1. Abraham pleads for Sodom
Read Genesis 18 and 19
In chapter 18 we read about three men who visited Abraham in his tent near the big trees of
Mamre. We can see that Abraham treated his visitors with true hospitality.
When they left the compound of Abraham, he accompanied them on their way. By this time
Abraham understood that his guests were more than ordinary travellers and that God Himself
had appeared to him.
The announcement of God
When they were at a certain place on the road, God turned to Abraham to inform him about
what was to happen with Sodom. But first the Lord made clear why He shared His plan with
Abraham. He mentioned that Abraham stood in a special relationship with Him (Genesis 18:
17). The Lord also said to Abraham that he had to direct his descendants to walk in the ways of
the Lord and to do what is right (Genesis 18: 18 and 19). In this way the judgement of the Lord
upon the wickedness of Sodom was also a warning to Abraham's descendants. Then the Lord
told him that 'the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah' was so loud and their sins so terrible that He
would go down and see (Genesis 18: 20 and 21). Of course the Lord knew what was going on in
these cities. But just like a judge in a trial first wants to be informed, so God wanted to make
His final decision about the wickedness of the city. From these words Abraham clearly
understood that the destruction of the place was near.
The pleading of Abraham
After God revealed His plan to Abraham concerning Sodom, Abraham seized the opportunity
to speak to God on Sodom's behalf. His concern was not only for his nephew Lot and any other
righteous people in the city but also for those wicked people who were about to be judged by
God's wrath. So Abraham drew near (Genesis 18: 23) and pleaded in a very humble way for
their deliverance. Abraham based his prayer on the righteousness of God. Certainly, God would
not destroy the righteous along with the wicked. Surely the Judge of all the earth would deal
justly and spare the city for the sake of the righteous people who still lived there.
Abraham began his intercession by mentioning a possible number of fifty righteous people.
Abraham knew that he was no more than dust and ashes (Genesis 18: 27). Still he continued
his plea. Gradually he reduced the number of possible righteous people in the city to forty, to
thirty, to twenty and finally to ten. Each time the Lord agreed. After speaking with Abraham
the Lord left him alone. We can learn from this passage what a great blessing a God fearing
person is to any place. Are you in the same way pleading God for the sake of your family and
relatives? And did you already experience the power of prayer?
In this passage Abraham is an example of Jesus Christ. He is the High Priest who is always
interceding for the sake of His children (Hebrews 4: 14-16).
Lot and the destruction of Sodom
According to Genesis 18: 22 two of the three "men" went on to Sodom. Here they are called
two angels. When the strangers arrived at the gate of the city, Lot immediately stepped forwards to offer them hospitality. News of the arrival of the strangers quickly spread through the
city. Soon the men of Sodom crowded around Lot's home. Their only purpose was to abuse
these visitors for the fulfilment of their lusts. It certainly gives a clear indication of the depth of
immorality to which these people, young as well as old, had sunk. When the threatening of the
angry people became worse, the angels struck the people with blindness (Genesis 19: 11). As a
result they finally left the house of Lot. Then the angels informed Lot about the purpose of
their visit. They warned Lot about the coming doom and would rescue him and his family
before the judgement would be executed.
As soon as daylight dawned the angels urged Lot to make haste in his flight. He however,
hesitated because it was very difficult for him to leave everything in Sodom. Therefore the
angels took Lot, his wife and his daughters by the hand and took them to safety outside the city
(Genesis 19: 16).
What about us? When we are not yet a child of God we are in a very dangerous situation. Then
we have to tell you: run for your life. It is better to lose all than to lose your soul.
Do not rest anywhere outside the City of Refuge which is Jesus Christ Himself. Make haste!
"Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation" (2 Corinthians 6: 2).
Remember the wife of Lot
By the time Lot reached Zoar, suddenly a rain of sulphur and fire fell out the sky and destroyed
everything. Then something terrible happened. Lot's wife disobeyed the command of the angel
and looked back. Probably she longed back to her house and goods in Sodom and was
reluctant to leave them. At any rate: by looking back she disobeyed the command of the angels
and became a "pillar of salt".
Now we have to ask ourselves the question: are we only interested in the things of the earth or
have we set our faces already heavenwards? What is most important for us? Remember Lot's
wife (Luke 17: 32 and 33).
Questions
1. Abraham showed hospitality towards his guests. Compare other OT and NT Scripture
portions that deal with the subject of hospitality.
2. What can we learn from this? Discuss also how culture (good and bad things), upbringing
and other factors may affect hospitality (e.g. how is it shown in practice) and how that may
be in line with, or contrary to, Biblical teaching.
3. God spoke to Abraham. In which ways does the Lord speak to us today? Support your
answers from some Bible passages. Can you share how the Lord has spoken to you
personally in some way?
4. Discuss Sarah’s behaviour and draw lessons from it.
5. Mention at least two characteristics of God which we can clearly see in this story. How is
this relevant for yourself, the church, our town, our nation, …?
6. In what way is Abraham in this story an example of Jesus Christ?
7. Study the references to Sodom and Gomorra in the Bible. What can we learn from those
passages?
8. Angels came to Lot apparently in human form, as they did to several other OT people.
However, angels play a big role even in the NT. Study NT passages dealing with angels and
draw lessons about the significance of angels. Are angels still of relevance to us today? If so,
explain how.
9. Compare Lot’s fleeing from the “city of destruction” with Christian’s in Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s
Progress. Identify some similarities and differences.
10. In Luke 17: 32 Jesus says: "Remember the wife of Lot". What was the sin of this woman?
Why do we have to remember her?
11. What can we learn from the passage of Gen 19:30-38?