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 crucial transition, depicting the two angels departing towards Sodom while Abraham remains in the divine presence, poised to intercede for the city. This verse highlights Abraham's unique intimacy with the Lord and sets the stage for his remarkable dialogue concerning God's justice and mercy.

### CONTEXT
This verse follows a profound encounter at the Oaks of Mamre, where the Lord, accompanied by two angels, visited Abraham. Abraham extended extraordinary hospitality, and during this visit, the Lord reaffirmed the promise of a son to Sarah ([Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Read about the promise of Isaac to Sarah")). Crucially, before the "men" (the angels) departed towards Sodom, the Lord chose to reveal His intention to investigate and potentially destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin ([Genesis 18:20-21](/genesis/18-20 "Learn about the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah")). Genesis 18:22 serves as the precise moment of separation, with Abraham remaining behind to engage in a deeply significant dialogue with the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The KJV text states, "And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD." This verse is pivotal, establishing the immediate scene for Abraham's intercession.

* **The Departure of the Angels:** The "men" are identified earlier in the chapter as two angels accompanying the Lord. Their departure "toward Sodom" signifies the impending divine investigation and judgment. Their mission is one of assessment and execution of God's righteous decree.
* **Abraham's Posture: "Stood Yet Before the LORD":** This phrase is rich with meaning, underscoring the deep, unique relationship Abraham shared with God. Unlike the angels who departed on their mission, Abraham was granted the privilege of remaining in the Lord's direct presence, aligning with God's earlier rhetorical question, "Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" ([Genesis 18:17](/genesis/18-17 "Explore God's rhetorical question about hiding His plan from Abraham")). In Hebrew, the phrase _'ôd 'āmāḏ 'abrāhām lip̄nê yhwh_ emphasizes a deliberate and sustained presence. The verb *'āmāḏ* (stood) suggests not merely physical standing but a posture of attentiveness, readiness, and respectful engagement in dialogue. It implies a willingness to remain in the divine presence, anticipating further communication or action. This is not a casual stance but a formal, purposeful posture before a sovereign King, yet with the familiarity of a trusted confidant. This standing posture is also 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 ([1 Timothy 2:1](/1_timothy/2-1 "Understand the call to intercede for all people")).
* **The Divine Presence:** The "LORD" (YHWH) here refers to God Himself, who has chosen to reveal His intentions directly to Abraham. The separation of the angels from the Lord and Abraham emphasizes the intensely personal and direct nature of the conversation that is about to unfold between God and His chosen servant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **God's Revelation to Humanity:** God's decision to reveal His plans for Sodom to Abraham demonstrates His desire for humanity to understand His justice and mercy, inviting His people into His divine purposes.
* **The Nature of Intercession:** Abraham's act of "standing before the Lord" is foundational for understanding intercessory prayer, where a believer pleads on behalf of others, seeking God's mercy and intervention.
* **Divine Justice and Mercy:** This verse 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.
* **Covenant Relationship:** Abraham's privileged position underscores the unique nature of his covenant relationship with God, characterized by intimacy, trust, and shared knowledge of divine plans.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 18:22 offers profound lessons on the privilege and responsibility of 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 "Read about seeking the peace of the city") encourages seeking the welfare of the city. Ultimately, this verse 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.

### 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.

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

Answer: The "men" were angels sent to investigate and execute judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah. Their departure indicates the commencement of their mission. Abraham, however, remained with the Lord Himself, highlighting his distinct role as a trusted friend and intercessor, chosen by God to be privy to His plans and to plead for mercy.

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

Answer: This passage demonstrates God's responsiveness to the prayers of the righteous and His desire to find any basis for mercy. While God's ultimate character and 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's posture of "standing yet before the LORD" as an intercessor prefigures the ultimate 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 based on His own perfect righteousness and atoning sacrifice ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Understand Christ's eternal intercession")). Abraham's bold yet humble approach to God foreshadows the access believers 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 ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Learn about approaching the throne of grace")). In Christ, God's justice and mercy are perfectly reconciled, as He bore the judgment for sin, thereby opening the way for mercy and salvation for all who believe.

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.