Gen 18:18 | KingComments | STEP | These verses begin and end with a message about the departure of the two angels to Sodom. They “looked down toward Sodom” ( ) and they “went toward Sodom” ( ). In the verses in between we are made partakers of the deliberations of the LORD. He discusses with Himself whether He will make known to Abraham what He will do with Sodom and Gomorrah. He mentions the conditions Abraham meets to involve him in His plans. Everything in his house is ruled by God’s Word. If things are so, God can make His thoughts known. God cannot make such announcements to people like Lot. To convince us of His absolute righteousness, the LORD informs us that He will descend to get the confirmation of what has come to His attention. He knows everything that happens on earth. But also here He involves us in His way of working and describes this in a way that we can understand and imitate. He doesn’t judge without having examined the case thoroughly. When the time of departure has come, Abraham bids his guests farewell. He sends them on their way “in a manner worthy of God” ( ). He wants to enjoy their company for as long as possible. This gives the LORD the opportunity to share His thoughts with Abraham ( ).

‏ Genesis 18:18

Considerations of the LORD

These verses begin and end with a message about the departure of the two angels to Sodom. They “looked down toward Sodom” (Gen 18:16) and they “went toward Sodom” (Gen 18:22). In the verses in between we are made partakers of the deliberations of the LORD. He discusses with Himself whether He will make known to Abraham what He will do with Sodom and Gomorrah. He mentions the conditions Abraham meets to involve him in His plans. Everything in his house is ruled by God’s Word. If things are so, God can make His thoughts known. God cannot make such announcements to people like Lot.

To convince us of His absolute righteousness, the LORD informs us that He will descend to get the confirmation of what has come to His attention. He knows everything that happens on earth. But also here He involves us in His way of working and describes this in a way that we can understand and imitate. He doesn’t judge without having examined the case thoroughly.

When the time of departure has come, Abraham bids his guests farewell. He sends them on their way “in a manner worthy of God” (3Jn 1:6). He wants to enjoy their company for as long as possible. This gives the LORD the opportunity to share His thoughts with Abraham (Pro 3:32b).