Genesis 18
Summary for Gen 18:1-15: 18:1-15 a The Lord’s visit to Abraham set the time for Isaac’s birth. The three visitors were probably the Lord and two angels (see study note on 16:7). Abraham’s peaceful and generous reception of the visitors contrasts sharply with the chaos and corruption of Sodom (ch 19 b). Eating together was important in making or confirming covenants; when God was ready to fulfill the covenant promise, he came in person to share a meal with Abraham. Fellowship with God has always been signified by a communal meal (see Exod 24:9-11 c; Matt 26:17-30 d // Luke 22:7-38 e; Acts 2:42 f; 1 Cor 11:20-34 g).Summary for Gen 18:2-8: 18:2-8 h Abraham received his visitors as very important guests, perhaps realizing that they were messengers from God.
18:3 i My lord: The Hebrew text uses ’adonay (“Lord”), the word that is usually reserved for God. In Hebrew tradition, it was spoken in places where the holy name Yahweh (the Lord) was in the text. Perhaps the text uses ’adonay rather than the more common ’adoni to show that this was the angel of the Lord—i.e., the Lord himself (see study note on 16:7). We don’t know whether Abraham knew his visitors’ identity at the outset, but by the story’s end Abraham certainly knew he had been talking with God.
18:9 j The visitors’ rhetorical question focuses attention on Sarah, whom the visitors knew by name.
18:10 k I will return: The Hebrew verb means “to intervene in someone’s life to change their destiny.” The statement announced a coming dramatic change.
Summary for Gen 18:13-15: 18:13-15 l Sarah thought her disbelieving laughter was hidden, but God knows human hearts (see Ps 69:5 m; Prov 20:27 n; Mark 4:22 o; Luke 8:43-48 p; Heb 4:13 q), whether they stagger at the promises or step out in faith (see Heb 11:11-12 r).
18:14 s Is anything too hard for the Lord? The question is rhetorical. God is able to do marvelous things. Nothing is incredible to those in covenant fellowship with the Lord, because nothing is too difficult for him.
Summary for Gen 18:16-33: 18:16-33 t God took Abraham into his confidence as his prophet (18:16-21 u; see 20:7 v); Abraham, in turn, interceded for Sodom (18:23-32 w; see Heb 7:23-26 x). God is able to do whatever he chooses to do; this passage affirms that it will be just and right.
Summary for Gen 18:17-19: 18:17-19 y Abraham was responsible for teaching his descendants righteousness and justice so that they might enjoy God’s blessings. It was important for Abraham to know how God’s righteousness was at work in judgment.
Summary for Gen 18:20-21: 18:20-21 z The omniscient God was cautious in his judgment: He knew the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, but this close scrutiny communicated God’s justice in human terms—he would not destroy the people of the plain unless he was absolutely sure they were wicked. 18:20 aa a great outcry: See Ezek 16:49-50 ab.
Summary for Gen 18:22-33: 18:22-33 ac Abraham probably thought there were more righteous people in Sodom and Gomorrah than there were (see study note on 19:14). In his concern for them, he approached the Lord with a legal appeal based on God’s justice. His prayer seems too bold at times, as though he were bargaining with God, but he approached God with genuine humility and reverence. He did not try to talk God into doing something against his will, but prayed for the well-being of others (contrast Lot’s prayer, 19:18-23 ad). God is a righteous judge; righteousness exalts a nation (Prov 14:34 ae), and righteous people help to preserve society (cp. Matt 5:13 af).
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