Gen 18:23-33 | MHM | STEP | Genesis 18:23-33: Abraham’s Intercession for Sodom In these verses, Abraham speaks with God to plead for Sodom. He asks if God will spare the city if there are righteous people living there. Abraham’s prayer is earnest, humble, and full of faith. He shows care for others, even sinners, by not wishing for their destruction. This passage is the first recorded long prayer in the Bible, and it teaches us to pray for others, trust in God’s justice, and approach God with both confidence and humility (Genesis 18:23-33 ). v. 23 : Abraham draws near to God and asks, “Will you destroy the righteous with the wicked?” He approaches with both respect and boldness, showing that prayer is coming close to God (Jeremiah 30:21; Job 31:37 ; Leviticus 10:3 ).

‏ Genesis 18:23-33

Genesis 18:23-33: Abraham’s Intercession for Sodom

In these verses, Abraham speaks with God to plead for Sodom. He asks if God will spare the city if there are righteous people living there. Abraham’s prayer is earnest, humble, and full of faith. He shows care for others, even sinners, by not wishing for their destruction. This passage is the first recorded long prayer in the Bible, and it teaches us to pray for others, trust in God’s justice, and approach God with both confidence and humility (Genesis 18:23-33 ^a).

v. 23: Abraham draws near to God and asks, “Will you destroy the righteous with the wicked?” He approaches with both respect and boldness, showing that prayer is coming close to God (Jeremiah 30:21; Job 31:37 ^b; Leviticus 10:3 ^c).

v. 24-25: Abraham asks God if He will spare Sodom for fifty righteous people. He says it would not be right to treat the righteous the same as the wicked. Abraham is sure that God, the Judge of all the earth, will always do what is right (Romans 3:5-6; Job 34:10-11 ^d).

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v. 26: The Lord answers that He will spare the whole city if He finds fifty righteous people there. This shows God’s willingness to show mercy for the sake of the few good people .

v. 27-28: Abraham humbly admits he is “dust and ashes” but asks if God will spare the city for forty-five righteous. Abraham is amazed that God lets him speak so freely, even though he knows he is small compared to God (2 Samuel 7:18 ^e).

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v. 29: Abraham continues, asking if God will spare the city for forty. God agrees, showing His patience and mercy.

v. 30-31: Abraham asks about thirty, then twenty righteous people. Each time, God says He will not destroy the city if that many are found. Abraham is careful not to make God angry, but God is not upset with his repeated requests (Psalm 80:4; Proverbs 15:8 ^f).

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v. 32: Finally, Abraham asks if God will spare Sodom for just ten righteous people. God promises not to destroy it for the sake of ten. Abraham’s hope shows great charity, believing there might still be good people in Sodom. He shows loving concern for others, even those who are very sinful.

v. 33: When the conversation ends, the Lord leaves, and Abraham returns home. God listens to all Abraham’s requests and never grows tired of hearing him. Abraham is not proud after this special meeting with God, but quietly returns to his usual life, waiting to see what will happen. God’s mercy is great, but Sodom is still destroyed because there are not even ten righteous people. This teaches us to expect little from people, but to trust greatly in God (Isaiah 59:1-2 ^g).