Genesis 18 fits into the narrative concerning Abraham and his travels in the land of Canaan. It is nestled between the birth of Ishmael (the son of slavery) and the birth of Isaac (the son of the promise).

Genesis 18:16-33 describes how Abraham interceded for Sodom, Gomorrah and his nephew, Lot and his family. It is an interesting dialog between Abraham and the Lord.

Background

The Lord decided to share with Abraham His plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. In the true middle-eastern fashion of haggling, Abraham negotiated with the Lord. Abraham knew his nephew, Lot, lived in Sodom and was worried that he might be destroyed with the wicked.

Once the Lord had committed to destroy the wicked cities, Abraham went into action. He first suggested that surely the Lord would not sweep away the righteous with the wicked. The Lord said if he found 50 righteous in Sodom, He would not destroy the entire city for their sake.

Now Abraham began to haggle. He began by asking the Lord if He would destroy Sodom if there were 45 found to be righteous within its gates. The Lord would not. This haggling continued to 40 righteous, then 30, then 20 and finally 10. The Lord would not destroy Sodom if He found 10 righteous.

What attribute of God do I see?

God shares His plans with Abraham and engages in dialog.

Abraham was a friend of God according to James 2:23.

Jesus also calls us friends in John’s gospel. John 15:14-15

We are no longer just servants because God reveals what He is doing in the world to us as well. He makes things known to us…and for what purpose?

What is our responsibility as we learn from Abraham?

Abraham appealed to God’s mercy, justice and righteousness. As God’s kingdom representative here on earth, His ambassador, how should I be interceding?

It appears God wants me to engage with Him, even debate or wrestle with Him on behalf of others. Share on X

God looks for people, His kingdom representatives, to stand in the gap for others (Ezekiel 22:30).

Am I willing to intercede as Abraham did?

This is a question for each follower of Christ. It is a tall order and yet, an amazing opportunity to engage with the God of the universe.

Will you and I choose to stand in the gap and intercede for those around us? We can trust in the Lord’s mercy, goodness and forgiveness.

Seek the Lord today, discover what is on His heart and mind.

Read God’s Word, and listen with your spiritual ears. Engage in conversation with the God who made you and desires to dialog with you.

Need more opportunities for Connecting with God? Request the free guide, Reflections for Your Soul.