Genesis 18

Genesis 18 is the account of Abraham's encounter with three visitors at the oaks of Mamre and God's revelation about the coming judgment on Sodom.

The chapter begins with the LORD appearing to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance of his tent during the heat of the day. Abraham sees three men approaching, rushes to meet them, and offers generous hospitality. He has Sarah prepare bread while he selects a choice calf to be prepared, and he serves them under a tree.

During the meal, the visitors ask about Sarah's whereabouts and then announce that, when they return in a year, Sarah will have a son. Sarah, listening from the tent entrance, laughs to herself in disbelief because both she and Abraham are elderly. The LORD questions why Sarah laughed and reminds them that nothing is too difficult for the LORD. Sarah denies laughing (out of fear), but the LORD confirms she did just that.

As the men prepare to leave toward Sodom, the LORD decides to reveal His plans to Abraham. The LORD tells Abraham about the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grave sin, and says that He is going to investigate the situation.

This leads to a remarkable negotiation between Abraham and the LORD. Abraham approaches and asks if the LORD would destroy the righteous with the wicked. He begins by asking if the LORD would spare the city if 50 righteous people were found there. When God agrees, and Abraham progressively lowers the number — from 50 to 45, to 40, to 30, to 20, and finally to 10. Each time, the LORD agrees to spare the city if that number of righteous people can be found. The chapter ends with the LORD leaving after this conversation and Abraham returning to his place.

The chapter highlights themes of hospitality, divine visitation, God's promise of a son to Abraham and Sarah despite their old age, and Abraham's intercessory role as he pleads for mercy on behalf of any righteous inhabitants of Sodom.