Genesis 18:33

And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

And the LORD {H3068} went his way {H3212}, as soon as {H834} he had left {H3615} communing {H1696} with Abraham {H85}: and Abraham {H85} returned {H7725} unto his place {H4725}.

ADONAI went on his way as soon as he had finished speaking to Avraham, and Avraham returned to his place.

When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, He departed, and Abraham returned home.

And Jehovah went his way, as soon as he had left off communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

Commentary

Context

This verse marks the conclusion of a profound encounter between God and Abraham at Mamre. Earlier in the chapter, the LORD appeared to Abraham with two angels in human form, announcing the miraculous birth of Isaac to Sarah. Following this, the LORD revealed His intention to judge the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin. Abraham, demonstrating remarkable boldness and compassion, engaged in a powerful intercession, negotiating with the LORD to spare the cities if a certain number of righteous people could be found, starting from fifty and descending to ten.

Key Themes

  • Intimate Divine Communion: The phrase "communing with Abraham" underscores the personal, direct, and profound relationship God had with His chosen servant. It highlights God's willingness to reveal His plans and engage in dialogue with humanity.
  • God's Justice and Mercy: The preceding conversation revealed the tension between God's righteous judgment against sin and His immense mercy, demonstrated by His willingness to spare an entire city for the sake of even a few righteous individuals.
  • The Power of Intercessory Prayer: Abraham's persistent and humble yet bold intercession serves as a powerful example of the significance of pleading for others before God.
  • Divine Departure and Human Response: The LORD's departure signifies the end of this direct revelation and divine presence, leaving Abraham to ponder the implications of their weighty conversation and the impending fate of the cities. Abraham's return "unto his place" suggests a return to his daily life, now burdened with the knowledge of God's imminent action.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "communing" (ื“ึผึธื‘ึทืจ, dabar) signifies more than just talking; it implies a deep, purposeful conversation, a dialogue of significant weight and revelation. It emphasizes the profound nature of the communication between God and Abraham, where God was actively speaking and revealing His will and character. The use of "the LORD" (ื™ื”ื•ื”, YHWH) consistently throughout this narrative reinforces the personal, covenantal God who engages directly with His people.

Practical Application

This verse encourages believers to seek and value personal communion with God, knowing that He desires to speak and reveal Himself to us. Abraham's example inspires us to engage in bold and persistent intercessory prayer for our communities and for those who are lost or in need. It reminds us that even after profound spiritual encounters or receiving significant revelations from God, we are often called to return to our "place"โ€”our daily lives and responsibilitiesโ€”and live out the implications of what we have learned and experienced. Abraham's faith, as highlighted throughout Genesis, was not passive but active, demonstrated through his obedience and persistent appeal (see Genesis 15:6).

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 18:22

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

  • Genesis 32:26

    And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me.

  • Genesis 31:55

    And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.

  • Genesis 18:16

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