So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The two angelic visitors depart toward Sodom, but Abraham "still stood before the LORD." This indicates Abraham wasn't just standing physically, but was actively engaged in communion and intercession with God, choosing to linger in divine presence rather than immediately returning home.
So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a divine encounter where the LORD promised Abraham a son, two of the visitors depart, heading towards Sodom to assess its wickedness. Abraham, however, remains in the presence of the LORD, indicating a shift in the conversation from divine promise to divine judgment. This sets the stage for Abraham's bold intercession for the wicked cities, demonstrating his deep concern for justice and mercy.
As two of the divine visitors turn away towards Sodom, Abraham remains. Why does he stay, and what does this separation signify?
The scene dramatically shifts in Genesis 18:22. Two of the divine visitors, likely the angels, turn their 'faces' towards Sodom, indicating their mission there. However, Abraham 'still stood before the LORD.' This is a pivotal moment.
A Diverging Path
The Angels' Mission: Their departure towards Sodom marks the beginning of the judgment process for that wicked city. Their physical movement signifies the irreversible nature of God's observation and decision.
Abraham's Standing: Abraham's posture is one of continued communion and petition. He doesn't simply dismiss the divine presence once the immediate hospitality is over. He remains, signifying his role as an intercessor and his deep connection with God.
Significance of the Separation
This separation highlights two distinct interactions: God's judgment being enacted and God's mercy being sought. Abraham's continued presence before the LORD isn't just about his personal relationship; it's about his willingness to engage with God's justice on behalf of others.
Abraham doesn't just stand passively; he draws near to God with a startling question. What empowers this humble man to challenge the Almighty?
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Abraham's decision to 'stand yet before the LORD' (Genesis 18:22) leads directly into an incredible act of intercession. He doesn't shy away from the divine presence but draws near, showing both deep reverence and profound boldness.
The Nature of Abraham's Plea
The Foundation of His Boldness
Abraham's boldness doesn't stem from arrogance, but from his intimate relationship with God and his knowledge of God's character. He had seen God's promises to him and knew that God was just. His humility is evident in phrases like 'Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes' (Genesis 18:27). This profound humility, coupled with his trust in God's righteous nature, fuels his persistent intercession.
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 moment captures the dramatic tension between divine judgment and intercessory prayer. Abraham's position 'before the LORD' highlights his unique role as a mediator, pleading for a city whose fate is already sealed by its sin.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham settles in Canaan
Abraham, called by God, leaves his homeland and settles in the land of Canaan, establishing a covenant relationship with God.
c. 2000 BC
Sodom and Gomorrah flourish
The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are prosperous but known for their extreme wickedness and injustice, foreshadowing their eventual destruction.
c. 2000 BC— this verse
Divine visitation to Abraham
Three visitors, one of whom is the LORD Himself, appear to Abraham near Mamre, revealing God's intent to judge Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham intercedes for Sodom
Abraham pleads with God to spare the cities if even a small number of righteous people can be found among them.
c. 2000 BC
Angels depart for Sodom
Two of the visitors, identified as angels, leave Abraham to travel to Sodom, while the LORD remains with Abraham to continue their conversation.
c. 2000 BC
Angels arrive in Sodom
The two angels arrive in Sodom, where Lot offers them hospitality, and they are soon surrounded by the wicked inhabitants demanding vile acts.
This passage speaks to the persistence Abraham shows in his prayer, mirroring Jesus' teaching on the necessity of praying always and not losing heart, even when faced with divine judgment.
Jeremiah 5:10This verse describes God's judgment on Jerusalem for its wickedness, highlighting a parallel theme of divine justice against a sinful city, much like Sodom.
Romans 5:8This verse shows God's love demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice while we were still sinners, echoing the incredible grace God showed Abraham by considering the righteous within Sodom, even when the city was full of unrighteousness.
Ezekiel 16:49-50This passage directly contrasts Sodom's pride and excess with God's subsequent judgment, underscoring the reasons for the destruction that Abraham is about to plead against.
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.
The two angelic visitors depart toward Sodom, but Abraham "still stood before the LORD." This indicates Abraham wasn't just standing physically, but was actively engaged in communion and intercession with God, choosing to linger in divine presence rather than immediately returning home.
After a divine encounter where the LORD promised Abraham a son, two of the visitors depart, heading towards Sodom to assess its wickedness. Abraham, however, remains in the presence of the LORD, indicating a shift in the conversation from divine promise to divine judgment. This sets the stage for Abraham's bold intercession for the wicked cities, demonstrating his deep concern for justice and mercy.
After a divine encounter where the LORD promised Abraham a son, two of the visitors depart, heading towards Sodom to assess its wickedness. Abraham, however, remains in the presence of the LORD, indicating a shift in the conversation from divine promise to divine judgment. This sets the stage for Abraham's bold intercession for the wicked cities, demonstrating his deep concern for justice and mercy.
"So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD." — The two angelic visitors depart toward Sodom, but Abraham "still stood before the LORD." This indicates Abraham wasn't just standing physically, but was actively engaged in communion and intercession…
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Last reviewed October 2026