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Book of Genesis - Chapter 18 - Verse 31

18:31
And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.

Meaning

In this verse, we see Abraham pleading with the Lord to spare the city of Sodom if there are at least twenty righteous people found within it. This conversation between Abraham and the Lord highlights the concept of intercession in prayer. Abraham is putting himself in the position of speaking to the Lord on behalf of others, showing his concern for the well-being of the people of Sodom. The Lord agrees to spare the city if there are twenty righteous individuals, emphasizing His mercy and willingness to show compassion even in the face of great wickedness. This verse reminds us of the power of prayer and the importance of standing in the gap for others, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. It serves as a powerful example of how we can advocate for those in need and seek mercy and grace on their behalf.

Theological Overview

Genesis 18:32 recounts the conversation between Abraham and the Lord as they discuss the fate of the city of Sodom. In this verse, Abraham is pleading with God to spare the city if just twenty righteous people can be found within it. The word "peradventure" in the verse signifies Abraham's uncertainty about the situation and his hopeful plea to the Lord. Through this exchange, we see Abraham's deep sense of compassion and concern for the people of Sodom, even though he knows they have been committing grave sins. The term "for twenty's sake" further emphasizes the importance of righteousness and the impact a small group of righteous individuals can have on the larger community. This verse highlights the theme of intercession and shows how Abraham, as a faithful servant of God, is willing to advocate for the salvation of others. It also demonstrates the concept of God's mercy and willingness to listen to the prayers of His people.

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