Topical Bible: Prayer: Exemplified by Abraham in his Inquiry Concerning Sodom

◄ Prayer: Exemplified by Abraham in his Inquiry Concerning Sodom ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Biblical Context:
The account of Abraham's intercession for Sodom is found in Genesis 18:16-33. This passage provides a profound example of prayer as a dialogue with God, showcasing Abraham's role as an intercessor and his deep concern for justice and mercy.

Narrative Overview:
After receiving the promise of a son through Sarah, Abraham is visited by three men, one of whom is the LORD. As they prepare to leave, the LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, standing before the LORD, begins a bold and humble inquiry concerning the fate of the righteous within the city.

Key Elements of Abraham's Prayer:

1. Approach with Reverence:
Abraham approaches God with deep respect, acknowledging His sovereignty and righteousness. He begins his plea with humility, recognizing his own position before the Almighty: "Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes" (Genesis 18:27).

2. Intercession for Others:
Abraham's prayer is not for himself but for the inhabitants of Sodom, particularly the righteous among them. His concern extends beyond his own family to the broader community, reflecting a heart aligned with God's compassion and justice.

3. Persistence in Prayer:
Abraham's dialogue with God is marked by persistence. He begins by asking if God would spare the city for the sake of fifty righteous people and continues to lower the number, demonstrating his earnest desire for mercy: "Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will You really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous who are there?" (Genesis 18:24).

4. Appeal to God's Character:
Abraham appeals to God's nature as just and merciful, questioning whether the Judge of all the earth would destroy the righteous with the wicked. His prayer is rooted in a deep understanding of God's character: "Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" (Genesis 18:25).

5. God's Response:
The LORD responds to Abraham's intercession with patience and willingness to relent, agreeing to spare the city if even ten righteous people are found there. This exchange highlights God's readiness to listen and His desire to show mercy.

Theological Implications:
Abraham's prayer exemplifies the power and importance of intercessory prayer. It underscores the believer's role in standing in the gap for others, advocating for mercy and justice. The narrative also illustrates the relational aspect of prayer, where dialogue with God is encouraged and valued. Abraham's inquiry reveals a God who is approachable and responsive, inviting His people to engage with Him in matters of great significance.

Practical Application:
Believers are encouraged to emulate Abraham's example by approaching God with reverence, interceding for others, and persisting in prayer. Understanding God's character as just and merciful should shape the content and tone of our prayers, fostering a deeper relationship with Him and a greater concern for the well-being of others.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 18:23-32
And Abraham drew near, and said, Will you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... from the history of Abel, is exemplified in a ... that the patriarchs Noah {28} and Abraham
testified their ... the doctrine that his blood (signifying his death) is ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
... about this truth, and to struggle concerning this one ... it according to the limits
thereof,] and prayer" (1 Timothy ... humiliation of Christ; who at his coming into ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord; and my prayer came in ... also is written
of the man that said to his son, 'Go ... Come in, thou daughter of Abraham. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

Footnotes
... It was therefore resolved, after prayer to God, to ... See likewise Faithful
Witness-bearing Exemplified, preface, p. iv ... to sit as it were in Abraham's bosom, ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm