Epiphany · The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany
Genesis 18:20-33
Abraham Pleads for Sodom
February 8, 2026
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: The Promise of Isaac Confirmed Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik on Abraham's bold intercession as the Lord considers the outcry against Sodom.
Genesis 18:20 Classic Commentaries Compared BibleHub
Historic commentators set side by side on Abraham bargaining down from fifty to ten.
Genesis 18 Commentary Precept Austin
Word studies and cross references on the dialogue between Abraham and the Lord over Sodom.
Genesis 18:20-32 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary that reads Abraham's challenge as a legitimate act of faith and concern for justice.
Commentary on Genesis 18:20-32 Working Preacher
Luther Seminary lectionary commentary on God's willingness to forgive a whole place for the sake of a few.
Background & Word Study
Genesis 18 (Hebrew text and commentaries) Sefaria
Hebrew and English with classical Jewish commentary on Abraham's plea for Sodom.
Genesis 18:20 Hebrew Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew text with parsing for the vocabulary of outcry, sweeping away, and the Judge of all the earth.
Book of Genesis Summary (chapters 12-50) BibleProject
Animated overview of the Abraham narrative in which this intercession stands.
The Church Fathers
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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