Genesis 18:22

Translations

Modern

And the two men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.

Traditional

And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the Lord.

Literal

And the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, and Abraham still stood before YHWH.

Latin

Converteruntque se inde, et abierunt Sodomam: Abraham vero adhuc stabat coram Domino.

Original

Hebrew

English

And the two men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.

Notes

Genesis 18:22–33

Abraham probably thought there were more righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah than there were (see study note on 19:14). Concerned for them, he made a legal appeal to the Lord based on God's justice. His prayer might seem bold, as if he were negotiating with God. But he approached God with true humility and respect. He did not try to convince God to act against his will. Instead, he prayed for the well-being of others (compare with Lot’s prayer, 19:18–23).

God is a fair judge. "Righteousness exalts a nation" (Proverbs 14:34). Righteous people help preserve society (compare Matthew 5:13).

Genesis 18:16–33

God trusted Abraham as his prophet (18:16–21; see 20:7). In return, Abraham pleaded that God would save Sodom (18:23–32; see Hebrews 7:23–26). God can do anything he wants. This passage confirms it will be fair and right.

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Symbolic Numbers

Events

Sodom Destroyed

Related verses

Genesis 19:1
Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown,
Ezekiel 22:30
I searched for a man among them to repair the wall and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, so that I should not destroy it. But I found no one.
Acts 7:55
But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked intently into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
1 Timothy 2:1
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone—
Psalm 106:23
So He said He would destroy them—had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach to divert His wrath from destroying them.
Jeremiah 18:20
Should good be repaid with evil? Yet they have dug a pit for me. Remember how I stood before You to speak good on their behalf, to turn Your wrath from them.
Genesis 18:1–2
Then the LORD appeared to Abraham by the Oaks of Mamre in the heat of the day, while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent.
Jeremiah 15:1
Then the LORD said to me: “Even if Moses and Samuel should stand before Me, My heart would not go out to this people. Send them from My presence, and let them go!
Genesis 18:16
When the men got up to leave, they looked out over Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them off.

People

Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people

Places

Sodom: Wicked city destroyed by God for its sins

Glossary

Abraham Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cities of the Plain Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Hebron (Place) Mamre (Place) Patriarchs, Period of the Peter, Second Letter of Prayer Presence of God Remnant Sodom and Gomorrah

Topics

Communion: Abraham Condescension of God: Enters Into Covenant with Abraham God: Appearances of To Abraham Holy Boldness: Abraham Religion: Outstanding Religious Persons: Abraham Sodom: Abraham's Intercession For

Genesis 18:22

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