When I teach, I find that if I tell some things about a passage, then have Bible learners read the passage, they grasp it better at a deeper level. So, you can just read the blog today and get the main ideas, or you may enjoy spending a bit more time and have your Bible handy to read it in full.

Last time, we noted that Abram and nephew, Lot, had plotted out where they would settle. Lot chose the fertile valley of Sodom and Gomorrah and Abram the higher land.

Now Abram is 99 years old.  God once again reminds him of his covenant and declares that Abram (exalted father) will now be called Abraham (father of many). And to Sarai, God says that she will be called mother of many nations. Her name will be Sarah and she will bear a son the next year. (Read Genesis 17)

Later, Abraham is sitting under a favorite tree when he sees three men coming. We learn that the three are the Lord and two angels. In the typical hospitality fashion of that time, Abraham invites them to wash their feet and rest while he stirs up the servants and his wife to prepare a meal for them.

After eating, the Lord says, “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.” The two angels (who appear as men) began their journey toward Solom.

Abraham asks the Lord, “Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people there? Will you really not spare it?” Abraham carries on a bit more as though it’s his job to set the Lord straight. The Lord finally says he will spare the city if there are fifty rightous people there.

Abraham back tracks a bit, thinking maybe he set the bar a bit high. “What about forty-five?” he asks. The Lord agrees.

Still fearful, Abraham knocks it down another five, then ten, and another ten, and another. Finally,  the Lord agrees, “For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”

Abraham has done what he could, but it is evident that he knows this is a very sinful city. (Read Genesis 18)

The two angels arrive in the city and find Lot sitting in the gateway of the city. That’s where city leaders could be found so evidently Lot serves as a leader. When tending to city business others could join together in the square. Lot greets the two men by bending all the way down, face to the ground. Just like his uncle, Lot offers hospitality—washing feet, offering food and lodging.

Is Lot is one of the righteous ones? Soon we get a full picture of the wickedness of the people. (Read Genesis 19:1-4) I bet you’ll keep reading on.

Yikes! Next time, we’ll tackle the wickedness of Sodom and God’s command to Lot’s family.

~ Joyce ~