INTERCEDING FOR GOD'S MERCY

1. Abraham Hears God’s Judgment (Genesis 18:16-21) 

2. Abraham Pleads for God’s Mercy (Genesis 18:22-33) 

3. Abraham Witnesses Judgment and Mercy (Genesis 19:24-25, 27-29) 

Central Truth: God readily hears the intercessory prayers of believers. 

Focus: Analyze and follow Abraham’s example of intercession. 

Evangelism Emphasis: Christians are responsible to intercede for the lost. 

Text: “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26). 

INTRODUCTION 

Three men appeared to Abraham at the beginning of Genesis 18. Notice they waited to be welcomed into Abraham’s camp and tent before proceeding. This was the custom of the day. Visitors did not enter a person’s “space” without an invitation. But it also presents a pertinent teaching concerning prayer. They are messengers of God, probably two angels and the Lord (the pre-incarnate Christ). The technical term for God appearing to humanity is theophany (God as He would appear, if He took human form). Some commentators believe Abraham was anticipating a visit from God; thus, he was sitting where he could see anyone approaching his residing place. His expectations were not in vain. 

This series of lessons focuses on the great prayers of the Bible. Prayer is hard work. It is warfare and, as such, it is a discipline that must be intentionally developed and nurtured. It is easy and normal to pray during difficult times. When we are faced with life-altering circumstances, it is natural to take our case to God. However, it is the day-in and day-out prayers that require determination. But, as we see in Abraham, prayer is rewarded with a fresh manifestation of God and the answers or revelation we need from Him. 

Abraham went out of his way to accommodate the Lord and His messengers. In fact, he “ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground” (Gen. 18:2 NLT). He quickly arranged a meal appropriate for important guests, so he could commune with them and communicate to them how appreciative he was that they had graced him with their presence. 

Prayer begins when we approach God in reverence, humility, submission, sincerity, and faith/anticipation. It is a two-way form of communication. We must invite God into our “camp,” or lives. He is waiting to enter our prayers, lives, and circumstances. As we will see in this lesson, God wants to reveal Himself to us, as well as His plans that affect us. And He wants to hear our needs, hopes, and concerns. Perhaps we should pray our way through the prayers examined in this series. 

Abraham was rewarded with the promise of a son (v. 10), who would be the impetus of fulfilling God’s promises to Abraham of a great nation (12:2-3). He was also warned of impending judgment. As Scripture reveals, however, mercy always precedes judgment. 

1.  ABRAHAM HEARS GOD’S JUDGMENT 

A. Impending Judgment (Genesis 18:16) 

16 And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. 

The messengers accompanied the Lord to deliver the first part of God’s plan for Abraham and Sarah (vv. 9-15). Now they set their faces or focused their attention (“looked”) eastward toward Sodom (v. 16), which was at the southern end of the Dead Sea. Sodom came to mean “burning” (from God’s judgment or their burning lust), but may have originally included the meaning of “fortification.” This would help explain part of the arrogance of its inhabitants so visible in this narrative. They felt invincible, protected by their environment. Sin takes comfort in its surroundings. 

Abraham accompanied them on their way. According to tradition, he traveled with them quite some distance. He was not ready to leave the Lord’s presence. He had received the promise of a son (v. 10), which would be quite enough for most people; but Abraham pressed on with the Lord. 

In earlier days of Pentecostalism’s history, an emphasis was placed on “tarrying before the Lord,” or spending time in His presence. This is done not for answered prayer (though that certainly results), nor for catching up on one’s prayer life (and this does help), but to commune with God on a personal level. The goal is to learn from Him that we might be more like Him and receive those things He wants for us (see Luke 24:49). Abraham’s persistence was rewarded—as is ours. 

Divine Insight 

God himself is what enlightens understanding about everything else in life. Knowledge about any subject is fragmentary without the enlightenment that comes from His relationship to it.—Beth Moore 

B. Judgment Revealed (Genesis 18:17-19) 

17 And the Lord said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?  

Verse 17 provides insight into the inner workings of the divine counsel. God asks if He should hide His plan from Abraham. This carries the idea of deliberately concealing a fact or act from someone. To whom does He direct this question? It can be surmised that this was a discussion within the Trinity. 

Jewish sources suggest God chose to reveal His plan to Abraham because this region included part of the land promised to him and his descendants; therefore, God would not destroy it without Abraham’s knowledge and permission. Others assert correctly that the answer is found within the passage itself. God included Abraham for several reasons: 

1. He was the father of God’s people (v. 18). 

2. By Abraham’s lineage, every nation or all people would be blessed through the Messiah. “Blessed” conveys the idea of a greater One bending down to the level of the lesser one to provide what is truly needed. 

3. God’s deep intimate knowledge of Abraham’s heart and character (“I know him,” v. 19) revealed he would train and hold his children and those around him accountable in the ways that lead to the Lord and His covenant provision and promises (see Gen. 12; 15; 17). 

4. Specifically, in 18:19, we see Abraham would not teach them to blindly obey a set of rules, but to actively accomplish “righteousness” (NASB)—a heartfelt relationship with God and humanity—and “justice” (NASB), or “judgment” (making whole those who are wronged, including God). 

5. Because of Abraham’s position (physical and spiritual), God’s promises would be fulfilled (v. 19). It is explicitly clear that God valued His relationship with Abraham. “The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant” (Ps. 25:14 NLT). The passage also reveals Abraham’s role as a prophet of the Lord (see Amos 3:7). 

• How should verse 19 apply to all parents who love God? 

C. Judgment Determined (Genesis 18:20-21) 

20 And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; 21 I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.  

God begins His conversation with Abraham, revealing the evidence that has been brought to Him by the iniquity happening in Sodom and Gomorrah (v. 20). “Cry” is a deep, distraught utterance from a disturbed heart in dire need of immediate intervention. It is an expression motivated by profound physical and spiritual destitution, usually directed to God, as it is here. “Great” emphasizes the cry is exceedingly abundant, such that it cannot (or will not) be ignored by God. Some suggest the iniquity was so prevalent and depraved (“grievous,” or extremely heavy) that the iniquity itself knew such a lifestyle could not be allowed to continue and, thus, cried out to God for intervention and judgment (cf. 13:13; 19:13). It is a sobering conversation. 

In terms humanity can understand, the Lord explains to Abraham that He will personally investigate the circumstances behind the cry (v. 21). This verse does not suggest God was previously unaware of the happenings of Sodom and Gomorrah and needed to find out what was happening. God is omniscient and, as such, knows all that is happening on the earth—and throughout all creation (Ps. 139; 1 John 3:20). The verse gives us great comfort. First, God is always fully aware of our circumstances, and all His acts are based on that complete and perfect knowledge. Second, even in the worst of situations, God’s presence is there to promote repentance and restoration. Third, as has been emphasized previously and cannot be overemphasized, mercy (God’s love in action) always precedes judgment. 

There are those who make an unnecessary dichotomy or distinction between the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. The argument is that the God of the Old Testament is cold, harsh, and removed from the lives of ordinary people, while the New Testament God is more personable and interactive with individuals. A careful study of both Testaments debunks this false argument, as this passage itself confirms God is not aloof and unconcerned. It is helpful to remember that those in the Old Testament were operating under the Law, which was designed to lead people to Christ (Gal. 3:24). God’s dealings with those under the old covenant were based on a look toward the Cross, while our relationship with Him is based on a look back at the Cross. A human picture may provide illumination. A parent’s relationship and interaction with a child changes as that child develops toward maturity, but it is still the same parent, just viewed from different perspectives. The same is true of God in both Testaments and our own lives. 

• How should we as Christians be “crying” to God on behalf of our nation? 

2. ABRAHAM PLEADS FOR GOD’S MERCY 

A.  Drawing Near to God (Genesis 18:22-26) 

23 And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein? 25 That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right? 26 And the Lord said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes. 

The angels (or messengers) depart and proceed toward Sodom, but “Abraham stood yet before the Lord” (v. 22). This conveys Abraham knew what he was going to do and that he is standing his ground or revealing his determination to be involved in and intercede for such a serious matter. Prayerful intercession requires that we check our motivations for mediating. Selfishness for us or others will not stand in the presence of God—only a pure heart will (Ps. 24:3-5; 2 Tim. 2:22). This requires that our intercession be driven by love for God and the person(s) for whom we are interceding. 

Intercession requires bold faith that is tempered with humility. An intercessor is a mediator who stands in the gap between God and humanity, spiritually grasping the hand of God and the hand of the person in need and pulling through prayer until the two come together and God’s provision is supplied. This is the spiritual picture depicted in this passage. Thankfully, we have the perfect Intercessor who continually stands in the Father’s presence to intercede on our behalf (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25). During times when our words fail to adequately express our heartfelt needs and desires, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, bountifully expressing what we cannot (Rom. 8:26-27). 

What was Abraham’s reason for this rather bold interaction with God? Love for Lot and his family? Concern for Lot’s possessions? He could have simply asked for their deliverance from the city or intervened himself to deliver Lot and gather his possessions before the destruction (e.g. Gen. 14:13-26). Abraham’s reason was love—love for Lot and the people of the city, even though his relationship with them was troubled (14:21-24). He recognized what God had done for him through grace and now wanted that same grace to be extended to others (Matt. 5:44). Remember, God promised Abraham that through him all the families of the earth would be blessed (Gen. 12:1-3). Prophecy often has a short-term and long-term fulfillment (cf. Isa. 7:14). Obviously, the long-term fulfillment of this blessing is found in Jesus Christ (Gal. 3:14), but here we find God is blessing Abraham’s fellow-citizens through Abraham himself by this intercession for grace, and they were completely unaware. 

Abraham drew closer to God (Gen. 18:23). The image can be twofold. First, Abraham approached God to get closer physically, indicating the serious and personal nature of the conversation. Second, the term is often used of approaching God as the Judge of humankind and presenting a case. Either image is applicable here, though it is clear later in the passage that Abraham is appealing his case to the Judge of the earth (v. 25). 

He approaches God with a sobering question: “Will You completely annihilate both the innocent and the guilty?” (author’s translation). Some commentators believe this was a risky move on Abraham’s part, given his relationship with God was still being formed. However, God had entered into a covenant relationship with Abraham (Gen. 15). Covenant is a rich, multifaceted term. In simple terms, it is an all-for-all relationship. God expected Abraham to give his all in the relationship, and God promised to do the same. Thus, Abraham approached God on the basis of that relationship, as we also have the right to do through Jesus Christ (Heb. 4:16; Gal. 3:17). Further, God can handle our questions—even our ignorant and angry ones! He wants them all brought to Him in prayer. 

Abraham begins his negotiation on the basis of fifty innocent or righteous individuals (Gen. 18:24). These are individuals who have not engaged in the degradation of the city’s activities, and are in a viable relationship with God. It is not enough to refrain from evil; we must be totally committed to God. The prophet then appeals to God’s justice (v. 25a). Some see Abraham’s language in this passage (“destroy,” or “annihilate”) as implying eternal consequences; thus, the wicked and the righteous would suffer the same fate physically and spiritually. If that is Abraham’s mind-set, it illuminates why he is persistently bold and exclaims twice, “Surely you wouldn’t do such a thing” (v. 25 NLT). The New Testament equivalent would be “God forbid!” (see Rom. 6:15). Abraham is forming his relationship with God, but this may be reading more into the text than is intended. Clearly, Abraham did not think the righteous should suffer the fate of the wicked. 

He then asks God a pointed and bold question: “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25). “Right” is better understood as “justice.” Thus, Abraham is looking for God to reign and judge in a manner consistent with the divine nature he has experienced up to this point. His language reveals he expected a positive outcome from this exchange. Abraham will get what he wants, but not what he expects. The role of “Judge of all the earth” is ascribed in the New Testament to Christ (see John 5:22; Acts 10:42; 17:31), increasing the evidence that Abraham was speaking to the pre-incarnate Christ. If fifty are found, God states He will spare the city’s inhabitants, both righteous and wicked, of judgment (Gen. 18:26). 

Standing in Our Place 

There are times when we cannot pray for ourselves; we are disoriented or simply out of faith and vision. Perhaps we are sick and exhausted, fighting disease or demons. At such times, we need someone to intercede for us. We need someone to pray as if they were us! As if they were standing in our place, they offer petitions in our behalf to God. What an extraordinary provision. We can pray for others. Others can pray for us.—Doug Small 

B. The Righteous Preservation (Genesis 18:27-33) 

27 And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes: 28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it. 29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake. 

32 And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake. 33 And the Lord went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.   

Having negotiated successfully with God on the basis of fifty righteous individuals, Abraham presses on (v. 27). The last part of the verse reveals Abraham is not approaching God arrogantly or presumptively, for he is “but dust and ashes.” It is the solemn utterance of a man who was formed from dust (see Gen. 2:7) and will become a pile of ashes upon his death. Ashes are not only a sign of mourning, humility, and/or repentance (Est. 4:1; Matt. 11:21), they are also all that remains of a sacrifice offered unto the Lord and wholly consumed for His glory (Ex. 20:24; Isa. 61:3; Rom. 12:1). 

In verses 28-32 of the text, Abraham continues to negotiate for Sodom. He completes his negotiation with judgment to be spared for the sake of ten righteous individuals. This account raises a serious and complex question: Can we change God’s mind through our prayers? Some dismiss this question with a quick, “Of course not.” The idea behind this thinking is that God is sovereign and unchanging or immutable (which He most certainly is) and, therefore, He cannot be moved to alter His plans (see Heb. 6:17; 13:8). Others point to passages where God seems to have changed His plans due to human negotiation, intervention, or prayer such as this passage or adding fifteen years to Hezekiah’s life (see Isa. 38:1-21). 

In brief, who God is cannot be changed. He created us for fellowship and interaction. He values our prayers (Rev. 5:8; 8:3-4). He not only knows what we have need of before we ask (Matt. 6:8), as the omniscient God, but He knows what we are going to ask for before we do (1 John 3:20; 2 Sam. 7:20). And He already knows what He is going to do (Deut. 29:29). His knowledge, however, does not diminish or relieve our participation. We may very well get what we ask for, but it is certain we will get what we need (Matt. 7:7-11).

• What do you learn from Abraham’s intercession on behalf of Sodom? 

3. ABRAHAM WITNESSES JUDGMENT AND MERCY 

A. Judgment Implemented (Genesis 19:24-25) 

24 Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven. 

Sodom (and the region) stands as an everlasting symbol of sinful debauchery (Deut. 32:32; Isa. 3:9; Jude 7; Rev. 11:8) and God’s judgment of that sin (Amos 4:11; Luke 17:29; 2 Peter 2:6). In a fitting tribute to Abraham’s intercession, it is also a symbol of God’s grace extended and rejected (Matt. 11:23-24). It serves as a reminder to live continually in covenant with God (Deut. 29:23). 

Righteous mercy is now replaced with righteous anger (Gen. 19:24). Regrettably, there were not even ten righteous individuals in Sodom; thus, judgment fell on the city and its inhabitants, with the exception of Lot, his wife, and two daughters, who were safely removed—albeit forcibly (see vv. 16-17). Brimstone, especially in this region, is a mixture of sulfur and gypsum; thus, when fire is added it melts and runs like lava, destroying everything in its path. Falling from the sky like rain would be extremely painful and wholly destructive. Brimstone is often an instrument and symbol of God’s judgment and punishment (Ps. 11:6; Ezek. 38:22; Rev. 9:17). We see that the Lord on earth rained down fire and brimstone from the Lord in heaven, depicting the cooperative and coordinated activity of the pre-incarnate Son and the Father. 

Verse 26 of the text can seem rather harsh at first glance. Why would God bring judgment upon Lot’s wife (who is known only by this identification throughout Scripture) for glancing back at the city she had resided in to see what was happening? The language and grammar reveal she was hesitant to follow Lot out of the region. It also reveals that her backward look was not a curious glance, but an intense and desirous (fixed) gaze at the city and lifestyle she loved. God’s judgment, especially in light of this passage of grace and rescue, indicates she was not a righteous person. Her relationship with Lot could only preserve her to a point. The same is true of us. People who pray for us can only take us so far. People we pray for can only ride God’s grace and our prayers for so long. The world can only be preserved temporarily by the Church. 

Jesus uses her in a succinct, but piercing reminder to us all that we must remain ready and watchful for His return (Luke 17:24-36). She stands as a warning that we must not look back with desire from where and what God has delivered us (9:62). Improvement in our circumstances and spiritual relationship requires sacrifice. That sacrifice might be people from our environment, habits, lifestyle, or even evil itself, but God’s provision and presence are always worth any sacrifice from us. 

Judgment Day 

Some day we will stand before God. And when we do, we will need something more than speculative imagination or a warm, fuzzy feeling.—Charles Swindoll 

B. Mercy Revealed (Genesis 19:27-29) 

27 And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord: 28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace. 29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt. 

The next day Abraham quickly returns to the place where he communed and pleaded (“stood”) with the Lord (v. 27) to survey the situation and determine whether or not judgment had been averted (v. 28). It can be surmised that Abraham really did not know if there were ten righteous people in the city or not; thus, he came to look out over the city and region. The destruction was horrific, as it included the inhabitants, all dwellings, the city, the entire region, even the very earth itself (also see v. 25). The language in this passage depicts a damaging and desolating force so strong that the land stank. Some believe this event created the Dead Sea and accounts for the sulfurous nature of the region, which, to this day, reeks of the smell. Mercy rejected results in judgment, and when the judgment comes, there is no doubt of its source (Heb. 10:31). 

Verse 29 of the text depicts a shift of terms describing God. Previously in the passages of this lesson, God is called Yahweh, or “Lord” (or Adonai; both are often associated with God’s covenantal work). Here the Hebrew Elohim is utilized, which focuses on His role as Judge of the earth. It was the Judge of the earth who rendered judgment and justice, resulting in the destruction of sin’s stronghold. Yet, it was also the Judge of the earth who “remembered” Abraham. This remembrance was not just a passing consideration of who Abraham was, but a thoughtful and reflective awareness of Abraham’s loving intercession that resulted in action—the saving of Lot and his family from destruction. 

God is active in the lives of His people. He may not physically appear to us, but appear to us He does! We must be spiritually aware of His presence and His inclusion of us in His divine plans. The world around us is relying on our prayers, even if they are not aware of it. 

• Is there a “Lot” for whom you are praying? If so, how should verse 29 encourage you? 

A MOTHER’S INTERCESSION 

A young man who had been raised in church rebelled against his upbringing, determined to find out what pleasures the world held for him. Early one morning while sneaking to his room, he heard his mother tearfully interceding on his behalf. He tried to shake it off, but the prayer kept ringing in his ears. His repentance did not happen immediately, but it did happen and his mother’s pleading was answered. Intercession may not bring the exact answer we seek, but it is never in vain. 

Daily Devotions   

M.  Intercession for God’s People (Numbers 16:41-50) 

T.  Mercy for the Penitent (Ezekiel 18:19-23) 

W.  Intercession for a Nation (Daniel 9:11-19) 

T.  Jesus Instructs in Intercession (Matthew 9:35-38) 

F.  Paul Requests Prayer (Romans 15:30-33) 

S.  Sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16) 

Adopted from the Evangelical Sunday School Lesson Commentary 2020-2021.

Photo by Luis Quintero from Pexels.