Genesis 18:16 - Meaning and Application

The heavenly messengers had finished one part of their mission. They had brought a message of grace to Abraham and Sarah, and they delivered that first. Now they faced work of a different kind, because Sodom was about to be destroyed (Genesis 19:13). This reminds us that the Lord is merciful, but he is also the God who brings justice.

So, the messengers turned toward Sodom (Genesis 18:16). They set their faces against it in anger, just as God is said to look on the Egyptian army in judgment (Exodus 14:24). God may seem to overlook sinners for a long time, and people may wrongly think he does not see or care. But when the day of his wrath comes, he will look toward them.

They went on toward Sodom as well (Genesis 18:22), and later two of them arrived there (Genesis 19:1). It is not clear whether the third was the Lord himself, whom Abraham still stood before and drew near to in prayer (Genesis 18:23), as many think. Or perhaps the third left before they reached Sodom, and the Lord before whom Abraham stood was the Shekinah, the visible glory of God that Abraham had seen before. Either way, two things stand out here.

First, Abraham honored his guests. He went with them to see them on their way, because he did not want to part from such good company and wanted to show them full respect. This is proper courtesy to friends, but it should be done, as the apostle says, in a godly way (3 John 1:6).

Second, they honored Abraham. God showed Abraham his purpose to destroy Sodom, and even entered into free conversation with him about it. After drawing Abraham more closely into covenant with himself in chapter 17, he now brought him into even more intimate fellowship, as one who knew his counsel.

God’s thoughts about Abraham were friendly and gracious (Genesis 18:17-19). He decided to tell Abraham what he was planning to do to Sodom, and he gave his reasons. If Abraham had not gone with them, perhaps he would not have been favored this way. Those who walk with wise people grow wise too (Proverbs 13:20). God speaks as if he is reasoning with himself: Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do? He uses human language here to show careful thought and purpose.

Why should Abraham be included in this private counsel? Some Jews said it was because God had already given the land of Canaan to Abraham and his descendants, so he would not destroy any cities in it without Abraham’s knowledge and consent. But the text gives two other reasons.

First, Abraham must know because he is God’s friend, one especially loved by him and destined for great things. He would become a great nation, and through the Messiah, who would come from his line, all nations of the earth would be blessed. The secret of the Lord is with those who fear him (Psalm 25:14; Proverbs 3:32). People who live in close fellowship with God by faith come to understand his mind better than others do. They may not have prophetic knowledge, but they do gain wise and practical insight. They see more clearly what is happening now and have a better sense of what is coming, enough for guidance and comfort.

Second, Abraham must know because he will teach his household. God says, I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him (Genesis 18:19). This is a bright part of Abraham’s character. He did not only pray with his family. He taught them as a man of understanding, and he ruled them with authority as well. In his own house, he acted like a prophet, a king, and a priest.

Because God had made a covenant with Abraham and his seed, and because his household had been circumcised in line with that covenant, Abraham was careful to teach and govern them well. Those who expect family blessings must also be faithful in family duty. If our children belong to the Lord, they must be raised for him. If they bear his mark, they must be trained for his service. Abraham also cared about his whole household, not just his children. His servants were taught too. Heads of families should instruct and watch over everyone under their roof, because even the poorest servant has a precious soul.

Abraham’s concern was practical religion in daily life. He did not fill his household with fine arguments or doubtful debates. He taught them to keep the way of the Lord and to do justice and right. That means they were to be serious and devoted in worship, and honest in their dealings with other people. He also looked ahead to the future. He wanted his household after him to keep the way of the Lord, so that true religion would continue in his family after his death. In doing this, Abraham was also meeting the condition of the promises God had given him. Only those who take duty seriously can expect the benefit of the promises.

This also explains why God was willing to tell Abraham about Sodom. Abraham was ready to share what he knew for the good of those under his care. The one who has, more will be given to him (Matthew 13:12; Matthew 25:29). Those who make good use of their knowledge are given even more.

Then God speaks with Abraham about Sodom and allows him to speak back. He tells Abraham the evidence against the city: The outcry against Sodom is great (Genesis 18:20). Some sins, and the sins of some sinners, cry out to heaven for punishment. Sodom’s wickedness was crying wickedness, so offensive that it called for judgment.

God also says, I will go down now and see (Genesis 18:21). This does not mean that God is unsure or ignorant. He speaks this way to show the fairness of his judgments. People may claim that his way is not right, but his judgments come from eternal counsel. He never acts rashly or suddenly. He does not punish based on rumor, public talk, or reports from others, but on his own sure knowledge.

This also gives an example to rulers and judges. They should examine a case carefully and thoroughly before they judge it. And perhaps this decree is still spoken of as not final, so Abraham would be encouraged to pray for the city. God looked to see whether anyone would intercede (Isaiah 59:16).