Pentecost Season · Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year C
Genesis 18:20-32
Abraham Pleads for Sodom
July 30, 2028
Overview & Insights
“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18:25)
This is the beginning of the second major section of this chapter (vv. 16–33). Having accomplished their primary purpose in visiting Abraham and Sarah, the three messengers set out on their journey. The reference to their looking down toward Sodom introduces the subject of this section. Continuing to be hospitable, Abraham walked along with them for a while to see them on their way. Yahweh then spoke. Whether he spoke to himself or to the messengers is not clear. Yahweh wondered if he should inform Abraham about the nature of his next mission. Yahweh wanted to honor Abraham’s deep love for Lot but also anticipated that Abraham would oppose the intended judgment against Sodom. 18:18–19 Before speaking to Abraham about his mission, Yahweh restated his promise of blessing Abraham. The implication is that Yahweh was speaking in such a way that Abraham could overhear. Abraham was surely to become a great and powerful nation.
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Commentary
Genesis 18 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Covers Abraham's intercession for Sodom alongside the rest of the chapter.
Commentary on Genesis 18:20-32 Working Preacher
Explains how Abraham appeals to God's better nature the way one persuades a person of power to do right.
Genesis 18:20-32 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Treats the bargaining scene as a model for bold, persistent intercession.
Genesis 18 Commentary Precept Austin
Gives a verse-by-verse word study of Abraham's negotiation with God.
Genesis 18:20 Commentaries BibleHub
Collects classic commentary on the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah.
Background & Word Study
Genesis 18:20 Interlinear BibleHub
Shows the Hebrew text word by word for the opening of the bargaining scene.
Genesis 18 Sefaria
Gives the Hebrew text with traditional Jewish commentary on Abraham's plea.
Genesis Enter the Bible
Provides a Luther Seminary introduction to the book's themes of promise and covenant.
Questions preachers ask
How does Abraham plead for Sodom?
Abraham stands before the Lord and bargains down from fifty righteous to ten, appealing to God's justice and mercy, a bold intercession for a city under judgment.
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