Topical Bible: Sodom: Abraham's Intercession For

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Biblical Context:
Sodom, a city located in the plain of Jordan, is infamously known for its wickedness and subsequent destruction by divine judgment. The narrative of Abraham's intercession for Sodom is found in Genesis 18:16-33. This passage highlights the patriarch Abraham's role as an intercessor, demonstrating his compassion and deep concern for the righteous within the city.

The Scene:
The account begins with the Lord appearing to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre. After sharing a meal with Abraham, the Lord reveals His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah, as their sin is "so grievous" (Genesis 18:20). As the men set out toward Sodom, Abraham remains standing before the Lord, initiating a profound dialogue.

Abraham's Intercession:
Abraham approaches the Lord with humility and reverence, addressing Him as the "Judge of all the earth" (Genesis 18:25). He begins by questioning whether the Lord would "sweep away the righteous with the wicked" (Genesis 18:23). Abraham's intercession is marked by a series of petitions, each progressively lowering the number of righteous individuals required to spare the city.

1. Fifty Righteous: Abraham first asks if the city would be spared for the sake of fifty righteous people. The Lord agrees, stating, "If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake" (Genesis 18:26).

2. Forty-Five Righteous: Emboldened by the Lord's response, Abraham reduces the number to forty-five. The Lord again agrees to spare the city if forty-five righteous are found (Genesis 18:28).

3. Forty, Thirty, Twenty, and Ten Righteous: Abraham continues to intercede, each time lowering the number by increments of ten. The Lord consents each time, ultimately agreeing not to destroy the city if ten righteous people are found (Genesis 18:29-32).

Significance of the Intercession:
Abraham's intercession for Sodom is a profound demonstration of his faith and his understanding of God's justice and mercy. It underscores the biblical principle that God is willing to spare judgment for the sake of the righteous. Abraham's dialogue with God reveals a deep relationship characterized by trust and boldness, as he appeals to God's nature as just and merciful.

The Outcome:
Despite Abraham's intercession, the narrative reveals that not even ten righteous individuals could be found in Sodom. Consequently, the city was destroyed, but Lot, Abraham's nephew, and his family were spared due to divine mercy (Genesis 19:15-29).

Theological Implications:
This account emphasizes the power and importance of intercessory prayer. It illustrates the role of the righteous as intercessors for the world, highlighting the impact of their prayers on divine decisions. Furthermore, it reflects God's willingness to engage with humanity and His desire for justice tempered with mercy. Abraham's intercession for Sodom serves as a model for believers, encouraging them to pray earnestly for the salvation and preservation of others.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 18:16-33
And the men rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

'Because of his Importunity'
... of the incident is in the wonderful picture of Abraham's intercession, which, in
like ... in the going of the two (men or angels) towards Sodom; therefore Jehovah ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/because of his importunity.htm

Putting God to Work
... Abraham's intercession for Sodom is a striking illustration of the nature of prayer,
intercourse with God, and showing the intercessory side of prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... Abraham has no relations with the men of Sodom. ... Abraham does not contest the justice
of the doom ... their hearts with pity, and to stir them to intercession and to ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

Intercession Every Christian's Duty
... to hear all our prayers, and to make continual intercession for us! ... face to face,
and his life was preserved; as Abraham, when he pleaded for Sodom; and as ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/intercession every christians duty.htm

The Swift Destroyer
... has now rejoined the mysterious pair whom He had sent to Sodom. ... but in accordance
with the principle which was illustrated in Abraham's intercession, and even ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the swift destroyer.htm

Chapter xix
... he had stood before Yahweh, and looked out upon Sodom and Gomorrah ... up this chapter
with the preceding, showing what bearing Abraham's intercession really had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xix.htm

Chapter xviii
... Abraham, well informed as to Sodom's extreme wickedness, has no doubt what God must ...
The boldness of faith betrayed by this intercession may well astound us. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xviii.htm

City of God
... Deceitful Demons, While Promising to Conduct Men to God by Their Intercession, Mean
to ... Chapter 22.--Of Abraham's Overcoming the Enemies of Sodom, When He ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

Index of Subjects.
... Abraham, his history a reproof to Jewish pride, [1]97 ... for truth, [12]504; prayer
for Sodom, [13]546 ... suffering and beneficence, [185]92; His intercession, [186]454 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/index of subjects.htm

The City of God. Index of Subjects.
... Apples of Sodom, the, [124]456. ... Birds, the, offered by Abraham, not to be divided,
"import of this ... life, the, not to be obtained by the intercession of demons ...
/.../augustine/on christian doctrine in four books /the city of god index.htm