A lot is going down in this chapter. The previous chapter saw Abraham laughing about having a child; now Sarah was caught doing the same thing (v. 15). Then; the focus went toward Sodom where the two men (angels) went on to see what was up in the city (verse 22). The "Christophone" (Preincarnate Christ) remained; and there was a sort of bizarre inquisition at this point by Abraham as to whether God would judge Sodom if a minimum of 50 righteous souls were there; and he continued to press the Lord until he reached 10 and was able to get God's assurance that the city wouldn't be judged even if THAT many were there. The only reason it would seem that he would do this verbal contest was because Lot was there with his family. Lot's delivery wasn't clear to him at this point; but would soon occur.
In some ways; it is ironic that in a whole city of men almost all of them were disposed to unnatural relations with men; and the two son in laws of Lot's daughters thought the warnings were a joke that the angels gave them. This caused the daughters to sleep with their father thinking there was no one around to provide children after being surrounded by men previously. They went from great wealth to escaping by the skin of their teeth; whereas Abraham spent time in a desert yet God's promise never failed. Lot's wife as I mentioned in another commentary turned into a "pillar of salt" loving the wealth of this world more than God. She ignored the warning not to look back; and we must heed that call today as well.
Genesis 18 is about two things. The promised seed to
Abraham through Sarah and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah where Lot had moved to.
In Genesis 13:14-17 God promises to Abraham and his seed the land of Canaan. Abraham and Sarah did not have any children and Sarah was past the age of having children. But with God nothing is impossible. In Genesis 21 Sarah has a son as God said through the angel. As far as the promise of the land to Abraham that is still to happen. Consider Hebrews 11:8-12 and then 39-40. This promise has not been fulfilled yet. This will not happen until Jesus returns to this earth and sets up his kingdom. Consider the Lords prayer. "Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as in heaven.
Hello Earl, since we do not know each other, but are brethren in Christ, I do want you to explain to me what you you are intending from your post that said that you believe the Spirit impressed you to tell me to dig deeper. What do you mean by digging deeper? I am open to receiving from others, but I do want to to know more about a person and their ideas behind a statement in order for me to learn from it or to at least prayerfully evaluate it for applicability. I have read all of those Scriptures and have rad them many times before. What prompted you to select those? I am sincere in my request. I am sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit, but if I have something for someone else, I usually give more explanation than to just suggest to someone that they find out on their own what the Spirit may be trying to work in them. I certainly able to inquire of the the Spirit on my own, but since you responded to my post, we now should seek to understand one another better.
Healthy Appetite and Seek Jesus's Approval. - In Reply on Genesis 18 - 2 years ago
When I was a young Christian in Tulsa, a brother would often say to me, "Don't mess with (Bible) college material. Stick with the basics!"
Which stung me. I had hunger and thirst for the Word of God. Tip=God approves of healthy appetite.
I had a vision not long after I saw a Big Table loaded With all kinds of Food! Jesus was on my right at the head of the table. I was hungry and I was shoveling food at my mouth. Everyone at the table looked at me with disgust at over my manners. Not Jesus. He smiled and laughed With me. (I heard his laughter)
He wants us to taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
We are to Edify each other, no matter where we are in our walk with Jesus. Depend on Jesus, and Holy Spirit. Prove all things through scripture.
1 Corinthians 14:26
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Ephesians 4:16
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself IN LOVE.
Ephesians 4:12
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
1 Timothy 1:4
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: SO DO.
Sister GiGi, I was not trying to convey anything to you. The words are God's words and he will convey through his Spirit any truths he want's revealed to you.
From you comment he is already causing you to see with different eyes.
Sister GiGi, When the Spirit causes me (everyone) to respond to HIS WILL we may think that the verses we respond with is our works and our knowledge; but this not true, the Spirit cause us to bring to mind the scriptures he wills to be revealed. We are just THE POT. Just as the Holy men of old wrote what God willed them to write we do the same.
The scriptures I quoted came from the Spirit causing me to quote those scriptures that he willed.
All the comments and scriptures you (the pot) have given; were not actually from you, but the potter.
Isaiah 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My Spirit (the Father's) that is upon thee (the Son), and my words (the Father's) which I have put in thy (the Son's) mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy (the Son's) SEED, nor out of the mouth of thy SEED'S SEED, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
WE are being CREATED in HIS IMAGE ( Romans 8:29)( 1 Corinthians 15:49).
Psalms 102:18 This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people that shall be CREATED shall praise the Lord.
Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy SPIRIT, they are CREATED: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
Sister Gigi, I responded because God Spirit, working in us TO WILL and TO DO ( Philippians 2:13), caused me to respond, so God's will must be for you to go deeper into his truths that hasn't been revealed to you yet. God never stops revealing truths (himself) to us.
Hello, Hmm. I guess I never pondered this too much over the years as I was taught these stories since I was really young and have always thought that angels usually appear as men when they visit people to help them or give messages from God. God gave them this capability and I just haven't ever questioned it. It did point out that they ate with Abraham and Lot, so they must be able to be very humanlike to be able to fellowship in this way. I guess I don't see the connection with all of the Scripture verses. I've read those before, but would not connect them to this story. Please explain without just sending me verses. I want to understand why you sent these particular ones to me.
Sister GiGi, isn't it interesting the three that met Abraham were all angels and yet were also men. Christ being the angel of the Lord. ( 1 Corinthians 15:49)
Psalms 103:20 Bless the Lord ye his angels ....
Psalms 104:4 Who maketh his angels SPIRITS; his ministers a FLAME of fire.
Luke 16:24 .....for I am in torment in this FLAME
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such a one unto Satan for the DESTRUCTION of the FLESH, that the SPIRIT may BE SAVED....
Hebrews 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire (a single flame).
Colossians 1:27 .... this mystery.... CHRIST IN YOU....
Interesting that the Lord sent the angels up ahead to Sodom and Gomorrah and the Lord tarried with Abraham. The Lord knew Abraham's heart. Abraham already knew that they had come to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah by the way he pleaded with the Lord. Before this conversation, the Lord and the angels had discussed whether to hide what they were going to do to these cities. It seems unclear how Abraham knew this.
I am drawn to verses 18-20. the Lord says restates the blessing He gave to Abraham and then says, "For I known him." and tells why God sought out this "knowing" with Abraham, "in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He was spoken to him." Wonderful that God created a friendship with Abraham to bless Abraham and his heirs and promote faith in Abraham and his household to follow God and His ways. Not only did God will to have a people set apart for Himself, but He chose to develop a friendly relationship with Abraham and his heirs. This intimacy is really key to growing one's faith in God. Abraham welcomed The Lord's presence and actions in his life. Let us walk that way also with our Lord, being welcoming and hospitable, joyous and obedient, not resistant or desiring to keep God at hands length from us and what is dear to us.
Back to the text. I love how the announcement of Sarah becoming pregnant says that the Lord will return to Abraham" at the time of life." Whether this was at Isaac's conception or birth is perhaps unknown, but it is wonderful to hear it stated as "the time of life" since Sarah had considered herself "dead" in that area of her life. This was probably the one area of life that grieved Sarah the most over her 90 years of life. God is speaking life to that very area seemed forever dead.
A lot was packed into this chapter. Many have commented well on what is contained in this account of Go's visitation to Abraham. I believe it says that Abraham's tent was set up in Mamre, just as in a previous chapter before Abraham went to Egypt. I think that this was between Bethel and Ai and on a hill. From there they could look over the plains Jordan valley. Bethel was a special place for Abraham and Jacob.
Abraham must have been familiar with meeting with God in visible form. He was at his tent door and, upon seeing them, ran to meet them, bowing down out of respect. Bowing down to visitors was a common gesture in the culture of that time.
Even so, I think Abraham recognized God and the two angels from afar. He hastened to go out to meet them instead of waiting for them to arrive at the tent. It is remarkable that Scripture noted that God and the angels ate a meal with Abraham. This must have happened before since Abraham knew that they would dine with him, Just like it says in Rev. 3:20 "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Also, Abraham asked them not to pass by without staying and eating with him. He must have known that they intended to travel farther than Abraham's tent. They were headed towards Sodom and Gomorrah. yet, before that destruction, God wished to announce a life-giving message to Abraham, the fulfillment of the prophecy of a child being born to Sarah and himself. Remember, Abraham laughed when God first gave him the prophecy that he would father a child and become a great nation. Here Sarah laughs as she considers her situation-lifelong infertility and being well past menopause. She knew Abraham could father children because Ishmael was now 10 or 11 years old, but she must have considered it impossible for her to conceive. God was about to do a very great miracle in Sarah-restore her fertility and open her womb to conceive Isaac.
Well you certainly have the part in genesis right but if you go to strong's or an actual study bible you will find a reference to God's covenant in several other books referring to the covenant betwixt Him and abraham,Isaac and Jacob. He refers to the covenant as that that I have made with each individual named so that it would carryon through the nation and not be forgotten. He furthermore swears that the covenant itself would be for a thousand generations. So the cycles mentioned are not yet valid science Jesus only comes into his kingdom when the dead join him and believers are spared the woes of the end times. So let's assume modestly a generation is 10 years. Then referencing the 1,000 year generation by our calculations the end times can't be close until the year 7 or 10,000 AD. Pretty far off. But only the Father might know when that time will come. WE can only speculate. Correct if I am mistaken on this train of thought.
Georgeforslund ,the land is forever ,its where Jesus will establish his Fathers kingdom on earth and where we will be with him when he returns ,New Jerusalem .
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, THE LAND wherein thou art a stranger, ALL the land of Canaan, for an EVERLASTING possession; and I will be their God.
9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
As you read on down, God blessed Ishmael also. However, Ishmael was not a part of the Covenant concerning the land.
Ishmael See verse 20-21
God to Abraham Genesis 22:17-18
This is what the fighting is about in Israel today. Heirs of Ishmael are intent on destroying the heirs of Isaac; taking the Land that God have to Isaac.
If the USA persists in trying to force Israel to give up land for peace, no one has perceived what is going to happen to the USA.
Go look up the 5 cycles of discipline in the Book of Leviticus 26:14-39
Bad is about to get worse. We are moving into the 5th Cycle now. Respectfully, we need to impeach Biden now. He doesn't make any decisions apart from Pelosi and Obama. If we as a nation don't speak up now, in unity; we are opposing God.
The DEED to Israel is recorded in the Bible. They cannot give that land away. Nor, will God allow Ishmael's descendants to take it away from Israel.
Out of room. I'm afraid we're all going to see the beginning of the end.
There may be several opinions on this, so keep studying to be confident in your own heart, but this is what I see. God had already blessed Noah and his sons. Noah could not curse what God had blessed. So Noah cursed Hams son whether God had told him is not written. Canaan the son of Ham, after the dividing of the people and the lands after the tower of Babel, Canaan's descendants would occupy the lands God would give the house of Israel for a possession.
Genesis 9:1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.
Genesis 9:22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.
Genesis 12:6-7 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.7 And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.
I just wanted to come in I also thought it was funny at first that Abraham was bargaining in such a way with the Lord, then I realized that Abraham and his family had a covenant with Jesus that even Jesus couldn't destroy, so who better to bargain for his family members in the sin cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
I just read this story again and I could really laugh with Sarah. She had such a sense of humor! Surely the Lord was not referring to her in her old age and yet God brought it to past. Sometimes God speaks to us and tell us things that with our finite minds we can not grasp. wrap our heads around it, or simple because it seems too far-fetched we dare to believe and lose our reward. Thank GOD, He did not let Sarah's laughing deter His overall plan of making Abraham, who he is, the father of many nations.
This is one of my favorite chapters in the bible. Firstly we see the Son of God before He was called Jesus visiting Abraham again in person accompanied by two angels. We see His sense of humor when He calls out Sarah for laughing in the tent. She thought it was so funny that she was going "to have pleasure" with old Abraham. Well past her menstrual time as well so a real miracle indeed to have a baby named Isaac "laughter". Then we see Abraham actually bargaining with God. He must have really been Gods friend to say things like "shall not the judge of all the earth do right"...thats gutsy and you only talk like that to a real friend especially if they are God.I'm so encouraged by the fact that we can talk to God as a friend, also that He has a real connection to us through His son, firstly as creator and old testament visitor, then via Mary, a fellow human and saviour of the world.
God bless you.
In some ways; it is ironic that in a whole city of men almost all of them were disposed to unnatural relations with men; and the two son in laws of Lot's daughters thought the warnings were a joke that the angels gave them. This caused the daughters to sleep with their father thinking there was no one around to provide children after being surrounded by men previously. They went from great wealth to escaping by the skin of their teeth; whereas Abraham spent time in a desert yet God's promise never failed. Lot's wife as I mentioned in another commentary turned into a "pillar of salt" loving the wealth of this world more than God. She ignored the warning not to look back; and we must heed that call today as well.
Genesis 18 is about two things. The promised seed to
Abraham through Sarah and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah where Lot had moved to.
In Genesis 13:14-17 God promises to Abraham and his seed the land of Canaan. Abraham and Sarah did not have any children and Sarah was past the age of having children. But with God nothing is impossible. In Genesis 21 Sarah has a son as God said through the angel. As far as the promise of the land to Abraham that is still to happen. Consider Hebrews 11:8-12 and then 39-40. This promise has not been fulfilled yet. This will not happen until Jesus returns to this earth and sets up his kingdom. Consider the Lords prayer. "Thy kingdom come thy will be done on earth as in heaven.
You all are doing a wonderful job!! It's very profitable for everyone. We're enjoying the tour.
God bless.
What do you mean when you said you could tell I was seeing with different eyes?
Which stung me. I had hunger and thirst for the Word of God. Tip=God approves of healthy appetite.
I had a vision not long after I saw a Big Table loaded With all kinds of Food! Jesus was on my right at the head of the table. I was hungry and I was shoveling food at my mouth. Everyone at the table looked at me with disgust at over my manners. Not Jesus. He smiled and laughed With me. (I heard his laughter)
He wants us to taste and see the goodness of the Lord.
We are to Edify each other, no matter where we are in our walk with Jesus. Depend on Jesus, and Holy Spirit. Prove all things through scripture.
1 Corinthians 14:26
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
Ephesians 4:16
From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself IN LOVE.
Ephesians 4:12
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
1 Timothy 1:4
Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: SO DO.
That's why we're here :)
From you comment he is already causing you to see with different eyes.
1 John 2:27
Isaiah 28:9-11
GBU
The scriptures I quoted came from the Spirit causing me to quote those scriptures that he willed.
All the comments and scriptures you (the pot) have given; were not actually from you, but the potter.
Isaiah 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My Spirit (the Father's) that is upon thee (the Son), and my words (the Father's) which I have put in thy (the Son's) mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy (the Son's) SEED, nor out of the mouth of thy SEED'S SEED, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.
WE are being CREATED in HIS IMAGE ( Romans 8:29)( 1 Corinthians 15:49).
Psalms 102:18 This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people that shall be CREATED shall praise the Lord.
Psalms 104:30 Thou sendest forth thy SPIRIT, they are CREATED: and thou renewest the face of the earth.
GBU
Could you please explain to me why you included the verses you did so I can learn what you were trying to convey to me?
Psalms 103:20 Bless the Lord ye his angels ....
Psalms 104:4 Who maketh his angels SPIRITS; his ministers a FLAME of fire.
Luke 16:24 .....for I am in torment in this FLAME
1 Corinthians 5:5 To deliver such a one unto Satan for the DESTRUCTION of the FLESH, that the SPIRIT may BE SAVED....
Hebrews 12:29 for our God is a consuming fire (a single flame).
Colossians 1:27 .... this mystery.... CHRIST IN YOU....
I am drawn to verses 18-20. the Lord says restates the blessing He gave to Abraham and then says, "For I known him." and tells why God sought out this "knowing" with Abraham, "in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He was spoken to him." Wonderful that God created a friendship with Abraham to bless Abraham and his heirs and promote faith in Abraham and his household to follow God and His ways. Not only did God will to have a people set apart for Himself, but He chose to develop a friendly relationship with Abraham and his heirs. This intimacy is really key to growing one's faith in God. Abraham welcomed The Lord's presence and actions in his life. Let us walk that way also with our Lord, being welcoming and hospitable, joyous and obedient, not resistant or desiring to keep God at hands length from us and what is dear to us.
Abraham must have been familiar with meeting with God in visible form. He was at his tent door and, upon seeing them, ran to meet them, bowing down out of respect. Bowing down to visitors was a common gesture in the culture of that time.
Even so, I think Abraham recognized God and the two angels from afar. He hastened to go out to meet them instead of waiting for them to arrive at the tent. It is remarkable that Scripture noted that God and the angels ate a meal with Abraham. This must have happened before since Abraham knew that they would dine with him, Just like it says in Rev. 3:20 "Behold I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me."
Also, Abraham asked them not to pass by without staying and eating with him. He must have known that they intended to travel farther than Abraham's tent. They were headed towards Sodom and Gomorrah. yet, before that destruction, God wished to announce a life-giving message to Abraham, the fulfillment of the prophecy of a child being born to Sarah and himself. Remember, Abraham laughed when God first gave him the prophecy that he would father a child and become a great nation. Here Sarah laughs as she considers her situation-lifelong infertility and being well past menopause. She knew Abraham could father children because Ishmael was now 10 or 11 years old, but she must have considered it impossible for her to conceive. God was about to do a very great miracle in Sarah-restore her fertility and open her womb to conceive Isaac.
2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, THE LAND wherein thou art a stranger, ALL the land of Canaan, for an EVERLASTING possession; and I will be their God.
9 And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
As you read on down, God blessed Ishmael also. However, Ishmael was not a part of the Covenant concerning the land.
Ishmael See verse 20-21
God to Abraham Genesis 22:17-18
This is what the fighting is about in Israel today. Heirs of Ishmael are intent on destroying the heirs of Isaac; taking the Land that God have to Isaac.
If the USA persists in trying to force Israel to give up land for peace, no one has perceived what is going to happen to the USA.
Go look up the 5 cycles of discipline in the Book of Leviticus 26:14-39
Bad is about to get worse. We are moving into the 5th Cycle now. Respectfully, we need to impeach Biden now. He doesn't make any decisions apart from Pelosi and Obama. If we as a nation don't speak up now, in unity; we are opposing God.
The DEED to Israel is recorded in the Bible. They cannot give that land away. Nor, will God allow Ishmael's descendants to take it away from Israel.
Out of room. I'm afraid we're all going to see the beginning of the end.
There may be several opinions on this, so keep studying to be confident in your own heart, but this is what I see. God had already blessed Noah and his sons. Noah could not curse what God had blessed. So Noah cursed Hams son whether God had told him is not written. Canaan the son of Ham, after the dividing of the people and the lands after the tower of Babel, Canaan's descendants would occupy the lands God would give the house of Israel for a possession.
Genesis 9:1 And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.
Genesis 9:22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father, and told his two brethren without.
Genesis 12:6-7 And Abram passed through the land unto the place of Sichem, unto the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land.7 And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.
Hope this helps Ron