Lesson 15: Genesis 18

We know this chapter because of two events: Sarah’s laughter and Abraham’s interceding for Sodom. However, both events are found in the same narrative. In fact, chapters 18 and 19 are both part of one narrative shaped around two visits. In the first, the Lord visits Abraham as a friend and benefactor; in the second, the Lord “visits” Sodom with divine judgment and wrath. “* The noon encounter in this chapter and the night scene at Sodom in the next are in every sense a contrast of light and darkness. The former, quietly intimate and full of promise, is crowned by the intercession in which Abraham’s faith and love show a new breadth of concern. The second scene is all confusion and ruin, moral and physical, ending in a loveless squalor which is even uglier than the great overthrow of the cities.” (Derek Kidner)

Notes From The Text

Vss. 1-8, The Lord Visits Abraham

• Vss. 1-2
  • While one of the “men” was the Lord (a theophany like Genesis 16.7,13) the other two were angels (see Genesis 19.1).
  • The “oaks of Mamre” were located at Hebron (see Genesis 13.18).
• Vs. 3, it’s uncertain how much Abraham knew at this point. Recall that the Lord had appeared to Abraham before (see Genesis 17.1) and the patriarch had responded by falling on his face before the Lord (Genesis 17.3). It would seem that at this point Abraham does not know the real identity of his visitors. The word for “Lord” is adonai and not the name of God, Yahweh.
• Vss. 4-8, while Abraham offered the common hospitality of his day, he also surpassed what was usual. The offer of fresh meat was generous as it was not part of the normal diet in the ancient near east. Also, the amount of flour (3 seahs would equal about 7 quarts) would be enough to make approximately 60 loaves of bread.

Vss. 9-15, Sarah’s Laughter

• Vs. 9, note that they knew Sarah’s new name (see Genesis 17.15). This may have revealed to Abraham that these were no ordinary men.
• Vs. 10, note that the Lord had already said this to Abraham (see Genesis 17.16), so this would not have been the first time Sarah heard this promise.
• Vs. 12, Abraham had failed to convince Sarah that the Lord’s promise would be fulfilled. Thus, her laughter seems to be more of doubt and receives a rebuke from the Lord. However, she would later be commended for the respect she showed toward Abraham (see 1Peter 3.6) and we know that her faith would give her power to conceive (Hebrews 11.11).
• Vs. 14, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” recall that the Lord revealed Himself as “God Almighty” to Abraham in Genesis 17.1. If He is truly almighty, then nothing is too hard for Him!

Vss. 16-33, Abraham Intercedes For Sodom

• Vss. 17-19
  • Isaiah 41.8 refers to Abraham as the Lord’s friend. This passage shows that kind of intimacy between them.
  • “Yahweh indicated three reasons why he should share with Abraham what he was about to do. (1) Abraham would become a great nation. He would be in a position to transmit to this nation the warning concerning God’s wrath against immorality. (2) All nations of the earth would be blessed in Abraham, i.e., his influence would spread beyond the bounds of his own biological descendants. (3) God had known Abraham, i.e., chosen him for a special mission.” (James E. Smith)
  • Note again that Abraham was not merely passing down the sign of circumcision to his offspring (see Genesis 17.10), but also the moral principles required to follow the Lord (vs. 19).
• Vss. 20-21, the Lord already knew that Sodom and Gomorrah were deserving of His judgment, for their sins “cried out” to the Lord (see Genesis 4.10).
• Vss. 22-33, note the following from Abraham’s intercession before the Lord:
  • Abraham had intervened on behalf of Sodom once before (see Genesis 14.14). His coming to the aid of the godless anticipated the fact that the entire world would be blessed through him (Genesis 12.3).
  • Abraham appeals to the Lord’s character. The questions, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?” (vs. 23) and “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (vs. 25) would certainly be answered in the affirmative.
  • Abraham approaches the Lord in all humility. He is “but dust and ashes” (vs. 27) who is given the opportunity to draw near (vs. 23) and petition the Lord.
  • Note that the final number of 10 (vs. 32) would include more than Abraham’s immediate family. Lot, his wife and two daughters were only 4. Thus, Abraham’s appeal to the Lord is based on more than love for his family.