Genesis 18:20-23

20 Then the LORD said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous
21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.”
22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.[a]
23 Then Abraham approached him and said: “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18:20-23 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 18

Another appearance of God to Abraham is here recorded; three persons are seen by him in an human form, whom he kindly invites to stop with him, and generously entertains them, Ge 18:1-8; they inquire concerning Sarah his wife, and one of them renews the promise of her bearing a son to him, which occasions laughter in her, for which she is reproved, Ge 18:9-15; upon their departure the Lord thought fit, for reasons given, to make known to Abraham his intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Ge 18:16-22; when Abraham intercedes for the preservation of those cities in a most importunate and affectionate manner, Ge 18:23-33.

Cross References 8

  • 1. Isaiah 1:10; Jeremiah 23:14; Ezekiel 16:46
  • 2. Genesis 19:13
  • 3. S Genesis 13:13
  • 4. S Genesis 11:5
  • 5. S ver 2
  • 6. Genesis 19:1
  • 7. ver 1; Genesis 19:27
  • 8. Exodus 23:7; Lev 4:3,22,27; Numbers 16:22; Deuteronomy 27:25; 2 Samuel 24:17; Psalms 11:4-7; Psalms 94:21; Ezekiel 18:4; 2 Peter 2:9

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Masoretic Text; an ancient Hebrew scribal tradition "but the " Lord"remained standing before Abraham"
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