Genesis 18
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10. Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him--The women's apartment is in the back of the tent, divided by a thin partition from the men's.
12. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself--Long delay seems to have weakened faith. Sarah treated the announcement as incredible, and when taxed with the silent sneer, she added falsehood to distrust. It was an aggravated offense ( Acts 5:4 ), and nothing but grace saved her ( Romans 9:18 ).
Genesis 18:16-22 . DISCLOSURE OF SODOM'S DOOM.
16. the men rose . . . Abraham went with them--It is customary for a host to escort his guests a little way.
17. the Lord said, Shall I hide--The chief stranger, no other than the Lord, disclosed to Abraham the awful doom about to be inflicted on Sodom and the cities of the plain for their enormous wickedness.
21. I will go down . . . and see--language used after the manner of men. These cities were to be made examples to all future ages of God's severity; and therefore ample proof given that the judgment was neither rash nor excessive ( Ezekiel 18:23 , Jeremiah 18:7 ).
Genesis 18:23-33 . ABRAHAM'S INTERCESSION.
23. Abraham drew near, and said, &c.--The scene described is full of interest and instruction--showing in an unmistakable manner the efficacy of prayer and intercession. (See also Proverbs 18:15:8 , 5:16 ). Abraham reasoned justly as to the rectitude of the divine procedure ( Romans 3:5 Romans 3:6 ), and many guilty cities and nations have been spared on account of God's people ( Matthew 5:13 , 24:22 ).
33. the Lord . . . left communing . . . and Abraham returned unto his place--Why did Abraham cease to carry his intercessions farther? Either because he fondly thought that he was now sure of the cities being preserved ( Luke 13:9 ), or because the Lord restrained his mind from further intercession ( Jeremiah 7:16 , 11:14 ). But there were not ten "righteous persons." There was only one, and he might without injustice have perished in the general overthrow ( Ecclesiastes 9:2 ). But a difference is sometimes made, and on this occasion the grace of God was manifested in a signal manner for the sake of Abraham. What a blessing to be connected with a saint of God!