Genesis 18:13-23

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 wonderful for the Lord? At the set time I will return to you, in due season, and Sarah shall have a son."

15 But Sarah denied, saying, "I did not laugh"; for she was afraid. He said, "Oh yes, you did laugh."

16 Then the men set out from there, and they looked 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 become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

19 No, for I have chosen him, that he may charge 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 about for Abraham what he has promised him."

20 Then the Lord said, "How great is the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and how very grave their sin!

21 I must go down and see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me; and if not, I will know."

22 So the men turned from there, and went toward Sodom, while Abraham remained standing before the Lord.

23 Then Abraham came near and said, "Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?

Genesis 18:13-23 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.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or [and all the nations of the earth shall bless themselves by him]
• [b]. Heb [known]
• [c]. Another ancient tradition reads [while the Lord remained standing before Abraham]