Abraham pleads for Sodom Bible verse

      Abraham Pleads for Sodom (Genesis 18:16-33). The story of Abraham pleading for Sodom is a powerful example of intercessory prayer, God's justice, and His mercy. It takes place in Genesis 18, where God reveals His plan to destroy the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their extreme sinfulness. Abraham, knowing that his nephew Lot and his family live in Sodom, boldly intercedes with God in an attempt to save the city.

God's Visit to Abraham

      Before the conversation about Sodom, Abraham is visited by three men at his tent near the oaks of Mamre (Genesis 18:1-15). These men are later revealed to be the Lord and two angels. Abraham prepares a meal for them, and during the visit, the Lord reiterates His promise that Sarah, despite her old age, will bear a son. After this, the men set out toward Sodom, and Abraham walks with them.

God Reveals His Plan (Genesis 18:16-21)

      As the men prepare to leave, the Lord decides to share His plan with Abraham: "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?" (Genesis 18:17)

      God acknowledges Abraham’s role as the father of a great nation and wants him to understand divine justice. He explains that the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and that He will examine their sinfulness before taking action.

      This statement reflects God's fairness—He does not judge rashly but thoroughly investigates the situation.

Abraham's Intercession (Genesis 18:22-33)

      As the angels head toward Sodom, Abraham remains standing before the Lord and courageously begins to intercede:

1. Abraham's First Plea (50 Righteous People)

      Abraham asks, “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? Suppose there are fifty righteous people in the city—will you spare it for their sake?”

      God responds: “If I find fifty righteous people, I will spare the whole city.”

2. Abraham Lowers the Number (45, 40, 30, 20, 10)

      Seeing God's willingness to be merciful, Abraham humbly continues:

● What if there are 45? (God agrees to spare it for 45.)

● What if there are 40? (God agrees to spare it for 40.)

● What if there are 30? (God agrees to spare it for 30.)

● What if there are 20? (God agrees to spare it for 20.)

● What if there are only 10? (God agrees to spare it for 10.)

      Each time, Abraham acknowledges his smallness before God ("I am but dust and ashes") but continues to appeal for mercy. He stops at ten, perhaps believing Lot’s family and some others might be righteous.

The Outcome: Sodom’s Destruction

      Unfortunately, not even ten righteous people are found in Sodom. The next chapter (Genesis 19) describes how two angels visit Sodom and are hosted by Lot. The city's men attempt to assault them, proving its extreme wickedness. The angels rescue Lot, his wife, and his daughters before destroying the city with fire and sulfur.

      Lot’s wife, however, disobeys the angels’ warning and looks back, turning into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).

Lessons from Abraham's Intercession

1. God is Just but Merciful

      He does not destroy the righteous with the wicked and is willing to spare a city for even a small number of good people.

2. The Power of Intercession

      Abraham’s bold but respectful intercession shows that God listens to the prayers of His faithful followers.

3. The Depth of Sodom’s Sin

      The fact that not even ten righteous people were found highlights the city’s total corruption.

4. God’s Patience and Judgment

      While God is patient, there is a limit to how long He will tolerate evil before executing justice.

      The story of Abraham pleading for Sodom is a remarkable example of God’s justice and mercy. It demonstrates that God listens to the prayers of the righteous and that He is willing to show mercy even in the face of great wickedness. However, it also serves as a warning that persistent sin leads to judgment.

      Abraham's intercession reflects the heart of a true servant of God—one who seeks mercy for others and desires justice to be tempered with compassion.