Genesis 18

Genesis 18:1

PLaines] Or Thickets, and groves of Oaks.

Genesis 18:2

Three en] That is to say, three Angels in human sape, whereof the chiefe and most honourable was the sonne of God himselfe, as Genesis 16:7. and at the first arrivall Abraham did not know them.

Genesis 18:3

My Lord] He doth direct his speech to the chiefest.

Genesis 18:4

Wash] According to the fashion of the ancients, when they came out of the fields, or from journeying, for they used for the most part Sandalls, or soles laced upon their bare feet.

Genesis 18:5

Therefore] A common manner of speaking. as Genesis 19. 8. and 33. 10. The meaning is, your comming bindeth me to this duty, and I could not bee contented, if I should not performe it towards you.

Genesis 18:10

And he] The Lord doth here begin to make himselfe knowne Behind] Or the tent was behinde him: that is, the Angel stood with his back towards the tent, whilst he was talking with Abraham.

Genesis 18:12

Laughed] Gods reproving of her sheweth, that it was not a laughter of joy, as Abrahams was, Genesis 17:17. but of some doubting and irreverence, in a thing that was so strange, and seemed within it selfe, to include an absurdity in nature, which notwithstanding, was presently overcome by her faith, Hebrews 11:11. being awakened by the word of the Lord.

Genesis 18:18

Seeing that] Since that I have made him head, and father of all my Church, it is fitting hee should bee instructed concerning this judgement of mine, that by him my Church may receive necessary instructions therein.

Genesis 18:19

I know him] Chosen and destinyed him for mine owne Justice and judgment] Termes set downe in Scripture, taken from the duty of Judges; which is to doe good men right, and to punish the wicked. So every faithfull man is bound to avoyd the evill, and do that which is good That the Lord] That they on their part observing and keeping the conditions of my Covenant: it may for ever stand firme to them, according to my promise made to Abraham.

Genesis 18:20

The crie] A figurative terme used in Scripture, to shew how Gods judgments are provoked by exorbitant sins.

Genesis 18:21

Goe downe] Humane kinds of speeches, to shew that he will proceed with entire justice; after he hath diligently examined the cause.

Genesis 18:22

From thence] From Abrahams habitation Before] Before him, which amongst the three Angels, was the Sonne of God knowne, and worshipped by him, who stayed yet a little while with Abraham, the other two going before.

Genesis 18:23

The righteous] The good man, according to humane condition; the man who is innocent of those sins, for which thou wilt destroy Sodom.

Genesis 18:24

And not spare]] Not that this is a perpetuall and generall rule in Godsjudgments in this world Ezekiel 14:18. but here God through especiall grace, yeelds to Abrahams request.

Genesis 18:27

Now I have] A preface of humility, and of correcting himselfe, as if he should say, shall I dare to assume so much liberty to my selfe?