Genesis Chapter 18 Bible Study – The Visit of Three Men and the Promise to Sarah with Cross References

The Lord Appears to Abraham

Genesis 18 begins with the Lord appearing to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre as he sits at the tent door in the heat of the day (Genesis 18:1). The appearance is through three men, one of whom is often understood to be the Lord in human form, with the other two identified later as angels (Genesis 19:1). This is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God, similar to the appearance of the “angel of the Lord” to Hagar in Genesis 16:7 and to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:2-4).

Abraham’s Hospitality

When Abraham sees the three men, he runs from the tent door to meet them, bows to the ground, and offers them water to wash their feet, rest, and food to refresh themselves (Genesis 18:2-5). His eagerness reflects the biblical principle of hospitality, later emphasized in Hebrews 13:2, which says some have entertained angels without knowing it.

Abraham hastens to prepare a meal—asking Sarah to make cakes from fine flour and selecting a tender calf, which a servant prepares (Genesis 18:6-8). He stands by while they eat, showing humility and attentiveness. This hospitality mirrors later acts, such as the Shunammite woman’s care for Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-10).

The Promise of a Son Reaffirmed

In Genesis 18:9-10, the visitors ask for Sarah, and the Lord says, “I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son.” This reiterates the promise from Genesis 17:19 and specifies the fulfillment within the next year.

Sarah, listening at the tent door, hears this and laughs inwardly, thinking of her and Abraham’s advanced age (Genesis 18:11-12). Her laughter parallels Abraham’s in Genesis 17:17, expressing human astonishment at God’s promise.

God’s Response to Sarah’s Laughter

The Lord asks Abraham, “Wherefore did Sarah laugh?” and follows with the rhetorical question, “Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:13-14). This statement becomes a key theme throughout Scripture, echoed in Jeremiah 32:17 and Luke 1:37, affirming God’s unlimited power to fulfill His word.

Sarah denies laughing out of fear, but the Lord gently corrects her, saying, “Nay; but thou didst laugh” (Genesis 18:15). This moment reveals God’s awareness of human thoughts (Psalm 139:1-4) and His patience in correcting disbelief.

The Lord Reveals His Plan for Sodom

As the men rise to leave, they look toward Sodom, and the Lord ponders whether to reveal His plan to Abraham (Genesis 18:16-17). God decides to share it, noting that Abraham will become a great and mighty nation and will teach his household to keep the way of the Lord (Genesis 18:18-19).

This transparency mirrors Amos 3:7, which says the Lord reveals His plans to His prophets, and shows God’s partnership with Abraham in matters of justice and righteousness.

The Outcry Against Sodom and Gomorrah

God tells Abraham that the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is grievous (Genesis 18:20). The phrase “outcry” suggests a cry for justice due to oppression or extreme wickedness, similar to the cry of Israel in Egypt (Exodus 3:7). God says He will go down to see whether the situation is as reported (Genesis 18:21), emphasizing His thorough and just investigation before judgment.

Abraham’s Intercession for Sodom

The two angels head toward Sodom, but Abraham stands before the Lord (Genesis 18:22). Abraham begins interceding, asking if God will spare the city for the sake of fifty righteous people (Genesis 18:23-25). His question, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” underscores God’s role as the ultimate standard of justice (Deuteronomy 32:4).

God agrees to spare the city if fifty righteous are found. Abraham continues to negotiate, lowering the number to forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, and finally ten (Genesis 18:26-32). This persistent intercession reflects the heart of a mediator, similar to Moses pleading for Israel in Exodus 32:11-14 and Paul’s desire for Israel’s salvation in Romans 10:1.

God’s Patience and Mercy

Throughout the exchange, God patiently listens and responds to each request. The willingness to spare the city for the sake of even ten righteous shows His mercy, aligning with Ezekiel 33:11, where God declares He takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked but desires their repentance.

Genesis 18 ends with the Lord departing and Abraham returning to his place (Genesis 18:33). The stage is set for the events of Genesis 19, where the absence of even ten righteous individuals will lead to Sodom’s destruction, yet God’s mercy will be seen in the rescue of Lot and his family.