Pentecost Season · Proper 12 · 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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Take it further: Genesis 18:20-32
Commentary
Commentary on Genesis 18:20-32Commentary on Gn 18:20-32 Working Preacher
Highlights the repeated 'for the sake of' language as key to Abraham's intercession.
Genesis 18:20-32 CommentaryGn 18:20-32 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
A preaching-focused reading of Abraham's bargaining as a model of persistent prayer.
Genesis 18 Bible CommentaryGn 18 Bible Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on Abraham's intercession for Sodom.
Genesis 18:20 CommentariesGn 18:20 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregates classic commentaries verse by verse on the passage.
Background & Word Study
Genesis 18:20 InterlinearGn 18:20 Interlinear BibleHub
Shows the Hebrew behind Abraham's question, 'Shall not the Judge of all the earth do justice?'
Genesis 12-50 (video)Gn 12-50 (video) BibleProject
Animated overview of the Abraham narrative cycle including this intercession.
Genesis 18:20-32 (Hebrew text)Gn 18:20-32 (Hebrew text) Sefaria
The Masoretic Hebrew text with facing translation for direct word study.
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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