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Genesis 18

33 verses

TL;DR

Abraham receives divine visitors who promise his wife Sarah a son and then God reveals plans to judge Sodom; Abraham intercedes, asking for mercy on the righteous.

Summary

Genesis 18 opens with Abraham in the plains of Mamre when the LORD appears to him, joined by two other men. Abraham warmly welcomes them, offering water, rest, and a feast of fine meal, butter, milk, and a roasted calf. He asks where Sarah is, and God confirms that she will bear a son, despite their old age. Sarah laughs at the promise, and God reminds Abraham that nothing is impossible for Him. The men then leave to Sodom, prompting Abraham to intercede with God, pleading that if there are fifty righteous people in Sodom, the city be spared. God agrees to spare the city if fifty righteous are found, and Abraham negotiates lower numbers, showing his humility. The chapter ends with the LORD leaving and Abraham returning.

Outline
  1. 1. Divine visitation and Abraham’s hospitality
  2. 2. God’s promise to Sarah and her reaction
  3. 3. Abraham’s intercession for Sodom and God’s conditional mercy
Themes
Faithful hospitalityDivine promise and faithIntercession and divine mercy
Keywords
AbrahamSarahLORDpromiseintercessionSodomrighteousjudgmenthospitality
People
AbrahamSarahLORD (God)Three men (angels)
Places
MamreSodom
Things
waterbreadfine mealbuttermilkcalf
Key Verses
  • Genesis 18:2: First encounter of the divine visitors with Abraham
  • Genesis 18:14: God’s promise to Sarah’s barrenness
  • Genesis 18:22: Abraham’s first plea for mercy on Sodom
  • Genesis 18:26: God’s conditional offer to spare the city
  • Genesis 18:30: Abraham’s humility and continued negotiation
  • Genesis 18:33: Conclusion of the intercession dialogue
Questions
  • What does Abraham’s hospitality reveal about his relationship with God?
  • How does Sarah’s laughter reflect human doubt and faith?
  • What does Abraham’s negotiation with God teach about intercession?
  • Why might God offer conditional mercy rather than unconditional?
  • How does this chapter foreshadow later themes of covenant and judgment?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains hopeful promise and divine mercy juxtaposed with impending judgment.