Bible Chapter Summary
Genesis 18 Summary
Three Visitors, Promise, and Intercession
The LORD appears to Abraham at the plains of Mamre in the form of three men, whom Abraham receives with generous hospitality, preparing a meal of bread, butter, milk, and a dressed calf. One of the visitors renews the promise that Sarah will bear a son within a year; Sarah, overhearing from the tent, laughs inwardly at the prospect given her and Abraham's advanced age, but is rebuked and the LORD's power affirmed. As the men depart toward Sodom, the LORD resolves to tell Abraham of the impending judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah because of their great sin. Abraham then intercedes boldly before the LORD, negotiating step by step—from fifty righteous persons down to ten—each time securing the LORD's commitment to spare the city if that number of righteous can be found there.
Key themes
Key verses
Genesis 18:10
“And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.”
Genesis 18:14
“Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.”
Genesis 18:19
“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”
Genesis 18:25
“That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
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