4.11. ABRAHAM CONSULTED ABOUT SODOM AND GOMORRAH (Genesis 18 and 19)

Genesis 18 divides the two sections:

1) The promise to Sarah of a son (verses 1-15).

2) The intercession of Abraham for Sodom (verses 16-33).

Yahweh Himself with the two angels appears to Abraham, who offers hospitality, at first not realising their identity. The promise of Isaac's birth is overheard by Sarah who laughs at it, and is rebuked for doing so. The Lord knows the thoughts of the heart - knowing the difference in her laugh to that of Abraham's in Chapter 17.

As the Lord and the angels look toward Sodom, the Lord decided to take Abraham into His counsel about the coming destruction of Sodom (Genesis 18:17-19 ). There follows the intercession to spare the cities. He asks should there be 50 righteous in the city, would the Lord spare them. He was answered Yes. He kept dropping the numbers and stopped at 10, and again got the answer Yes. Probably Abraham thought with Lot's household there would be 10 righteous. But he was wrong. We have the supernatural help of the Holy Spirit who indwells and fills us (Romans 8:26-27 ).

Genesis 19 gives a dramatic account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, to which the Lord Jesus referred as an illustration of the day of judgment to come (Luke 17:28-30 ).

	The angels arrived in Sodom, are entertained in Lot's house (Genesis 19:1-3 ).
	The angels are the object of a vile and brutal attack which endangered Lot himself. When a city is given to homosexuality like Sodom, no newcomers are safe (Genesis 19:5 ).
	Even Lot's questionable offer of his virgin daughters was unacceptable to such depraved men (Genesis 19:6-7 ).
	Only the intervention of the angels delivered Lot out of their hands (Genesis 19:10-11 ).
	Lot was urged by the angels to leave the city (Genesis 19:12-17 ).
	He failed to persuade any of his family to accompany him except his wife and the two unmarried daughters. During the escape his wife disobeys and is overwhelmed with salt and lost. (Genesis 19:26 ).
	Lot begged to be allowed to go to Zoar and was permitted (Genesis 19:18-29 ).
	Immediately on his entry the guilty cities were destroyed by a conflagration witnessed by Abraham (Genesis 19:27-29 ).
	Feeling insecure, Lot withdrew with his daughters to a cave, and he is last seen in degrading circumstances, helpless in the hands of his wicked daughters (Genesis 19:30-36 ).

The nation of Moabites meaning 'from the father', came of this incest. This chapter teaches the certainty of the destruction of wicked cities and the wicked. It also shows the miserable end and failure of the life of worldly professing Christians.

Abraham does full circle in making the same mistake he made in Egypt, when he began his sojourn in the promised land. (Genesis 20:1-2; 12:10-20 ). In each case he gave way to the fear of man (Proverbs 29:25 ). It seems surprising after so many promises, and walking with God for such a long time, and able to believe what was humanly impossible. What warning not to be taken up with the circumstances, but to be wholly taken up with the Lord. Eyes off the Lord can bring the most spiritual into trouble.

Genesis 20:3 shows the gracious intervention of God, warning Abimelech in a dream (See Genesis 20:4-7 ).

Sarah must be restored. (Genesis 20:7 ). This is the first time the word "prophet" is used - a mouthpiece for God. Abimelech is told the prophet Abraham would pray for him and he would live. Prayer is one of the main functions of a prophet. Abraham's prayer brought healing to the household of Abimelech (Genesis 20:17- 18 ). In our Christian living it is well to remember we are continually kept by the power of God.

Genesis 21 first gives an account of Isaac's birth (Genesis 21:1-8 ). The name commemorates Abraham's outburst of triumphant faith - Isaac means "laughter."

More trouble comes to Abraham's tent that leads to the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:8-21 ). God once again intervenes on their behalf, and His promise concerning Ishmael fulfilled. It is a touching story of God's overruling providence.

This is the testimony of Abimelech concerning Abraham (Genesis 21:22 ). Then a covenant is made at Beersheba between Abraham and Abimelech (Genesis 21:22-33 ). There are many important lessons in this chapter.

The first lesson.
God never fails to do what He has promised, even when it is impossible in the natural sphere.

The second lesson.
God will overrule man-made plans and fulfil His covenant.

The third lesson.
In the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech we have an illustration of a covenant and its meaning.

Genesis 22 is certainly the climax of the story of Abraham's life. It brings him to his final test of his faith, and when it is over, the story of Abraham draws to a close. Read the chapter carefully and learn:

	That the final test of faith is a readiness to abandon and devote all to God. For Abraham it meant his Isaac. He devoted him to God in amazing faith. Read Hebrews 11:17-19 .
	The chapter also gives a vivid picture of the devotion of the Father for His only Son for the redemption of the world.
	There is a beautiful type of substitutionary atonement, (Genesis 22:13 ), the ram instead of Isaac. Christ has been offered in the sinner's stead, bearing the guilt and punishment due the sinner (Isaiah 53:5 ). He was made a curse for us (Galatians 3:12 ). Abraham named the place 'Yahweh-Jireh' meaning, 'the Lord will see or provide' (Genesis 22:14 ). God saw our needs from all eternity and provided for them by sending His Son (Romans 8:3 ) to die in our place (Matthew 20:28 ), that the chastisement of our peace might be upon Him (Isaiah 53:5 ), He provided the Lamb of God for us (John 1:29 ).

Genesis 23 tells us of the death of Sarah at 127 yeas old (Genesis 23:1 ). As she was 90 when Isaac was born, Isaac would be 37 at her death. A burying place was purchased for her, all of which leads forward into the story of Isaac and his marriage.

Genesis 24 sees Abraham full of years making a contract with the oldest servant of his house (Genesis 24:1-2 ) to go on a mission to find a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:3-9 ) "HE AROSE AND WENT". Having promised to do all that Abraham commanded, the servant left to do his will. The story follows of how he carried out his mission and kept the contract agreed upon (Genesis 24:10-66 ). The servant is used often as a type of the Holy Spirit, but in the story is a beautiful parable for those who would fulfil the great commission (Matthew 28:18-20 ) in gathering out a people from the world, a people for His name, to be the bride of Christ. Trace the marks of a good servant of Jesus Christ pictured in Abraham's servant.

NOTE:

	He accepted the assignment (Genesis 24:3, 9 ).
	Considered other possibilities (Genesis 24:5 ).
	Committed himself to the master's instructions (Genesis 24:9 ).
	Prayed specifically (Genesis 24:12-14 ).
	Committed to God's guidance (Genesis 24:12-14 ).
	Watched for fulfilment (Genesis 24:21 ).
	Worshipfully acknowledged God's goodness (Genesis 24:26 ).
	He gave a true report to all concerned (Genesis 24:34-40 ).
	Resisted unnecessary delay (Genesis 24:56 ).
	Faithfully carried out the mission (Genesis 24:66 ).
	Gave an account of himself (Genesis 24:66 ).

So Christ will take His people to Himself forever (John 14:3 ) who will become the bride of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7 ). The church He loved and gave Himself for (Ephesians 5:25 ) will be presented to Him without spot.

Genesis 25 concluded the story of Abraham. He had taken a wife named Keturah. Verses 1-4 records the children and their descendants.

Ryrie points out that: "Many of these names have been identified with various Arab tribes, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:4)."

QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. What is different about Sarah's laughter? Are you comfortable with the knowledge that God knows the thoughts of the heart?
2. What do you learn about intercessory prayer from Abraham? What reason does God give for His willingness to share His purpose with Abraham?
3. In God speaking after the manner of men, do you see this as a suggestion of God's fairness in dealing with the wicked?
4. Do you believe that at first Lot did not know He was entertaining angels?
   • Do you believe that when a city is given over to the sin of sodomy that any newcomer to that city is safe?
   • What action of Lot's would bring you to the conclusion that Lot not only lived in Sodom, but that Sodom had got into Lot?
5. Do you think the Sodomites had a real dislike for Lot?
   • Do you believe what they said of Lot in Genesis 19:9 is because of what is said about him in 2 Peter 2:6-9?
   • Are Christians popular for standing against Sodomy today?
   • When Lot was urged to leave the city, was he successful in getting all his family to leave with him?
   • Why do you think they stayed in Sodom?
   • Why did Lot's wife disobey and look back?
6. Only Lot and his two unmarried daughters made it to safety - they were out of Sodom but what gives you reason to believe Sodom was not out of them?
7. Do you believe that Sodom's destruction teaches the certainty of judgment coming on wicked cities and the wicked ? Do the final recorded things about Lot and his remaining family show you that miserable failure comes to worldly-minded, unrepentant Christians?
8. Why do you think Abraham repeated the same mistake that he had made in Egypt?
   • Do you know that the fear of man can bring you into spiritual trouble?
   • Have you known God's incredible intervention when you have got yourself into trouble?
9. What is the meaning of the word prophet? Would you say prayer is one of the prophet's functions?
10. Are you reminded of God's faithfulness and timeliness in fulfilling His promises to you, in reading Genesis 21:1-2?
11. Do you see God's overruling providence in the story of Ishmael? Can you trace the hand of God in your life?
12. Because of God's blessing on Abraham, Abimelech sought a covenant relationship with him. Does the testimony of your life and God's blessing cause others to seek relationship with you?
13. When God asked Abraham for his Isaac, do you believe his obedience can only be explained by what is said of his faith in Hebrews 11:17-19?
14. Can you see the heart of your Father God in not sparing Jesus for you?
15. How much does the name YAHWEH-JIREH mean to you?
16. What biblical significance has Mount Moriah?
17. Do you see in Isaac the submissive spirit of Jesus? Can others see His Spirit in you?
18. How old was Isaac when his mother Sarah died at 127 years old?
19. Have you someone who has served you in friendship to whom you could entrust the carrying out of your most precious wishes?
20. Are you faithful as a servant of the Lord Jesus?
    • Can you say in which way the example of Abraham's servant best helps you?
    • How do you expect to be guided by the Lord in your service?
21. Just as Rebekah received gifts as the bride-to-be of Isaac, so the Holy Spirit has bestowed spiritual gifts on the Church the bride of Christ. Can you name them?
    • Do you regard them as just for adornment or for practical serving?
22. What is suggested to you about Christ in the action of Isaac coming to meet Rebekah in the evening?
    • Do you appreciate what it meant to Rebekah to be led by her bridegroom into the tent of his mother, the place of honour and authority?
    • What does this say to you about the most sacred of human relationships?
    • What meaning does it convey to you about the bride of Christ?
23. All possible rivals to Isaac's full inheritance are settled. What does Acts 2:34 say to you about Christ?
    • Who is to have pre-eminence in all things? (Colossians 1:18).
    • Do you give Him the first place as supreme Lord of your life?
24. Does the account of Abraham's death remind you that God faithfully fulfils His promises in the years of this life, and will faithfully bring you to eternal fulfilment?