Genesis 18:22
So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While the two angels depart for Sodom, Abraham doesn't just stand still; he remains before the LORD, signifying a transition from escorting guests to a more intimate, direct communion with God. This shift is crucial, as it marks Abraham's preparation to engage in intercessory prayer, moving from hospitable host to a bold advocate.
After two of the divine visitors depart towards Sodom, Abraham continues his conversation with the third, who is revealed to be the LORD Himself. This sets the stage for Abraham to begin his bold intercession for the wicked city.
Two figures turn away, but one remains. What does this shift signify for Abraham's encounter with the divine?
The narrative highlights a crucial moment: two of the visitors, identified as angels, leave Abraham's presence to go towards Sodom. However, the One referred to as 'the LORD' (Jehovah) remains with Abraham.
This separation isn't just a physical movement. It marks a transition from a general encounter of hospitality to a specific, intimate dialogue. The departure of the angels signifies their mission to Sodom, while the Lord's continued presence with Abraham signals a deeper, more personal interaction focused on revelation and Abraham's role as a conduit of God's purposes.
The impending judgment of Sodom hangs in the air. What drives Abraham to stand before God and plead for the wicked?
Abraham's posture 'before the LORD' is not one of casual conversation, but of profound intercession. The context reveals that the LORD intends to judge Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, aware of this divine counsel, doesn't hesitate to approach God on behalf of the doomed cities.
His intercession is remarkable for its boldness, yet rooted in deep humility ('dust and ashes'). He appeals to God’s justice, questioning if the righteous should perish with the wicked. This act showcases Abraham's developing understanding of God's character and his developing role as a mediator, demonstrating that faith often leads to active engagement with God on behalf of others, even those who seem undeserving.
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
Refers to Yahweh, the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It denotes His supreme authority, personal relationship with His people, and His nature as the self-existent Creator.
This pivotal moment highlights the deep connection between Abraham and God, showcasing God's willingness to share His plans with His friend and Abraham's bold intercession rooted in justice and mercy.
c. 1800s BC
Abraham settles near Mamre
Abraham, a nomadic patriarch, establishes his encampment near the oak grove of Mamre, a significant location for him and his family.
c. 1800s BC
Divine Visitors Arrive
Three figures appear to Abraham, one of whom is identified as the LORD (Yahweh), while the other two are understood to be angels in human form.
c. 1800s BC— this verse
Judgment on Sodom Revealed
The LORD informs Abraham of His intent to investigate and judge the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sins.
c. 1800s BC
Abraham's Intercession Begins
Abraham begins to earnestly plead with the LORD, questioning if the righteous will be destroyed with the wicked, starting with a plea for fifty righteous.
This verse highlights God's love for the world, paralleling Abraham's compassionate intercession for Sodom despite its wickedness, reflecting God's own desire for people's salvation.
Romans 5:8The passage states Christ died for us while we were still sinners, mirroring Abraham's bold plea for the unrighteous people of Sodom, showing God's unfailing love even for those who don't deserve it.
Ezekiel 18:23God declares He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked, aligning with Abraham's persistent questioning about sparing Sodom if even a few righteous people were found there, emphasizing God's desire for repentance over destruction.
Luke 15:7Jesus speaks of rejoicing over one sinner who repents, illustrating the principle behind Abraham's intercession, where the potential presence of even a few righteous individuals could lead to the salvation of the entire city.
Jeremiah 5:1This passage describes God searching Jerusalem for just individuals but finding none, serving as a somber contrast to Abraham's plea for Sodom, underscoring the critical importance of righteousness and the devastating consequences when it's absent.
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…
ellicottGenesis 18:22: "And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD."
(22) Abraham stood yet before the Lord (before Jehovah). —The two angels went on their way in form as men, towards Sodom, but the one who was a manifestation of Jehovah ( Genesis 18:13 ; Genesis 18:17 ) remained behind.
While the two angels depart for Sodom, Abraham doesn't just stand still; he remains before the LORD, signifying a transition from escorting guests to a more intimate, direct communion with God. This shift is crucial, as it marks Abraham's preparation to engage in intercessory prayer, moving from hospitable host to a bold advocate.
After two of the divine visitors depart towards Sodom, Abraham continues his conversation with the third, who is revealed to be the LORD Himself. This sets the stage for Abraham to begin his bold intercession for the wicked city.
After two of the divine visitors depart towards Sodom, Abraham continues his conversation with the third, who is revealed to be the LORD Himself. This sets the stage for Abraham to begin his bold intercession for the wicked city.
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c. 1800s BC
Intercession Continues
Abraham continues his persistent negotiation with the LORD, gradually lowering the number of righteous required for the cities to be spared.
c. 1800s BC
The LORD Departs Abraham
After their conversation, the LORD departs from Abraham, while Abraham remains in the divine presence.
c. 1800s BC
Angels Enter Sodom
The two angels proceed towards Sodom to carry out their mission, with Abraham's intercession having reached its limit.
"So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD." — While the two angels depart for Sodom, Abraham doesn't just stand still; he remains before the LORD, signifying a transition from escorting guests to a more intimate, direct communion with God. Thi…
