ecclesiastes 7:15, Ecclesiastes 8:12, Ecclesiastes 8:13, Isaiah 3:10, Isaiah 3:11, Isaiah 57:1, Isaiah 57:2, Malachi 3:18

Shall: Deuteronomy 32:4, Job 8:3, Job 34:17-19, Psalms 11:5-7, Psalms 58:11, Psalms 94:2, Psalms 98:9, Romans 3:6

Judge: John 5:22-27, 2 Corinthians 5:10

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:23 - Wilt Genesis 44:17 - God forbid Leviticus 10:3 - Aaron Joshua 7:24 - his sons Judges 11:27 - the Judge Judges 20:25 - destroyed 1 Samuel 3:18 - It is the Lord 1 Samuel 15:6 - depart 1 Kings 8:45 - cause 2 Chronicles 19:7 - no iniquity Nehemiah 9:33 - Howbeit Job 4:17 - Shall mortal Job 23:4 - fill my mouth Job 31:28 - an Job 34:10 - far Psalms 7:8 - The Lord Psalms 9:8 - General Psalms 36:6 - righteousness Psalms 50:6 - God Psalms 67:4 - for thou Psalms 97:2 - righteousness Psalms 119:75 - right Psalms 145:17 - righteous Proverbs 17:26 - to punish Ecclesiastes 3:17 - God Isaiah 10:22 - with Isaiah 33:22 - the Lord is our judge Jeremiah 11:20 - judgest Ezekiel 18:25 - my Hosea 6:5 - and thy judgments are as Hosea 14:9 - for Zephaniah 3:5 - he will Matthew 20:13 - I do John 5:30 - I judge Romans 2:2 - judgment Romans 2:16 - God Romans 9:14 - Is there unrighteousness 2 Timothy 4:8 - the righteous Hebrews 2:10 - it Hebrews 12:23 - God 1 Peter 2:23 - judgeth Revelation 16:5 - Thou art Revelation 20:11 - I saw

Verse 26

Isaiah 6:13, Isaiah 10:22, Isaiah 19:24, Isaiah 65:8, Jeremiah 5:1, Ezekiel 22:30, Matthew 24:22

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:28 - If I Job 22:30 - He shall deliver the island of the innocent Isaiah 1:9 - we should

Verse 27

I have: Genesis 18:30-32, Ezra 9:6, Job 42:6-8, Isaiah 6:5, Luke 18:1

dust: Genesis 2:7, Genesis 3:19, Job 4:19, Psalms 8:4, Psalms 144:3, Ecclesiastes 12:7, Isaiah 6:5, Isaiah 64:8, Luke 5:8, 1 Corinthians 15:47, 1 Corinthians 15:48, 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:2

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:31 - General Genesis 32:10 - not worthy of the least of all 2 Samuel 14:12 - speak one word Job 13:12 - ashes Job 25:6 - How much less Job 30:19 - dust Job 40:4 - Behold Job 42:4 - Hear Psalms 22:15 - into the Ecclesiastes 5:2 - not rash Jeremiah 30:21 - engaged

Verse 28

wilt: Numbers 14:17-19, 1 Kings 20:32, 1 Kings 20:33, Job 23:3, Job 23:4

If I: Genesis 18:26, Genesis 18:29

Reciprocal: Daniel 2:18 - of the God of heaven

Verse 29

Ephesians 6:18, Hebrews 4:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:28 - If I

Verse 30

Genesis 44:18, Judges 6:39, Esther 4:11-16, Job 40:4, Psalms 9:12, Psalms 10:17, Psalms 89:7, Isaiah 6:5, Isaiah 55:8, Isaiah 55:9, Hebrews 12:28, Hebrews 12:29

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:27 - I have Genesis 18:32 - Oh Job 42:4 - Hear Ecclesiastes 5:2 - not rash Jeremiah 30:21 - engaged

Verse 31

Genesis 18:27, Matthew 7:7, Matthew 7:11, Luke 11:8, Luke 18:1, Ephesians 6:18, Hebrews 4:16, Hebrews 10:20-22

Reciprocal: Ezekiel 10:1 - as the

Verse 32

Oh: Genesis 18:30, Judges 6:39, Proverbs 15:8, Isaiah 42:6, Isaiah 42:7, James 5:15-17, 1 John 5:15, 1 John 5:16

I will not: Exodus 32:9, Exodus 32:10, Exodus 32:14, Exodus 33:13, Exodus 33:14, Exodus 34:6, Exodus 34:7, Exodus 34:9, Exodus 34:10, Numbers 14:11-20, Job 33:23, Psalms 86:5, Isaiah 65:8, Micah 7:18, Matthew 7:7, Ephesians 3:20, James 5:16

Reciprocal: Genesis 18:24 - there Genesis 44:18 - let thy Exodus 33:17 - I will do Numbers 16:22 - one man sin 2 Samuel 14:12 - speak one word Ecclesiastes 5:2 - not rash Isaiah 1:9 - we should Jeremiah 30:21 - engaged

Verse 33

And the: Genesis 18:16, Genesis 18:22, Genesis 32:26

and Abraham: Genesis 31:55

Reciprocal: Genesis 17:22 - General Genesis 30:25 - mine Genesis 35:13 - General Exodus 18:23 - and all this Exodus 25:22 - and I will Exodus 32:10 - let me alone Exodus 33:9 - talked Numbers 11:17 - talk with 1 Kings 10:2 - communed John 1:10 - was in John 1:18 - he hath