1 And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day.
2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth.
3 He said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.
4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree,
5 And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.”
6 And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.”
7 And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly.
8 He took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.”
10 He said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.
11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah.
12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?”
13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’
14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.”
15 Sarah denied it however, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”
16 Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way.
17 The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do,
18 seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.”
20 Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave,
21 I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me.
22 So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord.
23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?
24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it?
25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”
26 And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes.
28 Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.”
29 He said to him, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.”
30 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.”
31 He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.”
32 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.”
33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.
The True Meaning of Genesis 18
This passage from the book of Genesis provides a glimpse into the life of Abraham, a central figure in the Abrahamic faiths. Abraham’s story is woven throughout the Old Testament as a revered patriarch, and this chapter offers a profound encounter between him and the Lord.
The author of Genesis is traditionally attributed to Moses, the great lawgiver and prophet who led the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses, himself a pivotal character in the biblical narrative, is believed to have compiled the first five books of the Bible, known as the Pentateuch, drawing from various sources and traditions. Abraham witnesses a remarkable visitation in this chapter as the Lord appears, accompanied by two angels. This divine encounter foreshadows the pivotal events to come, including the promised birth of a son to the elderly Abraham and Sarah, as well as the impending destruction of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The chapter also highlights Abraham’s unwavering faith and his role as an intercessor, pleading for the lives of the righteous. As we delve into this passage, we are reminded of the overarching themes of God’s sovereignty, the importance of obedience, and the power of prayer. These themes resonate throughout the Scriptures, from the creation account in Genesis to the prophetic visions of the later books.
Genesis 18:1-8
Abraham sits at the entrance of his tent during the hottest part of the day in Genesis 18:1-8. He sees three men standing nearby as he looks up. Immediately, Abraham runs to greet them and offers them hospitality. He bows low to the ground, showing respect and humility towards these strangers. Abraham then asks them to rest, wash their feet, and have some food under his care.
This passage highlights the virtue of hospitality that was deeply ingrained in the culture of the ancient near east. Abraham’s swift response to offer hospitality to these strangers reflects the importance of showing kindness and generosity towards others. This act of hospitality becomes even more significant when it is later revealed that one of the visitors is actually the Lord Himself, and the other two are angels. This encounter with the divine emphasizes the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, as we may unknowingly be entertaining angels or even God Himself (Hebrews 13:2).
Furthermore, this passage foreshadows the theme of strangers and foreigners being recipients of God’s blessing throughout the Bible. Abraham’s hospitality towards these strangers not only results in a divine encounter but also in the promise of a son being reaffirmed to him and Sarah. This reinforces the idea that through acts of kindness and hospitality towards others, we may be opening the doors for God to work miracles in our lives.
Additionally, the act of washing feet was a common practice in ancient times as a gesture of hospitality and humility. Here, we see Abraham not only offering food but also ensuring the comfort and cleanliness of his guests by suggesting they wash their feet. This act serves as a reminder of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples in John 13, emphasizing the importance of humility and service in the Christian faith. Genesis 18:1-8 teaches us about the importance of hospitality, kindness, and humility. It reminds us to treat others with respect and love, as we never know when we might be in the presence of the divine. Through the example of Abraham, we are encouraged to extend a welcoming hand to strangers and to show hospitality to all, as it could lead to unexpected blessings and divine encounters.
Genesis 18:9-15
Abraham and the three visitors who came to his tent have an important interaction in Genesis 18:9-15. This section can be broken down into the following parts:
-
Verse 9-10: “Where is your wife Sarah?” they asked him. “There, in the tent,” he said. Then one of them said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son. Abraham points out that Sarah is in the tent when the visitors inquire about her. This sets the stage for the revelation that Sarah would have a son despite her old age. This part of the verse shows the visitors not only knew details about Abraham and Sarah, indicating they were no ordinary travelers, but also hints at the miraculous nature of the event to come. This episode highlights the theme of divine intervention and fulfillment of promises in the Bible. It underscores how God’s plans are often beyond human comprehension or expectation, as seen in the birth of Isaac (Genesis 21:1-7), which was a fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah.
-
Verse 11-12: Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, “After I am worn out and my lord is old, will I now have this pleasure? Sarah’s reaction to the news of having a child at her advanced age reveals a mix of doubt, humor, and disbelief in these verses. This response is relatable, as Sarah’s initial laughter reflects the natural human tendency to doubt the impossible. However, it also serves as a lesson on faith and trust in God’s promises. Sarah’s disbelief echoes similar instances in the Bible where individuals question God’s plans but eventually witness the fulfillment of His promises, reinforcing the importance of faith even in the face of seemingly insurmountable circumstances.
-
Verse 13-15: Then the Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Will I really have a child, now that I am old?’ Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed time next year, and Sarah will have a son.” Sarah was afraid, so she lied and said, “I did not laugh.” But he said, “Yes, you did laugh. God himself addresses Sarah’s laughter in these final verses, emphasizing His power to bring about the impossible. The question, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” is a rhetorical one that underscores the omnipotence of God. This question challenges Sarah’s doubt and serves as a reminder to readers of the magnitude of God’s abilities. Sarah’s attempt to deny her laughter shows human frailty and the instinct to cover up mistakes, yet God’s omniscience is displayed as He acknowledges her reaction. This episode illustrates the importance of honesty before God and the futility of trying to deceive Him. Genesis 18:9-15 offers profound insights into the themes of faith, divine intervention, human doubt, and God’s unfailing promises. The episode of Sarah’s laughter and subsequent rebuke from God serves as a reminder that God’s plans are sovereign and can surpass human understanding. It highlights the transformative power of faith and obedience, as seen in Abraham and Sarah’s journey towards parenthood despite the odds. The account of Sarah’s laughter and God’s response encapsulates the recurring motif in the Bible of God working through imperfect and skeptical individuals to accomplish His divine purposes, showcasing His grace and faithfulness throughout generations.
Genesis 18:16-21
At the start of Genesis 18:16-21, we see the Lord and two angels preparing to leave Abraham’s presence and head towards Sodom and Gomorrah. This sets the scene for a pivotal moment in the Bible, as the plan to judge the cities for their wickedness is about to unfold. The fact that the Lord chose to reveal His intentions to Abraham showcases the special relationship between them. Abraham, known as the father of faith, possessed a remarkable closeness to God, allowing for this intimate conversation. The Lord deliberates in this section whether He should hide the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah from Abraham. This inner monologue gives insight into the character of God who is just but also compassionate. God’s willingness to engage in a dialogue with Abraham implies a desire to involve His faithful servant in His plans. This interaction also emphasizes the importance of communication in a relationship, even the divine one between mankind and God. Abraham boldly intercedes on behalf of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as the narrative progresses. His courageous plea for the righteous in those cities exhibits his compassion and mercy, mirroring God’s own nature. Abraham’s negotiation with God, asking if He would spare the cities if a certain number of righteous people were found within them, reveals the patriarch’s deep concern for the well-being of others. It highlights the power of intercessory prayer and the impact one righteous individual can have in averting disaster.
The poignant dialogue between Abraham and God encapsulates profound lessons for believers. It underscores the significance of prayer, faith, and righteousness. The passage teaches us about the importance of seeking God’s will, standing in the gap for others, and trusting in His justice and mercy. It also underscores the power of a single person’s righteousness to influence the outcome of events, echoing the biblical principle of the remnant, where a faithful few can make a difference amidst widespread wickedness.
The account in Genesis 18:16-21 ultimately reveals God’s righteous judgment balanced with His mercy and compassion. It portrays the Lord as just and fair, willing to engage with His servants and consider their petitions. This episode foreshadows future events in the Bible where individuals, through obedience and faith, play a pivotal role in God’s plans, emphasizing the transformative impact of righteous living in a sinful world.
Genesis 18:22-33
Abraham and God engage in an intimate and profound dialogue in Genesis 18:22-33 as the Lord reveals His plan to judge the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This exchange showcases Abraham’s boldness, intercessory prayer, and deep concern for the righteous individuals who may reside within those cities.
Abraham’s approach is noteworthy as he respectfully questions God’s decision to destroy the cities if there are righteous people within them. He starts with humility, acknowledging his own unworthiness in approaching the Almighty, yet boldly presses on to negotiate with God for the salvation of the cities. This demonstrates Abraham’s faith in God’s justice and his desire to see mercy triumph over judgment.
Furthermore, the conversation emphasizes the importance of righteous individuals in the eyes of God. Abraham’s plea for mercy for the cities if even a few righteous people are found there reveals the value and impact of righteousness in a community. It also underscores the biblical principle that the prayers of righteous individuals have a powerful effect. This is reminiscent of the story of Lot and his family who were spared from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their connection to Abraham and God’s mercy upon them (Genesis 19:29).
God’s willingness to engage in this dialogue with Abraham also speaks to His desire for a relationship with His people. The Lord patiently entertains Abraham’s petitions and ultimately agrees to spare the cities if even a small number of righteous people are found there. This highlights God’s mercy and compassion, as well as His responsiveness to the prayers and intercessions of His faithful servants. This passage encourages us to persistently seek God’s mercy and to intercede for others in prayer in our own lives. It reminds us of the importance of standing in the gap for those in need and trusting in God’s righteousness and compassion. Just as Abraham pleaded for the cities, we are called to advocate for mercy and grace in a broken world, believing that God hears and responds to the cries of His people.
After Genesis 18
The Lord had spoken to Abraham, promising him a son despite his old age. Abraham and his wife Sarah welcomed three visitors, who revealed that Sarah would indeed bear a child. Sarah laughed at the idea, but the Lord affirmed that nothing is impossible for Him. The Lord shared His plan to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah as the visitors departed. Abraham pleaded for the Lord to spare the righteous, and the Lord agreed, setting the stage for the next chapter’s events.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.