Genesis 18: A Visit, a Promise, and a Plea
And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.
Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
And the Lord said, 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 unto me; and if not, I will know.
And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.
And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake.
And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.
And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.
And the Lord went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
Genesis 18 recounts a pivotal moment in Abraham's life and in God's unfolding plan of redemption. Following the covenant of circumcision in Genesis 17, the Lord appears to Abraham, not in a vision, but in a tangible, almost domestic setting. This chapter reveals God's character through intimate fellowship, reaffirmed promises, and a demonstration of justice tempered with mercy. It also offers enduring lessons about faith, hospitality, and the power of intercession.
The Lord Appears (Genesis 18:1-8)
The chapter opens with the Lord appearing to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre. Interestingly, He is accompanied by two angels, all in the guise of men. Some scholars even suggest that this appearance is a "Christophany," a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity, similar to other Old Testament encounters with the "angel of the LORD" (Joshua 5:13-15, Judges 2:1-5, 13:1-23).
Abraham, demonstrating remarkable hospitality, immediately rushes to greet these visitors. He urges them to rest, offers water to wash their feet, and promises a meal. He instructs Sarah to bake bread and has a calf prepared, personally attending to their needs. This scene paints a picture of profound respect and generosity, showcasing Abraham's character. It's important to note that Abraham may not have initially recognized his guests as divine beings, yet he still extended them extraordinary kindness. This highlights the importance of showing hospitality to strangers, as Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
The Lord's willingness to partake in this meal with Abraham is significant. It underscores God's desire for fellowship with humanity. This intimate interaction emphasizes the personal nature of God's covenant with Abraham, solidifying the promise He had made.
The Promise Reaffirmed (Genesis 18:9-15)
After the meal, the Lord inquires about Sarah, who is inside the tent. He then reiterates the promise that Sarah will bear a son within a year. This promise, first given in Genesis 17, is now directed at Sarah herself.
Sarah, overhearing the conversation, laughs inwardly at the idea. Given her age (around 90) and the fact that she was past childbearing years, her skepticism is understandable. She likely remembered God's lesson to Abraham about laughing at God. Yet, her laughter reveals a struggle with faith, a difficulty in believing that God could overcome such seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
God, knowing Sarah's thoughts, confronts her skepticism with a profound question: "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14). This is the central question of the chapter, a challenge to our limited human understanding of God's power. It's a question that resonates through the ages, reminding us that God's capabilities far exceed our comprehension. When faced with seemingly impossible situations, we must remember this question and choose to trust in God's limitless power.
Sarah, realizing she has been overheard, denies laughing. However, the Lord gently corrects her, stating, "No, but you did laugh" (Genesis 18:15). This encounter highlights God's omniscience and His ability to see beyond our outward appearances into the depths of our hearts. It also reveals God's grace, as He doesn't punish Sarah for her doubt but reaffirms His promise. The name Isaac, meaning "laughter," serves as a constant reminder of this encounter and God's faithfulness to His word, even in the face of human doubt.
Intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33)
As the Lord and the two angels prepare to leave for Sodom, God reveals His intention to investigate the wickedness of the city. He shares this with Abraham, demonstrating a level of intimacy and partnership. While God, being omniscient, already knows the extent of Sodom's sin, He chooses to involve Abraham in His plan.
God's impending judgment on Sodom highlights the seriousness of sin. Ezekiel 16:49-50 describes Sodom's sins as pride, abundance of food, complacent ease, and failure to help the poor and needy, leading to abominable practices.
Abraham, concerned for his nephew Lot who resides in Sodom, begins to intercede with the Lord. He boldly questions God's justice, asking, "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" (Genesis 18:23). This demonstrates Abraham's faith and his understanding of God's character. He believes that God is just and merciful, and he appeals to these attributes.
What follows is a remarkable dialogue, a series of requests where Abraham progressively lowers the number of righteous people required to spare the city. He starts with fifty and eventually reaches ten. Each time, the Lord agrees to Abraham's request. This scene reveals God's willingness to listen to the prayers of His people and His desire to show mercy.
This passage highlights the importance of intercessory prayer. Abraham's persistence in pleading for Sodom demonstrates the power of prayer to influence God's actions. While Abraham's haggling might seem unusual, it reveals a deep compassion and a willingness to stand in the gap for others. It also reveals God's patience and His desire to extend grace whenever possible. Just as believers are called to be the "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing society for good. God would have spared the entire city if there had been just ten believers there! Righteous people, even a small minority of them, can promote righteousness in such a way that the entire society benefits (see Jeremiah 29:7).
Kingdom Fatherhood (Genesis 18:18-19)
In the midst of this narrative, God makes a profound statement about His vision for kingdom fathers. He says, "For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him" (Genesis 18:19). This verse reveals the significant role that fathers play in shaping their families and influencing future generations.
Kingdom fathers are chosen by God for a specific purpose. They are entrusted with the responsibility of leading their families in the ways of the Lord, teaching them to live righteously and justly. This involves both moral obedience to God's standards and the equitable application of God's law in society. By fulfilling this responsibility, fathers contribute to the expansion of God's kingdom and the building of a stable society.
The breakdown of the family unit in contemporary society underscores the importance of strong, godly fathers. These fathers are meant to represent God, building strong families and raising kingdom kids; that may be a weighty responsibility, but it’s also a thrilling opportunity. Don’t let it pass you by.
Genesis 18 is a rich and multifaceted chapter that offers valuable insights into God's character, His promises, and His relationship with humanity. It challenges us to embrace faith, practice hospitality, engage in intercessory prayer, and fulfill our roles as responsible members of God's kingdom. By understanding and applying these lessons, we can deepen our relationship with God and positively impact the world around us.
And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.
Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
And the Lord said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
And the Lord said, 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 unto me; and if not, I will know.
And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.
And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake.
And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.
And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.
And the Lord went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
Genesis 18 recounts a pivotal moment in Abraham's life and in God's unfolding plan of redemption. Following the covenant of circumcision in Genesis 17, the Lord appears to Abraham, not in a vision, but in a tangible, almost domestic setting. This chapter reveals God's character through intimate fellowship, reaffirmed promises, and a demonstration of justice tempered with mercy. It also offers enduring lessons about faith, hospitality, and the power of intercession.
The Lord Appears (Genesis 18:1-8)
The chapter opens with the Lord appearing to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre. Interestingly, He is accompanied by two angels, all in the guise of men. Some scholars even suggest that this appearance is a "Christophany," a pre-incarnate manifestation of Christ, the Second Person of the Trinity, similar to other Old Testament encounters with the "angel of the LORD" (Joshua 5:13-15, Judges 2:1-5, 13:1-23).
Abraham, demonstrating remarkable hospitality, immediately rushes to greet these visitors. He urges them to rest, offers water to wash their feet, and promises a meal. He instructs Sarah to bake bread and has a calf prepared, personally attending to their needs. This scene paints a picture of profound respect and generosity, showcasing Abraham's character. It's important to note that Abraham may not have initially recognized his guests as divine beings, yet he still extended them extraordinary kindness. This highlights the importance of showing hospitality to strangers, as Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares."
The Lord's willingness to partake in this meal with Abraham is significant. It underscores God's desire for fellowship with humanity. This intimate interaction emphasizes the personal nature of God's covenant with Abraham, solidifying the promise He had made.
The Promise Reaffirmed (Genesis 18:9-15)
After the meal, the Lord inquires about Sarah, who is inside the tent. He then reiterates the promise that Sarah will bear a son within a year. This promise, first given in Genesis 17, is now directed at Sarah herself.
Sarah, overhearing the conversation, laughs inwardly at the idea. Given her age (around 90) and the fact that she was past childbearing years, her skepticism is understandable. She likely remembered God's lesson to Abraham about laughing at God. Yet, her laughter reveals a struggle with faith, a difficulty in believing that God could overcome such seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
God, knowing Sarah's thoughts, confronts her skepticism with a profound question: "Is anything too hard for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14). This is the central question of the chapter, a challenge to our limited human understanding of God's power. It's a question that resonates through the ages, reminding us that God's capabilities far exceed our comprehension. When faced with seemingly impossible situations, we must remember this question and choose to trust in God's limitless power.
Sarah, realizing she has been overheard, denies laughing. However, the Lord gently corrects her, stating, "No, but you did laugh" (Genesis 18:15). This encounter highlights God's omniscience and His ability to see beyond our outward appearances into the depths of our hearts. It also reveals God's grace, as He doesn't punish Sarah for her doubt but reaffirms His promise. The name Isaac, meaning "laughter," serves as a constant reminder of this encounter and God's faithfulness to His word, even in the face of human doubt.
Intercession for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33)
As the Lord and the two angels prepare to leave for Sodom, God reveals His intention to investigate the wickedness of the city. He shares this with Abraham, demonstrating a level of intimacy and partnership. While God, being omniscient, already knows the extent of Sodom's sin, He chooses to involve Abraham in His plan.
God's impending judgment on Sodom highlights the seriousness of sin. Ezekiel 16:49-50 describes Sodom's sins as pride, abundance of food, complacent ease, and failure to help the poor and needy, leading to abominable practices.
Abraham, concerned for his nephew Lot who resides in Sodom, begins to intercede with the Lord. He boldly questions God's justice, asking, "Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" (Genesis 18:23). This demonstrates Abraham's faith and his understanding of God's character. He believes that God is just and merciful, and he appeals to these attributes.
What follows is a remarkable dialogue, a series of requests where Abraham progressively lowers the number of righteous people required to spare the city. He starts with fifty and eventually reaches ten. Each time, the Lord agrees to Abraham's request. This scene reveals God's willingness to listen to the prayers of His people and His desire to show mercy.
This passage highlights the importance of intercessory prayer. Abraham's persistence in pleading for Sodom demonstrates the power of prayer to influence God's actions. While Abraham's haggling might seem unusual, it reveals a deep compassion and a willingness to stand in the gap for others. It also reveals God's patience and His desire to extend grace whenever possible. Just as believers are called to be the "salt of the earth" and "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16), influencing society for good. God would have spared the entire city if there had been just ten believers there! Righteous people, even a small minority of them, can promote righteousness in such a way that the entire society benefits (see Jeremiah 29:7).
Kingdom Fatherhood (Genesis 18:18-19)
In the midst of this narrative, God makes a profound statement about His vision for kingdom fathers. He says, "For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD by doing righteousness and justice, so that the LORD may bring to Abraham what he has promised him" (Genesis 18:19). This verse reveals the significant role that fathers play in shaping their families and influencing future generations.
Kingdom fathers are chosen by God for a specific purpose. They are entrusted with the responsibility of leading their families in the ways of the Lord, teaching them to live righteously and justly. This involves both moral obedience to God's standards and the equitable application of God's law in society. By fulfilling this responsibility, fathers contribute to the expansion of God's kingdom and the building of a stable society.
The breakdown of the family unit in contemporary society underscores the importance of strong, godly fathers. These fathers are meant to represent God, building strong families and raising kingdom kids; that may be a weighty responsibility, but it’s also a thrilling opportunity. Don’t let it pass you by.
Genesis 18 is a rich and multifaceted chapter that offers valuable insights into God's character, His promises, and His relationship with humanity. It challenges us to embrace faith, practice hospitality, engage in intercessory prayer, and fulfill our roles as responsible members of God's kingdom. By understanding and applying these lessons, we can deepen our relationship with God and positively impact the world around us.