"Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the Lord. He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, toward all the land of the plain, and he saw dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace." (Genesis 19:27-28 NIV)
Can't you just see Abraham anxiously scanning the horizon, desperately seeking any sign of survivors from the ruined cities of the plain? The smoke rising thickly over the area must have been a sight to behold, and no doubt the acrid smell would reach even to where he was standing. Abraham must have felt the concern of a parent toward Lot, for he seems to have taken him into his own household after Lot's father Haran died. (Genesis 11:27-28; 12:4-5).
Abraham had prayed for Sodom, and for Lot in particular, I am sure. Now he must have wondered if these entreaties were in vain. The rising smoke offered no encouragement. So it is sometimes in our own lives. We do not immediately see that the Lord has already answered our prayers, though perhaps not exactly in the manner we would have preferred.
"So when God destroyed the cities of the the plain, he remembered Abraham, and he brought Lot out of the catastrophe that overthrew the cities where Lot had lived." (Genesis 19:29 NIV) When the above verse says that God 'remembered' Abraham, it is not saying that before that moment, He had forgotten about him. It is merely saying that God thought of Abraham, remembering His covenant partner and the pledge He had made to him.
I think it is interesting that Lot owes his life to the fact that Abraham has this close relationship with God. (v.29). Remember, Lot had already left Abraham's household and gone toward Sodom before the time when all of the male members of Abraham's house were circumcised as a sign of the covenant with God which had taken place. So, technically, God was under no obligation to deliver Lot as part of His covenant responsibilities. However, God knew how Abraham loved Lot and that he was concerned for Lot's welfare.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Devastation (Genesis 19:23-26)
"By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah -- from the Lord out of the heavens. Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all those living in the cities -- and also the vegetation in the land." (Genesis 19:23-25 NIV)
There are times when words are unnecessary to convey, and also unable to convey, a situation. There is an utter solemnity to the aftermath of the scene which took place upon the cities of the plain. We can almost smell the sulfur, and see the scorched vegetation smoldering in a silence which is deafening in its finality. Hands raised defiantly in rebellion will not be raised again for any purpose. Jeering voices raised in raucous song no longer disturb the once fertile plain, which now lies silent and barren.
The devastation is not limited to the cities of the plain. For, as Lot and his family hurry toward Zoar, "Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26 NIV) The family had been warned by their angelic rescuers that they should not look back as they fled the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19:17). We are not told in this passage just why Lot's wife paused to look back toward Sodom. Perhaps she wanted to catch a last glimpse of her town. Years later, in New Testament times, Jesus refers to Lot's wife's disobedience in Luke 17:28-32. In that passage, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the return of the Son of Man to the earth, and he reminds the people that destruction came suddenly upon the residents of Sodom as they were going about their everyday activities. Likewise, the return of the Son of Man would come suddenly, and Jesus reminds his listeners that when He is revealed, no one should go back inside his home to retrieve valuables. Immediately in the next verse it says "Remember Lot's wife!" (Luke 17:32 NIV) Perhaps this is a hint that Lot's wife was gazing back toward Sodom because she regretted having to leave material goods behind. We don't really know -- the main point is that she disobeyed. I don't care that much about material goods, but I tell you that I would have struggled to not look back just out of a curiosity to know what was happening back there! However, disobedience, whether springing from materialism or curiosity or any other reason, would be an offense to the God who had revealed specific instructions through His angelic messengers.
I have seen pictures of salt formations in that general area, several of which have been reported as being "Lot's wife" over the years. I do not think that the original remains after all this time, though. Dry and brittle, it probably would have crumbled into bits fairly soon. However, the story of what happened to Sodom and to the other cities of the plain is enough of a grim reminder for me. It warns of the devastating results of disobedience, the certain toll exacted from a compromised heart, the foolishness of a stubborn refusal to repent, and the eventual punishment of those who defy God. It also sings of God's patient waiting for repentance, of miraculous rescue from certain death and of God's desire to rescue and redeem every one of His lost sheep.
There are times when words are unnecessary to convey, and also unable to convey, a situation. There is an utter solemnity to the aftermath of the scene which took place upon the cities of the plain. We can almost smell the sulfur, and see the scorched vegetation smoldering in a silence which is deafening in its finality. Hands raised defiantly in rebellion will not be raised again for any purpose. Jeering voices raised in raucous song no longer disturb the once fertile plain, which now lies silent and barren.
The devastation is not limited to the cities of the plain. For, as Lot and his family hurry toward Zoar, "Lot's wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." (Genesis 19:26 NIV) The family had been warned by their angelic rescuers that they should not look back as they fled the destruction of Sodom (Genesis 19:17). We are not told in this passage just why Lot's wife paused to look back toward Sodom. Perhaps she wanted to catch a last glimpse of her town. Years later, in New Testament times, Jesus refers to Lot's wife's disobedience in Luke 17:28-32. In that passage, Jesus is speaking to his disciples about the return of the Son of Man to the earth, and he reminds the people that destruction came suddenly upon the residents of Sodom as they were going about their everyday activities. Likewise, the return of the Son of Man would come suddenly, and Jesus reminds his listeners that when He is revealed, no one should go back inside his home to retrieve valuables. Immediately in the next verse it says "Remember Lot's wife!" (Luke 17:32 NIV) Perhaps this is a hint that Lot's wife was gazing back toward Sodom because she regretted having to leave material goods behind. We don't really know -- the main point is that she disobeyed. I don't care that much about material goods, but I tell you that I would have struggled to not look back just out of a curiosity to know what was happening back there! However, disobedience, whether springing from materialism or curiosity or any other reason, would be an offense to the God who had revealed specific instructions through His angelic messengers.
I have seen pictures of salt formations in that general area, several of which have been reported as being "Lot's wife" over the years. I do not think that the original remains after all this time, though. Dry and brittle, it probably would have crumbled into bits fairly soon. However, the story of what happened to Sodom and to the other cities of the plain is enough of a grim reminder for me. It warns of the devastating results of disobedience, the certain toll exacted from a compromised heart, the foolishness of a stubborn refusal to repent, and the eventual punishment of those who defy God. It also sings of God's patient waiting for repentance, of miraculous rescue from certain death and of God's desire to rescue and redeem every one of His lost sheep.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Genesis 19:10-22 The Great Escape
"But the men inside reached out and pulled Lot back into the house and shut the door. Then they struck the men who were at the door of the house with blindness so that they could not find the door." (Genesis 19:10-11 NIV)
In this way, Lot is rescued from the wicked intents of the men of Sodom by his angelic visitors. I used to wonder why the men of Sodom didn't just feel their way along the house until they eventually found the door. I believe that the blindness was also accompanied by a sense of confusion, like the confusion which was threatened in Deuteronomy 28:28-29 if the Israelites did not continue to obey God's ways: "The Lord will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind. At midday you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. You will be unsuccessful in everything you do..." Also, during some battles, the enemies of Israel were gripped by a panic and confusion, which often caused them to fight among each other rather than attack the Israelites. (Judges 7:15-22) II Kings 6:8-23 is another interesting account of how foolish it is to fight against the Lord of hosts. I think that this sense of chaos was probably present, not to mention the fact that the men of Sodom each had just been suddenly rendered blind. That is sure to cause plenty of panic and confusion in itself. At any rate, it is clear that God is protecting Lot and his family at this time.
Immediately, "The two men said to Lot, 'Do you have anyone else here -- sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.' " (Genesis 19:12-13 NIV) Apparently, the time for repentance is over. Although the men of Sodom did not yet realize it, when Lot had urged the men of Sodom to forsake their wickedness, it had been the last time someone would call them to repent. Now, judgment is about to fall upon the wicked city.
First, though, "...Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, 'Hurry and get out of this place, because the Lord is about to destroy the city!' But his sons-in-law thought he was joking." (Genesis 19:14 NIV) What a horrible situation to be in! Lot is unable to convey the utter danger which the men face. Even his own sons-in-law do not look to him for direction or believe his entreaties. Lot does not only find himself unable to give direction to the men of Sodom, but even his own sons-in-law do not ascribe any type of authority (spiritual or otherwise) to him. We might feel sorry for Lot, but remember, he had brought this situation upon himself by choosing to live in Sodom. Lot also apparently had married a woman of Sodom, and had agreed to give both of his daughters to men of that place, even though it was common knowledge that "...the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord." (Genesis 13:13 NIV) Lot's spiritual carelessness was beginning to bear some evil fruit.
In my mind's eye, I can see Lot pacing, anxiously scanning the road, hoping against hope that his sons-in-law would come running to join them. Finally, the angels can wait no longer. "With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.' " (Genesis19:15 NIV) When Lot still hesitated, "the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them." (Genesis 19:16 NIV)
"...the Lord was merciful to them" -- I smile when I read those words. It is always only out of the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, whether by our sins or by physical dangers. Lot is certainly not the only person to have made careless decisions, to choose grass over grace, to compromise, to hesitate.
However, the danger is not over yet. As soon as the angels had led them out, "...one of them said, 'Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!' " (Genesis 19:17 NIV) Unbelievably, Lot continues to bargain with his deliverers: "...No, my lords, please! Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can't flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me and I'll die. Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it -- it is very small, isn't it? Then my life will be spared." (Genesis 19:18-20 NIV)
The angel agrees: "...'Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.' (That is why the town was called Zoar.)" (Genesis 19:21-22 NIV) Zoar means 'small'.
Lot and his family take off running toward the small city.
In this way, Lot is rescued from the wicked intents of the men of Sodom by his angelic visitors. I used to wonder why the men of Sodom didn't just feel their way along the house until they eventually found the door. I believe that the blindness was also accompanied by a sense of confusion, like the confusion which was threatened in Deuteronomy 28:28-29 if the Israelites did not continue to obey God's ways: "The Lord will afflict you with madness, blindness and confusion of mind. At midday you will grope about like a blind man in the dark. You will be unsuccessful in everything you do..." Also, during some battles, the enemies of Israel were gripped by a panic and confusion, which often caused them to fight among each other rather than attack the Israelites. (Judges 7:15-22) II Kings 6:8-23 is another interesting account of how foolish it is to fight against the Lord of hosts. I think that this sense of chaos was probably present, not to mention the fact that the men of Sodom each had just been suddenly rendered blind. That is sure to cause plenty of panic and confusion in itself. At any rate, it is clear that God is protecting Lot and his family at this time.
Immediately, "The two men said to Lot, 'Do you have anyone else here -- sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.' " (Genesis 19:12-13 NIV) Apparently, the time for repentance is over. Although the men of Sodom did not yet realize it, when Lot had urged the men of Sodom to forsake their wickedness, it had been the last time someone would call them to repent. Now, judgment is about to fall upon the wicked city.
First, though, "...Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry his daughters. He said, 'Hurry and get out of this place, because the Lord is about to destroy the city!' But his sons-in-law thought he was joking." (Genesis 19:14 NIV) What a horrible situation to be in! Lot is unable to convey the utter danger which the men face. Even his own sons-in-law do not look to him for direction or believe his entreaties. Lot does not only find himself unable to give direction to the men of Sodom, but even his own sons-in-law do not ascribe any type of authority (spiritual or otherwise) to him. We might feel sorry for Lot, but remember, he had brought this situation upon himself by choosing to live in Sodom. Lot also apparently had married a woman of Sodom, and had agreed to give both of his daughters to men of that place, even though it was common knowledge that "...the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord." (Genesis 13:13 NIV) Lot's spiritual carelessness was beginning to bear some evil fruit.
In my mind's eye, I can see Lot pacing, anxiously scanning the road, hoping against hope that his sons-in-law would come running to join them. Finally, the angels can wait no longer. "With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.' " (Genesis19:15 NIV) When Lot still hesitated, "the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them." (Genesis 19:16 NIV)
"...the Lord was merciful to them" -- I smile when I read those words. It is always only out of the Lord's mercy that we are not consumed, whether by our sins or by physical dangers. Lot is certainly not the only person to have made careless decisions, to choose grass over grace, to compromise, to hesitate.
However, the danger is not over yet. As soon as the angels had led them out, "...one of them said, 'Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!' " (Genesis 19:17 NIV) Unbelievably, Lot continues to bargain with his deliverers: "...No, my lords, please! Your servant has found favor in your eyes, and you have shown great kindness to me in sparing my life. But I can't flee to the mountains; this disaster will overtake me and I'll die. Look, here is a town near enough to run to, and it is small. Let me flee to it -- it is very small, isn't it? Then my life will be spared." (Genesis 19:18-20 NIV)
The angel agrees: "...'Very well, I will grant this request too; I will not overthrow the town you speak of. But flee there quickly, because I cannot do anything until you reach it.' (That is why the town was called Zoar.)" (Genesis 19:21-22 NIV) Zoar means 'small'.
Lot and his family take off running toward the small city.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Genesis 19:1-9 A Gracious Host, But No 'Great Dad' Award
"The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city" (Genesis 19:1 NIV) Quite a few commentators have noted that there is a progression in Lot's relationship with Sodom:
However, the men are not interested, and they tell Lot that they are quite content to remain in the square all night. He insists so strongly that they accompany him home, that they eventually agree to do so. At Lot's home, the men enjoy a meal and prepare to settle down for the night. That night is going to be the opposite of quiet, though. "Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom -- both young and old --surrounded the house." (Genesis 19:4 NIV) Notice how every segment of Sodom is involved: young and old men, from every area of Sodom. Unlike Lot, they have no concerns about the needs of their visitors. Instead, they desire to assault the two men.
Although Lot has been living in Sodom for some time, he is not totally given over to the depravity which was going on there. In fact, surprisingly, in the New Testament this testimony is given about Lot: "...a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)" (2 Peter 2:7-8 NIV) Although we might not think highly of Lot, these Scriptures affirm his character. Lot gives the present situation his best shot: "Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, 'No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing." (Genesis 19:6-7 NIV) Nice try, but after that, things go south very quickly, for Lot offers to bring out his two daughters (for the men to do with as they pleased) instead, if the men of Sodom will just leave his guests alone! (v.8) Even though hospitality demanded that a man protect his guests in every possible way, to stoop so low that he would be willing to essentially abandon his young daughters means that Lot has clearly been much more influenced by the men of Sodom than they have been affected by him.
A little aside: Sometimes people use these verses to show that even the OT believers were involved in the same sins as their contemporaries -- that the things 'believers' did were just as horrifying as the 'sinners' around them. In one sense this is true, for Scripture affirms that there is none righteous, not one. We all sin. Nor do the Scriptures gloss over the sins of the 'believers'. However, I don't think that Lot should be set up as the example of a committed believer -- as the norm. The context shows otherwise. Apparently, rather than pointing others toward God, he has been greatly influenced by the culture around him, to the extent that he would abandon his very daughters to the lusts of these 'friends'. So I would not exactly call him a person that Scripture would want us to emulate, or an example of what a believer is like. Those who use this as an example of how bad the followers of God are, are actually just setting up a straw man to knock down, in my opinion. More evidence of this later.
How do the men of Sodom react to Lot's offer? Thankfully, (at least for Lot's daughters' sakes), they are not interested. "Get out of our way," they replied. And they said, 'This fellow came here as an alien,and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them.' They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door." (Genesis 19:9-10 NIV) Not only are the men of Sodom not Lot's friends, but they are actually ready to do him harm as well.
I do not have to explain the point of this section of Scripture, or go on endlessly about the dangers of allying oneself with those who do not love God. I am quite sure that Lot understood the lesson as well, as the men of Sodom surged forward, ready to push him (perhaps literally) through his own front door.
Thankfully, though, the 'men' Lot has invited into his home are not mere men.
- First, Lot lives among the cities of the plain and pitches his tents toward Sodom. (Genesis 13:12)
- Next, Lot is living in Sodom itself. (Genesis 14:12)
- Finally, Lot is sitting in the gateway of the city. (Genesis 19:1) This doesn't mean he was just out catching a breeze. The gateway was like the court of a city. Important matters would be discussed and settled there. Lot may even have become one of the members who decided such things. Or perhaps he hoped to eventually have this influence. Anyway, Lot is about as involved in Sodom as one can get.
However, the men are not interested, and they tell Lot that they are quite content to remain in the square all night. He insists so strongly that they accompany him home, that they eventually agree to do so. At Lot's home, the men enjoy a meal and prepare to settle down for the night. That night is going to be the opposite of quiet, though. "Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom -- both young and old --surrounded the house." (Genesis 19:4 NIV) Notice how every segment of Sodom is involved: young and old men, from every area of Sodom. Unlike Lot, they have no concerns about the needs of their visitors. Instead, they desire to assault the two men.
Although Lot has been living in Sodom for some time, he is not totally given over to the depravity which was going on there. In fact, surprisingly, in the New Testament this testimony is given about Lot: "...a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)" (2 Peter 2:7-8 NIV) Although we might not think highly of Lot, these Scriptures affirm his character. Lot gives the present situation his best shot: "Lot went outside to meet them and shut the door behind him and said, 'No, my friends. Don't do this wicked thing." (Genesis 19:6-7 NIV) Nice try, but after that, things go south very quickly, for Lot offers to bring out his two daughters (for the men to do with as they pleased) instead, if the men of Sodom will just leave his guests alone! (v.8) Even though hospitality demanded that a man protect his guests in every possible way, to stoop so low that he would be willing to essentially abandon his young daughters means that Lot has clearly been much more influenced by the men of Sodom than they have been affected by him.
A little aside: Sometimes people use these verses to show that even the OT believers were involved in the same sins as their contemporaries -- that the things 'believers' did were just as horrifying as the 'sinners' around them. In one sense this is true, for Scripture affirms that there is none righteous, not one. We all sin. Nor do the Scriptures gloss over the sins of the 'believers'. However, I don't think that Lot should be set up as the example of a committed believer -- as the norm. The context shows otherwise. Apparently, rather than pointing others toward God, he has been greatly influenced by the culture around him, to the extent that he would abandon his very daughters to the lusts of these 'friends'. So I would not exactly call him a person that Scripture would want us to emulate, or an example of what a believer is like. Those who use this as an example of how bad the followers of God are, are actually just setting up a straw man to knock down, in my opinion. More evidence of this later.
How do the men of Sodom react to Lot's offer? Thankfully, (at least for Lot's daughters' sakes), they are not interested. "Get out of our way," they replied. And they said, 'This fellow came here as an alien,and now he wants to play the judge! We'll treat you worse than them.' They kept bringing pressure on Lot and moved forward to break down the door." (Genesis 19:9-10 NIV) Not only are the men of Sodom not Lot's friends, but they are actually ready to do him harm as well.
I do not have to explain the point of this section of Scripture, or go on endlessly about the dangers of allying oneself with those who do not love God. I am quite sure that Lot understood the lesson as well, as the men of Sodom surged forward, ready to push him (perhaps literally) through his own front door.
Thankfully, though, the 'men' Lot has invited into his home are not mere men.
Max's Thoughts About Cars and Sharing Snacks
The length of a car trip is quite important to me. I prefer shorter trips, because the longer the trip, the more restless I get and I start wandering all over the seats. This is especially true if we get stuck in traffic and I am surrounded by large trucks. My mom has already informed you about how I react to loud noises or back-firing from trucks, so to be surrounded by such potential dangers is a bit unsettling. I deal with it, though -- I am the Labrapithound, after all.
Sometimes I deal with it by climbing into the driver's seat onto Mom's lap and offering to drive us out of the situation. This is generally not appreciated and I usually end up navigating from the passenger seat or going into the back seat to sulk for a few seconds before trying some other tactic. If all else fails, I look for food.
While cars can be frightening sometimes, they are often a great source for snacks. When the girl goes to college, she sometimes brings along a breakfast sandwich. She doesn't share, though. :( I wish these people would be less concerned about my health and more concerned about how it is torturous for me to be able to smell that delicious thing without getting even a bite. Dog fact: We dogs can smell much (about 800 times) better than you humans. Think about it.
Anyway, when I realize that I am not going to get any snacks that way, I begin to look around for some treats on my own. Backseats are a great source for little crumbs of goodies that get dropped. Under the seat is another interesting place to investigate. I am not too picky. I am even willing to eat paper if it smells good. I love the expression on my Mom's face when she sees that I have a scrap or two, yet she can't reach me because she is driving. It is something like the expression she gets when I borrow a sock from the hamper or the floor and run around the house happily waving it. Since she chases me, I assume that she likes this game, too. Her loud noises and waving arms tell me that this is fun for both of us.
Well, that is all for now. I hear my humans coming. I will try to write more regularly. Hope you will continue to visit me. Bring snacks.
xxx Max
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Genesis 18:22-33 What If...?
The angels accompanying the Lord have left upon their mission of going down to Sodom, while Abraham remains standing before the Lord. (Genesis 18:22) Abraham realizes that judgment is about to come upon the sinful city. It was common knowledge in those parts that "...the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord." (Genesis 13:13 NIV)
"Then Abraham approached him and said: 'Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing -- to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?' (Genesis 18:23-25 NIV)
Abraham is no doubt thinking about the welfare of his nephew, Lot and his family. The last time Scripture mentions the two men getting together, Abraham was rescuing Lot and the people of Sodom from an invading coalition of kings. Have the two men seen each other since? Had Abraham urged Lot to leave the sinful city? We don't know the answers to these questions. However, one thing is certain. Right now, Lot is in considerable danger again. In fact, he is in greater danger now than the previous time, for the utter destruction of the city seems imminent. This explains why Abraham seems so anxious to speak with the Lord.
"The Lord said, 'If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.' (Genesis 18:26 NIV) Something in the Lord's expression must have made Abraham wonder: Surely there were at least fifty righteous souls in Sodom, weren't there? Abraham continues to inquire: What if there are only 45, or 40 persons? How about 30, or 20, or (gulp) only 10? God replies patiently to all of Abraham's questions. Finally, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it." (Genesis 18:32) Abraham probably felt a little better. Surely Lot and his household contained at least ten righteous persons, right?
"When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home." (Genesis 18:33 NIV) No doubt Sarah would be excited about the prospect of their soon-coming son. Abraham was excited, too. At the back of his mind, though, he could not get Sodom out of his thoughts: What if...?
"Then Abraham approached him and said: 'Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you really sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people in it? Far be it from you to do such a thing -- to kill the righteous with the wicked, treating the righteous and the wicked alike. Far be it from you! Will not the Judge of all the earth do right?' (Genesis 18:23-25 NIV)
Abraham is no doubt thinking about the welfare of his nephew, Lot and his family. The last time Scripture mentions the two men getting together, Abraham was rescuing Lot and the people of Sodom from an invading coalition of kings. Have the two men seen each other since? Had Abraham urged Lot to leave the sinful city? We don't know the answers to these questions. However, one thing is certain. Right now, Lot is in considerable danger again. In fact, he is in greater danger now than the previous time, for the utter destruction of the city seems imminent. This explains why Abraham seems so anxious to speak with the Lord.
"The Lord said, 'If I find fifty righteous people in the city of Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.' (Genesis 18:26 NIV) Something in the Lord's expression must have made Abraham wonder: Surely there were at least fifty righteous souls in Sodom, weren't there? Abraham continues to inquire: What if there are only 45, or 40 persons? How about 30, or 20, or (gulp) only 10? God replies patiently to all of Abraham's questions. Finally, "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it." (Genesis 18:32) Abraham probably felt a little better. Surely Lot and his household contained at least ten righteous persons, right?
"When the Lord had finished speaking with Abraham, he left, and Abraham returned home." (Genesis 18:33 NIV) No doubt Sarah would be excited about the prospect of their soon-coming son. Abraham was excited, too. At the back of his mind, though, he could not get Sodom out of his thoughts: What if...?
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Genesis 18:16-22 Good News, Bad News
"When the men got up to leave, they looked down toward Sodom, and Abraham walked along with them to see them on their way." (Genesis 18:16)
After finishing their meal and the short exchange of words with Sarah, the visitors rose to continue their journey. They looked down toward Sodom, for that was where they were going next. So far we have learned several things about Sodom:
"Then the Lord said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." (Genesis 18:17-19 NIV)
Abraham is God's friend -- His covenant partner -- so naturally God confides to Abraham His plan. In the long term, God repeats the fact that Abraham will become a great nation, and reminds him that these covenant promises will be fulfilled as Abraham continues to "keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just". In addition, this is a subtle reminder that God is the One in charge of these plans: "I have chosen him" and "The Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him".
Next, the Lord turns to the business at hand: "...The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know." (Genesis 18:20-21 NIV) This brings two things to mind:
After finishing their meal and the short exchange of words with Sarah, the visitors rose to continue their journey. They looked down toward Sodom, for that was where they were going next. So far we have learned several things about Sodom:
- Sodom was within the borders of Canaan. Genesis 10:19 (NIV) says, "...and the borders of Canaan reached from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha."
- When Abraham and his nephew Lot had parted company, "Abram lived in the land of Canaan, while Lot lived among the cities of the plain and pitched his tents near Sodom." (Genesis 13:12 NIV)
- "Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the Lord." (Genesis 13:13 NIV)
"Then the Lord said, 'Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him." (Genesis 18:17-19 NIV)
Abraham is God's friend -- His covenant partner -- so naturally God confides to Abraham His plan. In the long term, God repeats the fact that Abraham will become a great nation, and reminds him that these covenant promises will be fulfilled as Abraham continues to "keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just". In addition, this is a subtle reminder that God is the One in charge of these plans: "I have chosen him" and "The Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him".
Next, the Lord turns to the business at hand: "...The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me. If not, I will know." (Genesis 18:20-21 NIV) This brings two things to mind:
- Although sometimes people may believe that God has not heard their prayers and cries, He is well aware of every one of them.
- God does not judge hastily, but checks out the situation carefully before punishing evildoers. When God says in the above verses that He is going down to see if what He has heard is really true, this does not mean for one second that He is not omniscient (all-knowing) about such matters. Rather, it is to emphasize that the One known as the "Judge of all the earth" (Genesis 18:25) is a careful and thorough judge, who will not just respond to rumors. Like He required of his covenant partner, Abraham (v.19), He Himself will also do what is right and just.
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