In the narrative of Genesis 18, Abraham's interaction with God concerning the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah provides a profound example of presumption intertwined with faith and intercession. This episode occurs after the Lord appears to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, accompanied by two angels. Following the announcement of the birth of Isaac, the Lord reveals His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah, "because their sin is so grievous" (Genesis 18:20).

Abraham's presumption is evident in his boldness to engage in a dialogue with the Almighty regarding the impending judgment on these cities. As the narrative unfolds, Abraham approaches God with a series of questions, beginning with, "Will You really sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" (Genesis 18:23). This inquiry sets the stage for a remarkable negotiation, where Abraham appeals to God's justice and mercy.

Abraham's approach is characterized by a deep sense of humility and reverence, yet it is undeniably audacious. He begins by asking if the city would be spared for the sake of fifty righteous people, and upon receiving a favorable response, he progressively lowers the number, ultimately reaching ten. Each request is prefaced with a recognition of his own unworthiness, as he states, "Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes" (Genesis 18:27).

This interaction highlights a tension between presumption and faith. On one hand, Abraham's repeated questioning could be seen as presumptuous, as he dares to challenge the divine plan. On the other hand, his persistence is rooted in a profound trust in God's character, believing that the Judge of all the earth will do what is right (Genesis 18:25).

Abraham's intercession for Sodom is also a reflection of his compassion and concern for the righteous, particularly his nephew Lot and his family, who reside in the city. His willingness to stand in the gap for others exemplifies the role of a mediator, foreshadowing the ultimate intercessor, Jesus Christ.

The narrative does not record any rebuke from God for Abraham's boldness. Instead, it demonstrates God's willingness to engage with His servant, revealing His patience and openness to dialogue. This interaction underscores the relational aspect of God's covenant with Abraham, where honest communication is not only permitted but encouraged.

In summary, Abraham's questioning about Sodom serves as a complex example of presumption, where boldness in approaching God is balanced by humility and faith. It illustrates the delicate interplay between human initiative and divine sovereignty, offering a model of intercessory prayer that seeks to align with God's justice and mercy.Genesis 18:23-32
And Abraham drew near, and said, Will you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Nave's Topical Index

Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence
... some people's faith, which faith may very readily verge upon presumption. ... that he
does not think of questioning it ... You see you cannot feel like Abraham who gave ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/godly fear and its goodly.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Abraham, rich but not covetous: entertaining angels, [470]349; tent of, stronger
than Sodom, [471]456. Absolution, [472]356; at the altar, [473]443. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... answering the people who were questioning Him, began ... call perseverance obstinacy,
and confidence presumption, as in ... Abraham did not become partner in crime ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... The translation of Enoch, the Deluge, the destruction of Sodom, the plagues of Egypt ...
first with Noah (Genesis 9:8-17), and afterwards with Abraham (Genesis 17:1 ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

Footnotes
... is calculated, on the one hand, to encourage presumption; and, on ... angels, to sit
as it were in Abraham's bosom, and ... about and over the lake of Sodom," or Dead ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... seed; no, no says he, it is not of blood; think not to say you have Abraham to your ...
The name of the one was Simple, another Sloth, and the third Presumption. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... Come in, thou daughter of Abraham. ... saw still in my dream, that they went on until
they were come to the place that Simple, and Sloth, and Presumption,[104] lay ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

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Presumption: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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