Genesis 18:22

KJV

And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the men {H582} turned their faces {H6437} from thence, and went {H3212} toward Sodom {H5467}: but Abraham {H85} stood {H5975} yet {H5750} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The men turned away from there and went toward S'dom, but Avraham remained standing before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

And the two men turned away and went toward Sodom, but Abraham remained standing before the LORD.

American Standard Version

And the men turned from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 18:22 marks a pivotal moment, depicting the departure of the two angels towards Sodom while Abraham remains in the intimate presence of the Lord, poised for a profound intercessory dialogue. This verse underscores Abraham's unique relationship with God and sets the immediate stage for his remarkable appeals concerning divine justice and mercy for the cities of the plain.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition within Genesis 18, immediately following the Lord's revelation to Abraham concerning the impending judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah. Earlier in the chapter, Abraham hosted three divine visitors, one of whom is identified as the Lord Himself, accompanied by two angels. During this encounter, the Lord reaffirmed the promise of a son to Sarah ([Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - The Promise of Isaac's Birth")). Crucially, before the "men" (the angels) departed, the Lord chose to disclose His intentions to investigate and potentially destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin ([Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20-21 "Genesis 18:20-21 - The Outcry Against Sodom and Gomorrah")). Genesis 18:22 precisely delineates the separation, with the angels proceeding on their mission while Abraham is granted the unique privilege of remaining in direct communion with the Lord, setting the stage for his bold intercession.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Abraham lived as a nomadic patriarch in the ancient Near East, where hospitality was a sacred and deeply ingrained cultural value, as vividly demonstrated by Abraham's lavish welcome to his divine guests. The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were notorious for their profound wickedness, described elsewhere as pride, abundance of food, and "abundance of idleness" without helping the poor and needy, leading to abominable practices ([Ezekiel 16:49-50](/ezekiel/16-49-50 "Ezekiel 16:49-50 - The Sins of Sodom")). The divine judgment against such cities was understood within a worldview where God actively intervened in human affairs to uphold justice and righteousness. Geographically, these cities were located in the fertile plain of the Jordan, near what would become the Dead Sea, a region that would later bear the scars of divine wrath.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 18:22 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the theme of **divine revelation**, where God, in His sovereignty, chooses to disclose His plans and purposes to His chosen servants, as seen in His rhetorical question, "Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" ([Genesis 18:17](/genesis/18-17 "Genesis 18:17 - God's Intention to Reveal His Plan to Abraham")). The verse also introduces the profound theme of **intercessory prayer**, as Abraham's lingering presence before the Lord is the prelude to his fervent appeals on behalf of Sodom. Furthermore, it sets the stage for the tension between **God's perfect justice**, which demands accountability for sin, and His **profound mercy**, which seeks avenues for grace and righteousness. Finally, it powerfully illustrates the **covenant relationship** between God and Abraham, characterized by intimacy, trust, and shared knowledge of divine will, a relationship so unique that Abraham is later called "the friend of God" ([James 2:23](/james/2-23 "James 2:23 - Abraham, the Friend of God")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **men (Hebrew, _ʼĕnôwsh'_):** This word, H582, refers to "a mortal," or "a man in general." In this context, it specifically refers to the two angels who accompanied the Lord, emphasizing their human-like appearance and their role as divine agents. Their departure signifies the commencement of their mission of investigation and judgment.
* **stood (Hebrew, _ʻâmad'_):** This primitive root, H5975, means "to stand" in various relations, literal and figurative. It implies not merely a physical posture but also to "abide," "remain," "be present," or "tarry." In Abraham's case, it denotes a deliberate, sustained, and attentive presence before the divine, a posture of readiness for engagement and respectful dialogue, signifying his willingness to remain in the divine presence.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This word, H3068, is the self-Existent or Eternal One, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. It refers to the covenant God of Israel, emphasizing His personal, relational, and sovereign nature. Abraham's continued presence "before the LORD" highlights the intensely personal and direct nature of the conversation that is about to unfold between God and His chosen servant.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom":** This clause describes the departure of the two angelic beings who had accompanied the Lord. Their turning and movement "toward Sodom" signifies the immediate commencement of their mission to investigate the outcry against the city and to execute God's righteous judgment. This action creates a clear spatial and thematic separation, leaving Abraham alone with the Lord.
* **"but Abraham stood yet before the LORD":** This is the crucial counterpoint to the first clause. The conjunction "but" highlights the contrast. While the angels depart on their mission of judgment, Abraham remains in the direct, personal presence of God. The phrase "stood yet" (Hebrew: _'ôd 'āmāḏ_) emphasizes a deliberate, sustained, and attentive posture. It implies a readiness to engage further, a posture of anticipation and respectful dialogue, rather than a casual stance. This is the very beginning of Abraham's fervent intercession for Sodom, signifying his willingness to "stand in the gap" for the city's inhabitants, embodying a model for intercessory prayer.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Contrast** to highlight the distinct roles and relationships of the characters. The departure of the "men" (angels) towards Sodom, signifying their mission of judgment, is sharply contrasted with Abraham's decision to remain "before the LORD," signifying his role as an intercessor and confidant. This contrast immediately draws the reader's attention to the unique intimacy Abraham shares with God. Furthermore, the phrase "stood yet before the LORD" functions as **Symbolism**. It is not merely a physical description but a symbolic representation of Abraham's spiritual posture: one of attentiveness, readiness to engage in dialogue, and a willingness to plead on behalf of others. This standing posture symbolizes his unique access to the divine presence and his role as a mediator.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 18:22 serves as a profound theological statement, illustrating God's desire for intimate communion with humanity and His willingness to engage with the prayers of His people. God's decision to reveal His plans for Sodom to Abraham, and then to allow Abraham to remain in His presence, underscores His desire for humanity to participate, through prayer, in His divine purposes of justice and mercy. This moment establishes a foundational understanding of intercessory prayer, demonstrating that God is responsive to the earnest pleas of the righteous, even when His judgment is imminent. It beautifully sets the stage for the tension between God's perfect justice, which demands accountability for sin, and His profound mercy, which offers grace and seeks for righteousness, even in the face of widespread wickedness.

* [Amos 3:7](/amos/3-7 "Amos 3:7 - God reveals His secret to His servants")
* [Ezekiel 22:30](/ezekiel/22-30 "Ezekiel 22:30 - Seeking one to stand in the gap")
* [James 2:23](/james/2-23 "James 2:23 - Abraham called God's friend")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:22 offers profound lessons on the privilege and responsibility inherent in a relationship with God, particularly concerning prayer. Abraham's deliberate act of lingering "before the LORD" models the importance of persistence in prayer, demonstrating a desire to continue the conversation with God rather than immediately departing. This scene powerfully illustrates how believers can and should intercede for the lost, for cities, and for those facing judgment, much like [Jeremiah 29:7](/jeremiah/29-7 "Jeremiah 29:7 - Seek the peace of the city") encourages seeking the welfare of the city. It reminds us that God desires a close relationship with His people, one where He reveals His heart and invites us into His purposes, including His plans for justice and redemption, empowering us to stand in the gap for others. Our posture before God should be one of attentive readiness, reflecting Abraham's example of humble yet bold engagement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Abraham's posture of "standing yet before the LORD" inspire your own approach to prayer and communion with God?**
* **In what areas of your life or for what people are you called to "stand in the gap" through intercessory prayer?**
* **What does Abraham's unique intimacy with God teach us about the kind of relationship God desires with His people today?**

### FAQ
**What does "Abraham stood yet before the LORD" signify?**

Answer: This phrase signifies Abraham's unique intimacy and privileged access to God, his readiness to engage in a profound dialogue, and his posture of intercession. It implies a sustained, attentive, and respectful presence before the divine, setting the stage for his bold appeals on behalf of Sodom. It highlights that Abraham was not merely a passive observer but an active participant in God's unfolding plans, invited into a deeper understanding of divine justice and mercy.

**Why did the "men" (angels) depart while Abraham remained with the Lord?**

Answer: The "men" were two angels sent to investigate and execute judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. Their departure indicates the commencement of their specific mission. Abraham, however, remained with the Lord Himself, highlighting his distinct role as a trusted friend and intercessor. God chose to reveal His intentions to Abraham and engage him in dialogue, a privilege not extended to the angels in this context. This separation underscores the unique, covenantal relationship God had with Abraham, preparing him for his role as an advocate.

**Does Abraham's intercession imply God's willingness to change His mind?**

Answer: This passage demonstrates God's responsiveness to the fervent prayers of the righteous and His profound desire to find any basis for mercy. While God's ultimate character and perfect justice are unchanging, He interacts dynamically with human prayer, revealing His compassionate nature and His preference for mercy over judgment when a basis for it exists. It shows God's patience and His willingness to delay or alter a course of action based on the presence of righteousness and fervent prayer, emphasizing that prayer is a real and effective means of engaging with the divine will, not merely a formality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's posture of "standing yet before the LORD" as an intercessor for a sinful city profoundly prefigures the ultimate and perfect intercession of Jesus Christ. While Abraham pleaded for a city based on the potential presence of righteous individuals, Christ, as our Great High Priest, stands eternally before the Father, interceding for His people not on the basis of their righteousness, but on the foundation of His own perfect righteousness and atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Intercession")). Abraham's bold yet humble approach to God foreshadows the unparalleled access believers now have to God through Christ, who not only reveals God's heart but also makes it possible for us to draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, finding help in time of need ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approaching the Throne of Grace with Confidence")). In Christ, God's justice and mercy are perfectly reconciled, as He bore the full judgment for sin on the cross, thereby opening the way for mercy, forgiveness, and salvation for all who believe, making Him our advocate before the Father ([1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Jesus Christ, Our Advocate")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 19:1

¶ And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing [them] rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

Psalms 106:23

Therefore he said that he would destroy them, had not Moses his chosen stood before him in the breach, to turn away his wrath, lest he should destroy [them].

Ezekiel 22:30

And I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it: but I found none.

Acts 7:55

But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

Jeremiah 18:20

Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, [and] to turn away thy wrath from them.

1 Timothy 2:1

¶ I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, [and] giving of thanks, be made for all men;

Jeremiah 15:1

¶ Then said the LORD unto me, Though Moses and Samuel stood before me, [yet] my mind [could] not [be] toward this people: cast [them] out of my sight, and let them go forth.