King James Version
Genesis 18
33 verses with commentary
The Three Visitors
And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of th...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XVIII.
VISIT OF ANGELS TO ABRAHAM AT MAMRE; AND OVERTHROW OF SODOM.
(1) **And the Lord (Jehovah)** **appeared unto him.**—No new section could begin in this way, but evidently this is a continuation of the narrative of the circumcision. We thus find a Jehovistic section coupled in the closest way with one which is Elohistic (comp. Genesis 17:22-23); and even here it is Elohim who for Abraham’s sak...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. I will give unto thee ... the land--**It had been previously promised to Abraham and his posterity (Ge 15:18). Here it is promised as an "everlasting possession," and was, therefore, a type of heaven, "the better country" (He 11:16).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
The Lord appears to Abraham.(1-8)
Sarah's unbelief reproved.(9-15)
God reveals to Abraham the destruction of Sodom.(16-22)
Abraham's intercession for Sodom.(23-33)
**Verses 1-8**
Abraham was waiting to entertain any weary traveller, for inns were not to be met with as among us. While Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming. These were ...
Read full commentary →And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Three men.**—Jewish commentators explain the number by saying that, as no angel might execute more than one commission at a time, one of the three came to heal Abraham, the second to bear the message to Sarah, and the third to destroy Sodom. More correctly one was “the angel of Jehovah,” who came as the manifestation of Deity to Abraham, and the other two were his companions, commissioned by...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
The Lord appears to Abraham.(1-8)
Sarah's unbelief reproved.(9-15)
God reveals to Abraham the destruction of Sodom.(16-22)
Abraham's intercession for Sodom.(23-33)
**Verses 1-8**
Abraham was waiting to entertain any weary traveller, for inns were not to be met with as among us. While Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming. These were ...
Read full commentary →And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy ser...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **My lord.**—Heb. *‘donai, *a term of simple respect, just as the bowing towards the earth is exactly what an Arab sheik would do now to a passing traveller. Abraham’s conduct is marked by all that stately courtesy usual among Orientals. He calls himself their slave: regards it as a favour that they should partake of his hospitality; speaks slightingly of the repast prepared as a mere morsel o...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Every man child among you shall be circumcised--**This was the sign in the Old Testament Church as baptism is in the New, and hence the covenant is called "covenant of circumcision" (Ac 7:8; Ro 4:11). The terms of the covenant were these: on the one hand Abraham and his seed were to observe the right of circumcision; and on the other, God promised, in the event of such observance, to give th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
The Lord appears to Abraham.(1-8)
Sarah's unbelief reproved.(9-15)
God reveals to Abraham the destruction of Sodom.(16-22)
Abraham's intercession for Sodom.(23-33)
**Verses 1-8**
Abraham was waiting to entertain any weary traveller, for inns were not to be met with as among us. While Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming. These were ...
Read full commentary →Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Wash your feet.**—This is the first necessity of Oriental hospitality (Judges 19:21), not merely because the feet, protected only by sandals, are soiled by the dirt of the roads, but because it cools the whole body, and allays the feverishness caused by the heat of travelling. Thus refreshed they are “to rest,” Heb., *to lay themselves down, *in the shade.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
The Lord appears to Abraham.(1-8)
Sarah's unbelief reproved.(9-15)
God reveals to Abraham the destruction of Sodom.(16-22)
Abraham's intercession for Sodom.(23-33)
**Verses 1-8**
Abraham was waiting to entertain any weary traveller, for inns were not to be met with as among us. While Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming. These were ...
Read full commentary →And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said. comfort: Heb. stay are: Heb. you have passed
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for the...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Comfort ye your hearts.**—Heb., *strengthen ye, *the original meaning of comfort, a word formed from the Latin *fortis *= strong, brave. The heart in Hebrew is the sum total of all the powers, mental and bodily, of the whole man.
**After that ye shall pass on.**—Coming at noon, the travellers after rest and refreshment would continue their journey. It is quite plain that Abraham still regard...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
The Lord appears to Abraham.(1-8)
Sarah's unbelief reproved.(9-15)
God reveals to Abraham the destruction of Sodom.(16-22)
Abraham's intercession for Sodom.(23-33)
**Verses 1-8**
Abraham was waiting to entertain any weary traveller, for inns were not to be met with as among us. While Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming. These were ...
Read full commentary →And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. Make ready: Heb. Hasten
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine m...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Three measures.**—Heb. *three seahs, *the seah being a little more than a peck. It is still usual on the arrival of a stranger to make this hasty preparation for his entertainment, the ordinary meal even of a wealthy sheik consisting of flour and some camels’ milk boiled together. Cakes such as those here described, baked amid the embers on the hot hearth-stone, are considered a delicacy (1K...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
The Lord appears to Abraham.(1-8)
Sarah's unbelief reproved.(9-15)
God reveals to Abraham the destruction of Sodom.(16-22)
Abraham's intercession for Sodom.(23-33)
**Verses 1-8**
Abraham was waiting to entertain any weary traveller, for inns were not to be met with as among us. While Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming. These were ...
Read full commentary →And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
The Lord appears to Abraham.(1-8)
Sarah's unbelief reproved.(9-15)
God reveals to Abraham the destruction of Sodom.(16-22)
Abraham's intercession for Sodom.(23-33)
**Verses 1-8**
Abraham was waiting to entertain any weary traveller, for inns were not to be met with as among us. While Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming. These were ...
Read full commentary →And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stoo...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Butter.**—Heb. *curds, *or curdled milk. Neither the Hebrews, Greeks, nor Romans knew how to make butter, and the word itself signifies cheese made of cows’ milk. This is less prized in the East than that made from the milk of sheep, or of goats, while camels’ milk is regarded by the Arabs as best for drinking. In a hot climate milk is more refreshing when slightly sour; but Abraham brought ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-16. As for Sarai ... I will ... give thee a son also of her--**God's purposes are gradually made known. A son had been long ago promised to Abraham. Now, at length, for the first time he is informed that it was to be a child of Sarai.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 18
Chapter Outline
The Lord appears to Abraham.(1-8)
Sarah's unbelief reproved.(9-15)
God reveals to Abraham the destruction of Sodom.(16-22)
Abraham's intercession for Sodom.(23-33)
**Verses 1-8**
Abraham was waiting to entertain any weary traveller, for inns were not to be met with as among us. While Abraham was thus sitting, he saw three men coming. These were ...
Read full commentary →And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **They said.**—But in Genesis 18:10 “he said,” and in Genesis 18:13; Genesis 18:17; Genesis 18:20, &c, “the Lord (Jehovah) said.” The messenger speaks as one with Jehovah, or as being His representative.
**Where is Sarah thy wife?**—This question is contrary to Oriental manners, as the women may be referred to only in the most indirect manner. But during the meal Abraham, as he talked with the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**15-16. As for Sarai ... I will ... give thee a son also of her--**God's purposes are gradually made known. A son had been long ago promised to Abraham. Now, at length, for the first time he is informed that it was to be a child of Sarai.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Where is Sarah thy wife? was asked. Note the answer, In the tent. Just at hand, in her proper place, occupied in her household concerns. There is nothing got by gadding. Those are most likely to receive comfort from God and his promises, who are in their proper place, and in the way of their duty, Lu 2:8. We are slow of heart to believe, and need line upon line to the same purp...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wif...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **According to the time of life.**—Heb., *according to the living time. *It is evident from Genesis 18:14, and 2Kings 4:16-17, that these words denote some fixed period, but the exact rendering is in dispute. “When the season revives” = next spring, is entirely remote from Oriental thought, and the rendering of Zunz “at the living time” is poetical, but meaningless. The true rendering is prob...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**17. Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed--**It was not the sneer of unbelief, but a smile of delight at the improbability of the event (Ro 4:20).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Where is Sarah thy wife? was asked. Note the answer, In the tent. Just at hand, in her proper place, occupied in her household concerns. There is nothing got by gadding. Those are most likely to receive comfort from God and his promises, who are in their proper place, and in the way of their duty, Lu 2:8. We are slow of heart to believe, and need line upon line to the same purp...
Read full commentary →Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the ma...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**18. O that Ishmael might live before thee--**natural solicitude of a parent. But God's thoughts are not as man's thoughts [Is 55:8].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Where is Sarah thy wife? was asked. Note the answer, In the tent. Just at hand, in her proper place, occupied in her household concerns. There is nothing got by gadding. Those are most likely to receive comfort from God and his promises, who are in their proper place, and in the way of their duty, Lu 2:8. We are slow of heart to believe, and need line upon line to the same purp...
Read full commentary →Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Sarah laughed.**—See Note on Genesis 17:17. The laughter of both husband and wife brings into prominence the inconceivable character of the fact. Sarah’s conduct has been very unjustly condemned. Though Abraham may have begun to guess that his visitors were more than men, she probably had no such suspicions. Sitting inside the tent, and catching their words only occasionally, listening, per...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19-20. The blessings of the covenant are reserved for Isaac, but common blessings were abundantly promised to Ishmael; and though the visible Church did not descend from his family, yet personally he might, and it is to be hoped did, enjoy its benefits.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Where is Sarah thy wife? was asked. Note the answer, In the tent. Just at hand, in her proper place, occupied in her household concerns. There is nothing got by gadding. Those are most likely to receive comfort from God and his promises, who are in their proper place, and in the way of their duty, Lu 2:8. We are slow of heart to believe, and need line upon line to the same purp...
Read full commentary →And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child,...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19-20. The blessings of the covenant are reserved for Isaac, but common blessings were abundantly promised to Ishmael; and though the visible Church did not descend from his family, yet personally he might, and it is to be hoped did, enjoy its benefits.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Where is Sarah thy wife? was asked. Note the answer, In the tent. Just at hand, in her proper place, occupied in her household concerns. There is nothing got by gadding. Those are most likely to receive comfort from God and his promises, who are in their proper place, and in the way of their duty, Lu 2:8. We are slow of heart to believe, and need line upon line to the same purp...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Is anything too hard for the Lord?**—Heb., *Is anything too wonderful for Jehovah? *At last it is made evident that the travellers are messengers from God; but until this declaration, there could have been, at most, only a dim feeling that the visitation was more than human. Though the angel does not claim for himself divinity, yet the narrator prefixes to his words, *And Jehovah said. *In ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Where is Sarah thy wife? was asked. Note the answer, In the tent. Just at hand, in her proper place, occupied in her household concerns. There is nothing got by gadding. Those are most likely to receive comfort from God and his promises, who are in their proper place, and in the way of their duty, Lu 2:8. We are slow of heart to believe, and need line upon line to the same purp...
Read full commentary →Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Sarah denied.**—With strange inconsistency Sarah knows that the speaker is Divine, and that He perceived the thoughts that passed “within herself” in the retirement of the tent, and yet denies; but it was the inconsistency of fright. Struck with terror at the thought that she had ridiculed the promise of Jehovah, she offers no excuse, but takes refuge, as frightened people are apt to do, in...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-15**
Where is Sarah thy wife? was asked. Note the answer, In the tent. Just at hand, in her proper place, occupied in her household concerns. There is nothing got by gadding. Those are most likely to receive comfort from God and his promises, who are in their proper place, and in the way of their duty, Lu 2:8. We are slow of heart to believe, and need line upon line to the same purp...
Read full commentary →Abraham Intercedes for Sodom
And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them o...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **The men **. . . **looked toward Sodom.**—This visitation of God combined mercy and love for Abraham, and through him for all mankind, with the punishment of men whose wickedness was so universal that there were none left among them to bear witness for God, and labour for a better state of things. There is a strange mingling of the human and the Divine in the narrative. Even after the fuller...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-22**
The two who are supposed to have been created angels went toward Sodom. The one who is called Jehovah throughout the chapter, continued with Abraham, and would not hide from him the thing he intended to do. Though God long forbears with sinners, from which they fancy that the Lord does not see, and does not regard; yet when the day of his wrath comes, he will look toward them....
Read full commentary →And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central them...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-22**
The two who are supposed to have been created angels went toward Sodom. The one who is called Jehovah throughout the chapter, continued with Abraham, and would not hide from him the thing he intended to do. Though God long forbears with sinners, from which they fancy that the Lord does not see, and does not regard; yet when the day of his wrath comes, he will look toward them....
Read full commentary →Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-22**
The two who are supposed to have been created angels went toward Sodom. The one who is called Jehovah throughout the chapter, continued with Abraham, and would not hide from him the thing he intended to do. Though God long forbears with sinners, from which they fancy that the Lord does not see, and does not regard; yet when the day of his wrath comes, he will look toward them....
Read full commentary →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.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep t...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **For I know him, that he will.**—This translation has most of the Versions in its favour, and means that Abraham’s good conduct earns for him the Divine condescension. But the Hebrew is, *For I have known him in order that he may command his sons, &c. *It gives God foreknowledge of the purpose for which He had called Abraham as the reason for thus revealing to him the method of the Divine ju...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-22**
The two who are supposed to have been created angels went toward Sodom. The one who is called Jehovah throughout the chapter, continued with Abraham, and would not hide from him the thing he intended to do. Though God long forbears with sinners, from which they fancy that the Lord does not see, and does not regard; yet when the day of his wrath comes, he will look toward them....
Read full commentary →And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very gri...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-22**
The two who are supposed to have been created angels went toward Sodom. The one who is called Jehovah throughout the chapter, continued with Abraham, and would not hide from him the thing he intended to do. Though God long forbears with sinners, from which they fancy that the Lord does not see, and does not regard; yet when the day of his wrath comes, he will look toward them....
Read full commentary →I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is c...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **I will go down.**—God examines before He punishes (see Note on Genesis 11:5) with the same care and personal inspection as the most conscientious earthly judge.
**Altogether.**—Some take this word, not as an adverb, but as a noun (comp. Isaiah 10:23), and translate “I will see whether they have done according to the cry of it: (in which case there shall be for them) utter destruction.” But ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-22**
The two who are supposed to have been created angels went toward Sodom. The one who is called Jehovah throughout the chapter, continued with Abraham, and would not hide from him the thing he intended to do. Though God long forbears with sinners, from which they fancy that the Lord does not see, and does not regard; yet when the day of his wrath comes, he will look toward them....
Read full commentary →And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Abraham stood yet before the Lord (before Jehovah).**—The two angels went on their way in form as men, towards Sodom, but the one who was a manifestation of Jehovah (Genesis 18:13; Genesis 18:17) remained behind.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 18 Ge 18:1-8. Entertainment of Angels.
**1. the Lord appeared--**another manifestation of the divine presence, more familiar than any yet narrated; and more like that in the fulness of time, when the Word was made flesh.
**plains of Mamre--**rather, terebinth or oak of Mamre; a tall-spreading tree or grove of trees.
**sat in the tent door--**The tent itself being too close and sultry ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 16-22**
The two who are supposed to have been created angels went toward Sodom. The one who is called Jehovah throughout the chapter, continued with Abraham, and would not hide from him the thing he intended to do. Though God long forbears with sinners, from which they fancy that the Lord does not see, and does not regard; yet when the day of his wrath comes, he will look toward them....
Read full commentary →And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Abraham drew near.**—As Jewish commentators remark, this word is especially used of prayer, and Abraham’s intercession is unspeakably noble. Nor must we suppose that he thought only of Lot. Doubtless he remembered the day when he had restored the persons and spoil to the king of Sodom. He had then seen their human affection; the joy of parent meeting with child, and friend with friend; and ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. lift up his eyes ... and, lo, three men--**Travellers in that quarter start at sunrise and continue till midday when they look out for some resting-place.
**he ran to meet them--**When the visitor is an ordinary person, the host merely rises; but if of superior rank, the custom is to advance a little towards the stranger, and after a very low bow, turn and lead him to the tent, putting an a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the plac...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. My Lord, if now I have found favor--**The hospitalities offered are just of the kind that are necessary and most grateful, the refreshment of water, for feet exposed to dust and heat by the sandals, being still the first observed among the pastoral people of Hebron.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →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?
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the r...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the pla...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. for therefore are ye come--**No questions were asked. But Abraham knew their object by the course they took--approaching directly in front of the chief sheik's tent, which is always distinguishable from the rest and thus showing their wish to be his guests.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. Abraham hastened ... unto Sarah ... make cakes upon the hearth--**Bread is baked daily, no more than is required for family use, and always by the women, commonly the wife. It is a short process. Flour mixed with water is made into dough, and being rolled out into cakes, it is placed on the earthen floor, previously heated by a fire. The fire being removed, the cakes are laid on the ground, a...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack o...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf--**Animal food is never provided, except for visitors of a superior rank when a kid or lamb is killed. A calf is still a higher stretch of hospitality, and it would probably be cooked as is usually done when haste is required--either by roasting it whole or by cutting it up into small pieces and broiling them on skewers over the fire. It is always...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty's sake.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he sai...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. milk--**A bowl of camel's milk ends the repast.
**he stood by them under the tree--**The host himself, even though he has a number of servants, deems it a necessary act of politeness to stand while his guests are at their food, and Abraham evidently did this before he was aware of the real character of his visitors.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirt...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be tw...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Ge 18:9-15. Reproof of Sarah. An inquiry about his wife, so surprising in strangers, the subject of conversation, and the fulfilment of the fondly cherished promise within a specified time, showed Abraham that he had been entertaining more than ordinary travellers (He 13:2).
**10. Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him--**The women's apartment is in the back of the tent, divided by...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten's sake.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shal...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **The Lord (Jehovah)** **went his way.**—Not to avoid further importunity, for Abraham had ended his entreaty, and obtained all that he had asked for; but because the purpose of the revelation was fulfilled. Besides the primary object of making known the perfect justice of God’s dealings with men, it further showed that the Gentile world was both subject to Jehovah’s dominion, and that there ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself--**Long delay seems to have weakened faith. Sarah treated the announcement as incredible, and when taxed with the silent sneer, she added falsehood to distrust. It was an aggravated offense (Ac 5:4), and nothing but grace saved her (Ro 9:18).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-33**
Here is the first solemn prayer upon record in the Bible; and it is a prayer for the sparing of Sodom. Abraham prayed earnestly that Sodom might be spared, if but a few righteous persons should be found in it. Come and learn from Abraham what compassion we should feel for sinners, and how earnestly we should pray for them. We see here that the effectual, fervent prayer of a ri...
Read full commentary →