Genesis 18:19-22
“19 For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” 20 Then the Lord said, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous 21 that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.” 22 The men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the Lord.”
Genesis 18:19-22 Meaning
In these verses, we see God affirming His choice of Abraham and his responsibility as a father and leader. God acknowledges that He has chosen Abraham to direct his children and household to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just. Furthermore, God reveals His plan to investigate the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah and determine if they are as severe as the outcry against them suggests. Abraham remains standing before the Lord, demonstrating his continued obedience and willingness to intercede on behalf of others.
Genesis 18:19-22 Commentary and Explanation
God’s selection of Abraham was not arbitrary but had a purpose. He says, “For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” Here, we witness God’s selection of Abraham as a vessel through which His divine plan will unfold. It reminds us of God’s sovereign choice in salvation, a theme echoed in Romans 9:10-13, where God chose Jacob over Esau before they were born, not based on their deeds but on His purpose.
God’s expectation from Abraham is clear: that he would teach his children and household to walk in the ways of the Lord, to do what is right and just. This resonates with Deuteronomy 6:6-7, where the Israelites are instructed to impress God’s commandments on their children. It underscores the importance of godly parenting and leadership in our families.
In verse 20, God shifts the conversation towards the dire situation in Sodom and Gomorrah. He says, “The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous.” This “outcry” may refer to the collective cry of the oppressed and the victims of the city’s wickedness, a theme that God takes seriously throughout the Bible (Exodus 3:7, Psalm 34:17-18).
God’s declaration in verse 21 reveals His sense of justice. He intends to investigate the cities personally, saying, “I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know.” This mirrors God’s willingness to seek out the truth and His patience in judgment, as seen in His interaction with Abraham.
The interaction between God and Abraham in this passage is remarkable. It demonstrates Abraham’s boldness in intercession. While the two angels who accompanied God head toward Sodom in verse 22, Abraham remains standing before the Lord. This signifies Abraham’s persistence and fervent prayer on behalf of the righteous in Sodom. It reminds us of the importance of intercessory prayer and pleading for God’s mercy, as seen in Moses’ intercession for the Israelites in Exodus 32:9-14.
Ultimately, Genesis 18:19-22 offers us a glimpse into the profound relationship between God and Abraham, showcasing God’s sovereignty, justice, and willingness to hear the prayers of His chosen ones. It also emphasizes the importance of godly parenting and intercessory prayer, themes that resonate throughout the Bible and remain relevant in our lives today.
Also Read: Genesis 18:14-18 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 18:19-22
These verses are part of the conversation between God and Abraham before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. God had previously promised Abraham that he would become a great nation and that his offspring would bless the whole world. In this encounter, God comes to Abraham to reveal His plans and to involve him in the decision-making process. The verses set the stage for Abraham’s intercession for the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 18:19-22
Chosen by God: Abraham is chosen by God for a specific purpose, to direct his children and household in the ways of the Lord. This highlights the importance of our roles as parents and leaders, entrusted with the responsibility to guide others in righteousness.
Investigation of Sodom and Gomorrah: God intends to investigate the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah to determine their severity. This showcases God’s fairness and justice, ensuring that His judgments are based on accurate information.
Abraham’s Intercession: While the men proceed towards Sodom, Abraham remains standing before the Lord, demonstrating his commitment to intercede on behalf of others. This emphasizes the power of prayer and our role in seeking God’s mercy and intervention for those in need.
Lessons From Genesis 18:19-22
- Purpose in God’s choice: Just like Abraham, each one of us is chosen by God for a purpose. We have a responsibility to guide and lead others in righteousness, especially within our families and communities.
- God’s justice and fairness: God’s plan to investigate the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah before passing judgment showcases His righteousness and fairness. We can trust that God will always act justly and base His decisions on accurate information.
- The power of intercession: Abraham’s willingness to intercede for the righteous in Sodom and Gomorrah teaches us the importance of persistent prayer and seeking God’s mercy on behalf of others. Even in seemingly hopeless situations, our prayers can make a difference.
Final Thoughts
These verses remind us of our role as parents and leaders, chosen by God to guide others in righteousness. We are called to keep the way of the Lord and teach others to do what is right and just. Additionally, God’s investigation of Sodom and Gomorrah showcases His fairness and justice in His judgment. Lastly, Abraham’s intercession teaches us the power of prayer and our responsibility to intercede on behalf of others. As we reflect on these verses, let us be encouraged to fulfill our God-given purpose, trust in His justice, and diligently intercede for those in need.