We continue our “Series in “Genesis.”
BEFORE READING GENESIS 18, I RECOMMEND READING JOHN GILL’S INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS
Chapter CONTEXT from MHCC: We have an account in this chapter of another interview between God and Abraham, probably within a few days after the former, as the reward of his cheerful obedience to the law of circumcision. Here is, I. The kind visit which God made him, and the kind entertainment which he gave to that visit (v. 1-8). II. The matters discoursed of between them. 1. The purposes of God’s love concerning Sarah (v. 9-15). 2. The purposes of God’s wrath concerning Sodom. (1.) The discovery God made to Abraham of his design to destroy Sodom (v. 16-22). (2.) The intercession Abraham made for Sodom (v. 23, etc.).
| Genesis chapter 18 Simplified Outline | |
| Ge 18:1-8. | The Lord appears to Abraham, who entertains angels. |
| Ge 18:9-15. | Sarah is reproved for laughing at the promise of a son. |
| Ge 18:16-22. | The destruction of Sodom is revealed to Abraham. |
| Ge 18:23-33. | Abraham makes intercession for the inhabitants. |
.
The Lord appears to Abraham in a dream informing him that in his old age, he would begin to fulfill the promise of making of him a great nation. Note the apparent excitement of Abraham ( an outward expression of his faith, he had learned his lesson) but Sarah his wife laughs and scoffs at the idea 😥. She is still apparently not convinced that God is all-powerful.
As if to prove or make HIS point the Lord, v.16-22, points out the wickedness of sodom and the need for those who deny the LORD to feel His wrath. Yet Abraham makes an effort to try and convince God not to utterly destroy Sodom. This is often used by critics of the Bible to show God can change His mind, but it is a weak argument as scripture does not support it. God wants the Faithful to stand up for the least of these (Matthew 25:40). God does not change He is immutable.
Praying through Genesis 18:25
Heavenly Father, thank You for the many lessons we learn through the life and prayers of saints like Abraham who trusted You to deal righteously with all people on earth. Give me a heart of compassion to pray for those that are dead in their sins and for my brothers and sisters in Christ, especially those who may have lost their way in their spiritual walk and been lured into the carnality of this world-system, like Lot. Thank You that You are a compassionate God and a righteous Judge and that I can trust You to do what is right in every situation of life. Thank You, Father, and it is in Jesus’ name I pray, AMEN.
“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?” (Genesis 18:25)
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 