Genesis 18:17
The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Genesis 18:17
The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
God asks, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?" This isn't a genuine question of uncertainty, but a rhetorical affirmation of His intimate friendship with Abraham. It highlights that God’s deepest plans are shared with those who walk closely with Him, treating them not as servants, but as trusted companions.
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Why would the all-powerful Creator consider revealing His plans to a mere mortal? Discover the profound depth of God's relationship with Abraham.
The Lord's question, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?', isn't a real question. It's a rhetorical device, like asking 'Would I ever betray a friend?'
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God is about to unleash judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, a weighty decision with vast implications. Yet, He pauses and considers telling Abraham. Why?
A Covenant Relationship
God had established a covenant with Abraham, promising to make him a great nation and to bless the world through him (Genesis 12:1-3; 17:1-8). This wasn't just a business contract; it was a deeply personal relationship.
The Privilege of Knowing God's Heart
Those who fear the Lord and walk in His ways gain an intimate understanding of His heart and purposes. Abraham, as God's friend, is brought into the divine council, not because he deserves it, but because God chooses to share His plans with him. This openness is a hallmark of true friendship.
God is about to enact judgment, but before He does, He involves Abraham. What can we learn about divine justice and revelation from this interaction?
The immediate context following God's question is the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God isn't hiding His judgment because He's capricious; He's preparing Abraham for a vital role.
God's Consideration for the Righteous
God's decision to inform Abraham is directly linked to Abraham's own righteous standing and his future role as the father of a great nation through whom all nations would be blessed. This is not just about judgment, but also about the preservation of God's covenant people.
The Purpose of Revelation
God reveals His actions to Abraham for several reasons:
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
A common title for the divine being, representing the personal name of the God of Israel. It denotes His self-existence, covenant faithfulness, and absolute authority over creation.
This passage unfolds during a pivotal moment in Abraham's life, where God reveals His judgment on wicked cities to His friend, highlighting the deep trust and intimacy established in their covenant relationship.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham Migrates to Canaan
Abraham, responding to God's call, leaves his homeland and settles in the land of Canaan, establishing a unique covenant relationship with the LORD.
c. 2000 BC
God Establishes Covenant with Abraham
God formally establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants and a land, and setting him apart as a special servant.
c. 1800 BC
Abraham Receives Divine Visitors
Three divine visitors appear to Abraham near Mamre, one of whom is the LORD Himself. Abraham demonstrates extraordinary hospitality.
c. 1800 BC— this verse
Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah Discussed
The LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to judge and destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their great sin.
c. 1800 BC
Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
Abraham engages in a profound negotiation with the LORD, pleading for the wicked city of Sodom, hoping to save it if even ten righteous people could be found.
c. 1800 BC
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
Following Abraham's intercession, the LORD carries out the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, saving only Abraham's nephew Lot and his daughters.
This verse echoes the sentiment of divine revelation, stating that the Lord 'does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets.' It highlights God's consistent practice of confiding in his faithful.
John 15:15Jesus tells his disciples, 'No longer do I call you servants, but friends, for all that the Father has done I have made known to you.' This passage emphasizes the intimate relationship where God shares his plans with those he considers friends.
Exodus 33:11This verse describes Moses speaking with the LORD 'face to face, as a man speaks to his friend,' illustrating a deep, personal communion that allows for the sharing of God's intentions and actions.
Deuteronomy 29:29This verse distinguishes between the 'secret things' that belong to the LORD and the 'revealed things' for us and our children. It provides a framework for understanding what God chooses to disclose versus what remains His prerogative.
calvinGenesis 18:1-33: "And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;"
Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
Et negavit Sarah, dicendo, Non risi: quia timuit. Et dixit, Nequaquam, quia risisti.
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
Et surrexerunt inde viri, et respexerunt contra faciem S…
clarkeGenesis 18:17: "And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;"
Shall I hide from Abraham - That is, I will not hide. A common mode of speech in Scripture - a question asked when an affirmative is designed. Do men gather grapes of thorns? Men do not gather grapes of thorns, etc.
God asks, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?" This isn't a genuine question of uncertainty, but a rhetorical affirmation of His intimate friendship with Abraham. It highlights that God’s deepest plans are shared with those who walk closely with Him, treating them not as servants, but as trusted companions.
{ "hasHistoricalBackground": true, "events": [ { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Abraham's Covenantal Promises", "description": "God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and that through him all nations would be blessed.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Divine Visit to Abraham", "description": "Three visitors, one of whom is the LORD Himself, appear to Abraham near the oaks of Mamre. Abraham shows exceptional hospitality.", "isCurrentContext": true }, { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Judgment of Sodom Revealed", "description": "The LORD informs Abraham of His intention to judge and destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their great wickedness.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Abraham Intercedes for Sodom", "description": "Abraham engages in a profound dialogue with the LORD, pleading for the salvation of Sodom, seeking to spare it for the sake of the righteous.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Departure of the Messengers", "description": "Two angels depart for Sodom, while the LORD remains with Abraham. Abraham's intercession ultimately fails to find even ten righteous people.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah", "description": "The LORD rains down burning sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying the cities and all who lived in them, along with the surrounding plain.", "isCurrentContext": false } ], "summaryInsight": "This pivotal moment reveals God's intimate relationship with Abraham, sharing His plans with His friend before executing judgment. It highlights God's justice but also His willingness to engage in dialogue, a testament to Abraham's unique standing as a covenant partner." }
{ "hasHistoricalBackground": true, "events": [ { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Abraham's Covenantal Promises", "description": "God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and that through him all nations would be blessed.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Divine Visit to Abraham", "description": "Three visitors, one of whom is the LORD Himself, appear to Abraham near the oaks of Mamre. Abraham shows exceptional hospitality.", "isCurrentContext": true }, { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Judgment of Sodom Revealed", "description": "The LORD informs Abraham of His intention to judge and destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their great wickedness.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Abraham Intercedes for Sodom", "description": "Abraham engages in a profound dialogue with the LORD, pleading for the salvation of Sodom, seeking to spare it for the sake of the righteous.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Departure of the Messengers", "description": "Two angels depart for Sodom, while the LORD remains with Abraham. Abraham's intercession ultimately fails to find even ten righteous people.", "isCurrentContext": false }, { "date": "c. 2000 BC", "title": "Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah", "description": "The LORD rains down burning sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying the cities and all who lived in them, along with the surrounding plain.", "isCurrentContext": false } ], "summaryInsight": "This pivotal moment reveals God's intimate relationship with Abraham, sharing His plans with His friend before executing judgment. It highlights God's justice but also His willingness to engage in dialogue, a testament to Abraham's unique standing as a covenant partner." }
"The LORD said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do," — God asks, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?" This isn't a genuine question of uncertainty, but a rhetorical affirmation of His intimate friendship with Abraham. It highlights that God…
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