Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context:Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His life and actions are chronicled primarily in the Book of Genesis. One of the significant events involving Abraham is his witnessing of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities notorious for their wickedness. Scriptural Account: The narrative of Sodom's destruction is found in Genesis 18-19. The account begins with the Lord appearing to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre. Three men, understood to be divine messengers, visit Abraham, and during this encounter, the Lord reveals His plan to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah. Intercession for Sodom: Abraham's role as an intercessor is highlighted in Genesis 18:22-33. Concerned for the righteous who might reside in Sodom, Abraham approaches God with a series of petitions, seeking to spare the city if righteous individuals can be found. The dialogue is a profound example of Abraham's faith and his understanding of divine justice. Abraham begins by asking if the city would be spared for the sake of fifty righteous people, and through a series of negotiations, he reduces the number to ten. The Lord agrees to spare the city if ten righteous people are found. Genesis 18:32-33 : "Finally, Abraham said, 'May the Lord not be angry, but let me speak once more. Suppose ten are found there?' He answered, 'On account of the ten, I will not destroy it.' When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, He departed, and Abraham returned home." Destruction of Sodom: Despite Abraham's intercession, the narrative in Genesis 19 reveals that not even ten righteous individuals are found in Sodom. Two angels arrive in the city and are met by Lot, Abraham's nephew, who offers them hospitality. The wickedness of the city's inhabitants is confirmed when they demand to abuse the visitors. The angels warn Lot of the impending destruction and urge him to flee with his family. Genesis 19:24-25 : "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." Abraham's Observation: The following morning, Abraham rises early and returns to the place where he had stood before the Lord. From this vantage point, he witnesses the aftermath of the divine judgment. Genesis 19:27-28 : "Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD. He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of the plain, and he saw the smoke rising from the land like smoke from a furnace." Theological Implications: Abraham's witnessing of Sodom's destruction serves as a powerful testament to the themes of divine justice and mercy. His intercession highlights the potential for human agency in divine matters, while the ultimate destruction underscores the severity of sin and the righteousness of God's judgment. Abraham's role as a witness and intercessor reflects his deep relationship with God and his concern for justice and mercy. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 19:27,28And Abraham got up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: Nave's Topical Index Library Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Book 1 Footnotes: Hebrews xii. 6-Apr "In the Volume of the Book it is Written of Me" (Heb. . . On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria. Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ... The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes Resources How old was Abraham when he died? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? | GotQuestions.org How many sons did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Abraham: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms |
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