- Home
- Bible
- Genesis
- Chapter 18
- Verse 18
Genesis 18:32
Verse
Context
Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
31And Abraham said, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord, suppose twenty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the twenty, I will not destroy it.” 32Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Peradventure ten shall be found there - Knowing that in the family of his nephew the true religion was professed and practiced, he could not suppose there could be less than ten righteous persons in the city, he did not think it necessary to urge his supplication farther; he therefore left off his entreaties, and the Lord departed from him. It is highly worthy of observation, that while he continued to pray the presence of God was continued; and when Abraham ended, "the glory of the Lord was lifted up," as the Targum expresses it. This chapter, though containing only the preliminaries to the awful catastrophe detailed in the next, affords us several lessons of useful and important information. 1. The hospitality and humanity of Abraham are worthy, not only of our most serious regard, but also of our imitation. He sat in the door of his tent in the heat of the day, not only to enjoy the current of refreshing air, but that if he saw any weary and exhausted travelers he might invite them to rest and refresh themselves. Hospitality is ever becoming in one human being towards another; for every destitute man is a brother in distress, and demands our most prompt and affectionate assistance, according to that heavenly precept, "What ye would that men should do unto you, do even so unto them." From this conduct of Abraham a Divine precept is formed: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Heb 13:2. 2. Whatever is given on the ground of humanity and mercy is given unto God, and is sure to meet with his approbation and a suitable reward. While Abraham entertained his guests God discovers himself, and reveals to him the counsels of his will, and renews the promise of a numerous posterity. Sarah, though naturally speaking past child-bearing, shall have a son: natural obstacles cannot hinder the purpose of God; nature is his instrument; and as it works not only by general laws, but also by any particular will of God, so it may accomplish that will in any way he may choose to direct. It is always difficult to credit God's promises when they relate to supernatural things, and still more so when they have for their object events that are contrary to the course of nature; but as nothing is too hard for God, so "all things are possible to him that believeth." It is that faith alone which is of the operation of God's Spirit, that is capable of crediting supernatural things; he who does not pray to be enabled to believe, or, if he do, uses not the power when received, can never believe to the saving of the soul. 3. Abraham trusts much in God, and God reposes much confidence in Abraham. He knows that God is faithful, and will fulfill his promises; and God knows that Abraham is faithful, and will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment; Gen 18:19. No man lives unto himself; and God gives us neither spiritual nor temporal blessings for ourselves alone; our bread we are to divide with the hungry, and to help the stranger in distress. He who understands the way of God should carefully instruct his household in that way; and he who is the father of a family should pray to God to teach him, that he may teach his household. His ignorance of God and salvation can be no excuse for his neglecting his family: it is his indispensable duty to teach them; and God will teach him, if he earnestly seek it, that he may be able to discharge this duty to his family. Reader, if thy children or servants perish through thy neglect, God will judge thee for it in the great day. 4. The sin of Sodom and the cities of the plain was great and grievous; the measure of their iniquity was full, and God determined to destroy them. Judgment is God's strange work, but though rarely done it must be done sometimes, lest men should suppose that right and wrong, vice and virtue, are alike in the eye of God. And these judgments must be dispensed in such a way as to show they are not the results of natural causes, but come immediately from the incensed justice of the Most High. 5. Every man who loves God loves his neighbor also; and he who loves his neighbor will do all in his power to promote the well-being both of his soul and his body. Abraham cannot prevent the men of Sodom from sinning against God; but he can make prayer and intercession for their souls, and plead, if not in arrest, yet in mitigation, of judgment. He therefore intercedes for the transgressors, and God is well pleased with his intercessions. These are the offspring of God's own love in the heart of his servant. 6. How true is that word, The energetic faithful prayer of a righteous man availeth much! Abraham draws near to God by affection and faith, and in the most devout and humble manner makes prayer and supplication; and every petition is answered on the spot. Nor does God cease to promise to show mercy till Abraham ceases to intercede! What encouragement does this hold out to them that fear God, to make prayer and intercession for their sinful neighbors and ungodly relatives! Faith in the Lord Jesus endues prayer with a species of omnipotence; whatsoever a man asks of the Father in his name, he will do it. Prayer has been termed the gate of heaven, but without faith that gate cannot be opened. He who prays as he should, and believes as he ought, shall have the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel of peace.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said, Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once,.... This should be the last request he should make on this account, and therefore he desired he might be heard without any marks of his displeasure: Peradventure ten shall be found there: how would the place be dealt with then? would it be consumed or not? and he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake; though no more righteous persons were found in it. Some of the Jewish writers say (g), he ended at ten, because he supposed there were ten righteous persons in Lot's family, Lot and his wife, and their four daughters, and their four husbands; but they forgot that two of Lot's daughters were unmarried, and how many he had married is not known; ten they say make a congregation, and wherever there are ten righteous persons, a place is saved for their sakes. (g) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 49. fol. 44. 3.
Genesis 18:32
Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
31And Abraham said, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord, suppose twenty are found there?” He answered, “On account of the twenty, I will not destroy it.” 32Finally, Abraham said, “May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?” And He answered, “On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Youth for Christ Ladies
By Corrie Ten Boom6.6K38:08Women's MeetingGEN 18:32ISA 11:9ZEP 3:17ROM 8:19COL 4:21JN 5:5REV 22:21In this sermon, the speaker describes a situation where 700 prisoners were in great danger and facing punishment due to their fighting. Amidst this chaos, there was a weak and starving old woman named Betsy who prayed for peace. The speaker emphasizes that God used Betsy as a representative of heaven to bring peace to the room. The sermon also highlights the importance of understanding how God sees us and what He expects from us. The speaker encourages belief in Jesus as the Son of God and emphasizes that our world is in need of overcoming through God's plans. The sermon concludes by mentioning a poem about life being like a weaving between God and ourselves, and the speaker shares personal experiences of finding joy and light in the midst of darkness through Jesus Christ. The sermon references the book of Ivan Pleger and mentions the ultimate goal of the knowledge of God covering the earth. The speaker also mentions a story about reading the last chapter of a book to find a happy ending, relating it to the sad events happening in the world before Jesus comes. The sermon encourages faith and action in fulfilling what we are supposed to do.
Jude #4 - Sodom and Gomorrah
By Chuck Missler5.9K1:28:25SodomGEN 18:322PE 2:4In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the violence and indulgences of the flesh that are often portrayed in entertainment. He emphasizes the need for Christians to re-examine their appetite for such entertainment and align it with the teachings of the Holy Spirit. The speaker also highlights the importance of recognizing that profound philosophical insights do not necessarily protect one from indulging in sinful behaviors. He then delves into the story of Lot's wife as a lesson for Christians to learn from and apply in their daily lives. The sermon concludes with a reminder to focus on building treasures in heaven through works that are led by the Spirit and aligned with the kingdom of God.
From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.1:1-1:8
By Zac Poonen5.6K1:01:05From Babylon To JerusalemGEN 18:32LEV 25:1LEV 25:18JER 5:1JER 25:11DAN 12:4MAT 5:28In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Daniel and its relevance to the end times. The book is divided into two parts: the first six chapters are historical and the last six chapters are prophetic. The main theme throughout the book is the absolute sovereignty of God over everything. The speaker emphasizes the importance of learning from the mistakes of others and highlights the significance of studying the Old Testament for our instruction.
(Genesis) Genesis 18:17-21
By J. Vernon McGee2.8K03:08GenesisGEN 18:17GEN 18:32GEN 19:24GEN 19:29In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham and how God revealed his plans to him regarding the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The preacher emphasizes that God chose to inform Abraham because he knew that Abraham would command his children and household to follow the ways of the Lord. The preacher highlights the importance of discipline and justice in Abraham's household. God's decision to reveal his plans to Abraham was also influenced by the fact that Abraham would become a great and influential nation, blessing all the nations of the earth. The preacher emphasizes that God's revelation to Abraham allowed him to correct his distorted view of God and understand the situation in Sodom and Gomorrah more accurately.
(Genesis) Genesis 18:22-23
By J. Vernon McGee2.7K06:15GenesisGEN 18:23GEN 18:32GEN 19:22GEN 19:24GEN 19:29In this sermon, Abraham is having a conversation with God about the destruction of the city of Sodom. Abraham starts by asking if God would spare the city if there were fifty righteous people in it. He continues to negotiate with God, asking if He would spare the city for the sake of forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, and finally, ten righteous people. Abraham's main concern is that the righteous should not be punished along with the wicked. Through this conversation, Abraham demonstrates his faith in God's righteousness and justice. The sermon emphasizes that God always does what is right and that our understanding may be limited, but we can trust in His judgment.
Holy Spirit - Part 2
By Keith Daniel2.2K48:32Holy SpiritGEN 18:32EXO 20:3DEU 8:3PSA 51:10ISA 6:1JER 20:9MAT 4:4ACT 2:37In this sermon, the preacher shares his experience of seeking God's guidance and receiving a powerful message. He describes how he dedicated himself to fasting and prayer, sacrificing food and sleep for three nights. As he cried out to God, he was led to scripture after scripture, and tears flowed as he turned the pages. Eventually, he wrote a sermon titled "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," which became one of the most famous sermons in history. The preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the content of God's word and not just relying on catchy titles.
Pursuing Your Treasure - Part 2
By K.P. Yohannan80913:31American DreamGEN 12:1GEN 18:32GEN 19:26MAT 6:33MAT 9:36MAT 9:38MRK 14:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the need to stop living in an illusion of a Christianity that promises a beautiful and happy life on earth. He contrasts the stories of Lot and Abraham to illustrate this point. Lot chose a path of pursuing worldly desires, which ultimately led to destruction, while Abraham chose to leave his comfort zone and follow God's plan. The speaker encourages listeners to have a heart of compassion for others, just as Jesus did, and to pray for laborers to spread the gospel.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 14
By Zac Poonen66625:28GEN 18:32JER 5:1EZK 22:30MAT 5:13JHN 8:12JHN 9:5JHN 17:11ROM 8:4This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus, focusing on the importance of disciples understanding and embodying His commandments. It emphasizes the disciples' role as the salt of the earth, bringing a taste of heaven through their lives, and as the light of the world, shining forth the life of Jesus through good works. The sermon highlights the need for quality over quantity in discipleship, drawing parallels from biblical examples like Abraham, Jeremiah, and Elijah, who impacted their surroundings through their wholehearted commitment. It concludes with a call to fulfill the law of God internally through the Holy Spirit, surpassing the righteousness of external religious practices.
X. the Story of the Hero-Model of the Old Testament
By John Sung0Obedience to GodFaithGEN 12:1GEN 13:14GEN 15:5GEN 17:5GEN 18:32GEN 22:2GEN 22:12ROM 4:20HEB 11:8JAS 2:23John Sung preaches about the life of Abram, emphasizing his journey of faith and obedience to God despite challenges and fears. He recounts Abram's initial rejection of idol worship, his call to leave his homeland, and the trials he faced, including a famine that led him to Egypt. Sung highlights Abram's struggles with doubt and the importance of unwavering faith, culminating in the ultimate test of sacrificing his beloved son Isaac, which demonstrated his love for God above all else. The sermon illustrates that true obedience to God requires complete surrender and trust, as exemplified by Abram's life.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Peradventure ten shall be found there - Knowing that in the family of his nephew the true religion was professed and practiced, he could not suppose there could be less than ten righteous persons in the city, he did not think it necessary to urge his supplication farther; he therefore left off his entreaties, and the Lord departed from him. It is highly worthy of observation, that while he continued to pray the presence of God was continued; and when Abraham ended, "the glory of the Lord was lifted up," as the Targum expresses it. This chapter, though containing only the preliminaries to the awful catastrophe detailed in the next, affords us several lessons of useful and important information. 1. The hospitality and humanity of Abraham are worthy, not only of our most serious regard, but also of our imitation. He sat in the door of his tent in the heat of the day, not only to enjoy the current of refreshing air, but that if he saw any weary and exhausted travelers he might invite them to rest and refresh themselves. Hospitality is ever becoming in one human being towards another; for every destitute man is a brother in distress, and demands our most prompt and affectionate assistance, according to that heavenly precept, "What ye would that men should do unto you, do even so unto them." From this conduct of Abraham a Divine precept is formed: "Be not forgetful to entertain strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Heb 13:2. 2. Whatever is given on the ground of humanity and mercy is given unto God, and is sure to meet with his approbation and a suitable reward. While Abraham entertained his guests God discovers himself, and reveals to him the counsels of his will, and renews the promise of a numerous posterity. Sarah, though naturally speaking past child-bearing, shall have a son: natural obstacles cannot hinder the purpose of God; nature is his instrument; and as it works not only by general laws, but also by any particular will of God, so it may accomplish that will in any way he may choose to direct. It is always difficult to credit God's promises when they relate to supernatural things, and still more so when they have for their object events that are contrary to the course of nature; but as nothing is too hard for God, so "all things are possible to him that believeth." It is that faith alone which is of the operation of God's Spirit, that is capable of crediting supernatural things; he who does not pray to be enabled to believe, or, if he do, uses not the power when received, can never believe to the saving of the soul. 3. Abraham trusts much in God, and God reposes much confidence in Abraham. He knows that God is faithful, and will fulfill his promises; and God knows that Abraham is faithful, and will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord to do justice and judgment; Gen 18:19. No man lives unto himself; and God gives us neither spiritual nor temporal blessings for ourselves alone; our bread we are to divide with the hungry, and to help the stranger in distress. He who understands the way of God should carefully instruct his household in that way; and he who is the father of a family should pray to God to teach him, that he may teach his household. His ignorance of God and salvation can be no excuse for his neglecting his family: it is his indispensable duty to teach them; and God will teach him, if he earnestly seek it, that he may be able to discharge this duty to his family. Reader, if thy children or servants perish through thy neglect, God will judge thee for it in the great day. 4. The sin of Sodom and the cities of the plain was great and grievous; the measure of their iniquity was full, and God determined to destroy them. Judgment is God's strange work, but though rarely done it must be done sometimes, lest men should suppose that right and wrong, vice and virtue, are alike in the eye of God. And these judgments must be dispensed in such a way as to show they are not the results of natural causes, but come immediately from the incensed justice of the Most High. 5. Every man who loves God loves his neighbor also; and he who loves his neighbor will do all in his power to promote the well-being both of his soul and his body. Abraham cannot prevent the men of Sodom from sinning against God; but he can make prayer and intercession for their souls, and plead, if not in arrest, yet in mitigation, of judgment. He therefore intercedes for the transgressors, and God is well pleased with his intercessions. These are the offspring of God's own love in the heart of his servant. 6. How true is that word, The energetic faithful prayer of a righteous man availeth much! Abraham draws near to God by affection and faith, and in the most devout and humble manner makes prayer and supplication; and every petition is answered on the spot. Nor does God cease to promise to show mercy till Abraham ceases to intercede! What encouragement does this hold out to them that fear God, to make prayer and intercession for their sinful neighbors and ungodly relatives! Faith in the Lord Jesus endues prayer with a species of omnipotence; whatsoever a man asks of the Father in his name, he will do it. Prayer has been termed the gate of heaven, but without faith that gate cannot be opened. He who prays as he should, and believes as he ought, shall have the fullness of the blessings of the Gospel of peace.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he said, Oh, let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once,.... This should be the last request he should make on this account, and therefore he desired he might be heard without any marks of his displeasure: Peradventure ten shall be found there: how would the place be dealt with then? would it be consumed or not? and he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake; though no more righteous persons were found in it. Some of the Jewish writers say (g), he ended at ten, because he supposed there were ten righteous persons in Lot's family, Lot and his wife, and their four daughters, and their four husbands; but they forgot that two of Lot's daughters were unmarried, and how many he had married is not known; ten they say make a congregation, and wherever there are ten righteous persons, a place is saved for their sakes. (g) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 49. fol. 44. 3.