Genesis 18: Concern for the Innocent

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Genesis 18: Concern for the Innocent

Two chapters ago, Hagar sees the LORD in the form of a messenger or angel. Here, Abraham sees the LORD in the form of three men. This reminds me of early chapters where both the "God" of Chapter 1 and "the LORD" in later chapters speak in terms of "we" instead of "I.". After being fed by Abraham and Sarah, and promising them a son in their old age, the LORD says he's going to investigate the outcry against the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Perhaps the LORD is not omniscient, or needs to get in the middle of the action before truly understanding what's going on.

But then the men depart while the LORD remains in conversation with Abraham. So the three men weren't the LORD after all? Or the LORD's presence was with the three men, but now remains, invisibly, with Abraham?

In any case, Abraham wants to gauge the LORD's intentions. Will the LORD wipe out those cities? He learns that the LORD will not wipe out the righteous along with the guilty, and will in fact tolerate a great deal of sin and sinners for the sake of the righteous.

In the past, I had the impression that Abraham negotiated with the LORD or tried to soften the LORD's heart. But I don't see that in this chapter. It seems Abraham just wanted to know the LORD's intentions.  

In any case, Abraham - the pimp, the warlord, the one who allowed the abuse of Hagar, the cult leader who commanded mass gential mutilation - perhaps did reveal himself in some ways to be a fair or righteous man by showing concern for the innocents in Sodom and Gomorrah.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)