Bible Commentaries

CHAPTER 18 The Sixth Communication and Jehovah Visits Abraham

1. The manifestation (Genesis 18:1-2)

2. Abraham’s welcome (Genesis 18:3-8)

3. The promise repeated (Genesis 18:9-10)

4. Sarah’s laughter (Genesis 18:11-15)

5. The departure towards Sodom (Genesis 18:16)

6. Abraham’s intercession (Genesis 18:17-33)

This most remarkable visitation was the answer of Jehovah to Abraham’s obedience of faith. The one in the middle was none other than Jehovah in human form; the other two were angels. “Before Abraham was I am,” He said when on earth. Here Abraham is face to face with Him.

Sarah’s laughter when the son is promised to her is the laughter of unbelief She looked to her womb, which was a grave. Her laughter was made the occasion of that blessed word Jehovah spoke. “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” From the place of sweet communion they now proceed towards the scene where a great judgment was to be enacted.

“Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?” is another gracious word. Abraham was the friend of God. The Lord said to His disciples, “The servant knoweth not what his Lord doeth, but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you” (John 15:15). Yes, He has told us all about the things to come, the doom of the world and the secrets of His coming. And then follows that wonderful intercession before the Lord. How He pleads! What humility and yet boldness! Blessed privilege of all saints the prayer of intercession, which the great Intercessor, the Lord Jesus Christ, loves to hear from the lips of His children, for it is the echo of His own heavenly occupation.