Far be it from You to do such a thing--to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?" Far be it from You to do such a thing—This phrase reflects Abraham's deep understanding of God's character as just and righteous. It underscores the belief that God, by His nature, would not commit an act that contradicts His own standards of justice. This appeal to God's character is a common theme in Scripture, where God's actions are always consistent with His nature (e.g., Psalm 89:14). Job 34:10 Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding.… to kill the righteous with the wicked, Abraham is interceding for Sodom, concerned that the righteous might suffer the same fate as the wicked. This reflects a broader biblical principle that God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked (e.g., Psalm 1:6). The plea also foreshadows the ultimate separation of the righteous and the wicked at the final judgment (Matthew 25:31-46). 2Pe 2:9 if all this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue… so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. The concern here is about the fairness of divine judgment. In the ancient Near Eastern context, collective punishment was common, but Abraham appeals to a higher standard of justice. This anticipates later biblical teachings on individual responsibility (Ezekiel 18:20) and highlights God's fairness in judgment. Pro 17:15 Acquitting the guilty and condemning the righteous… Far be it from You! The repetition emphasizes the seriousness of the appeal and Abraham's confidence in God's justice. It reflects a deep relational understanding between Abraham and God, where Abraham feels bold enough to question and reason with God, similar to Moses' intercessions (Exodus 32:11-14). 2Ch 19:7 And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you.… Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?” This rhetorical question affirms God's role as the ultimate judge, a theme echoed throughout Scripture (e.g., Psalm 9:8, Acts 17:31). It implies that God's judgments are inherently just and righteous. The phrase also points to the eschatological role of Christ as the judge of all (John 5:22), highlighting the consistency of God's justice throughout the biblical narrative. Psa 96:13 before the LORD, for He is coming—… Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, who is interceding with God on behalf of Sodom and Gomorrah. He is known for his faith and obedience to God. 2. God (Yahweh) The Judge of all the earth, who is in dialogue with Abraham regarding the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah. His justice and righteousness are central themes in this passage. 3. Sodom and Gomorrah Two cities known for their wickedness, which God plans to destroy. Abraham is concerned about the potential destruction of righteous individuals within these cities. 4. The Righteous and the Wicked The two groups of people Abraham is concerned about. The righteous are those who live according to God's laws, while the wicked are those who do not. 5. The Dialogue The conversation between Abraham and God, where Abraham appeals to God's justice and righteousness. Teaching Points God's Justice and RighteousnessGod is inherently just and righteous, and His actions reflect His character. Believers can trust that God will always do what is right. Intercessory Prayer Abraham's dialogue with God is a model of intercessory prayer. Believers are encouraged to pray for others, especially for the salvation and protection of the righteous. The Value of Righteousness The presence of even a few righteous individuals can have a significant impact. Believers are called to live righteously and be a positive influence in their communities. God's Patience and Mercy God's willingness to engage with Abraham shows His patience and mercy. Believers should be encouraged by God's readiness to listen and respond to their concerns. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abraham's approach to God in Genesis 18:25 demonstrate a balance of reverence and boldness in prayer?2. In what ways does the concept of God as the "Judge of all the earth" provide comfort and assurance to believers today? 3. How can we apply the principle of intercessory prayer in our own lives, especially when praying for those who may be living in sin? 4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of living a righteous life in a world that often seems dominated by wickedness? 5. How can we reconcile the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with the idea of a loving and merciful God, as seen in other parts of Scripture? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 19The subsequent chapter where the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah takes place, highlighting the outcome of the dialogue between Abraham and God. Psalm 7:11 This verse speaks of God as a righteous judge, reinforcing the theme of divine justice found in Genesis 18:25. Romans 3:5-6 Paul discusses God's righteousness and justice, echoing the concerns Abraham raises about God treating the righteous and wicked alike. 2 Peter 2:9 This verse assures that God knows how to rescue the godly from trials, which relates to Abraham's plea for the righteous in Sodom. People Abraham, Mamre, SarahPlaces Canaan, Gomorrah, Sodom, Sodom and GomorrahTopics Alike, Deal, Death, Fare, Judge, Justice, Justly, Kill, Manner, Righteous, Shouldn't, Sinner, Slay, Treated, Treating, Upright, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 18:25 1075 God, justice of 1511 Trinity, relationships in 1095 God, patience of 4113 angels, agents of judgment 5076 Abraham, life of Library January 5. "I Know Him that He Will do the Law" (Gen. xviii. 19). "I know him that he will do the law" (Gen. xviii. 19). God wants people that He can depend upon. He could say of Abraham, "I know him, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham all that He hath spoken." God can be depended upon; He wants us to be just as decided, as reliable, as stable. This is just what faith means. God is looking for men on whom He can put the weight of all His love, and power, and faithful promises. When God finds such a soul there is nothing He will not do for him. God's engines are … Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth 'Because of his Importunity' Meditations for Household Piety. There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the Midst Of... Whether the Proofs which Christ Made Use of Manifested Sufficiently the Truth of his Resurrection? Epistle Lii. To Natalis, Bishop . Miscellaneous. The Leaven. Sanctification and Justification. Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel The Debt of Irenæus to Justin Martyr Difficulties and Objections How those are to be Admonished who Praise the Unlawful Things of which they are Conscious, and those who While Condemning Them, in no Wise Guard Fifteenth Day for Schools and Colleges Prayer Taught and Encouraged. Sundry Exhortations. Degrees of Sin In the Present Crusade against the Bible and the Faith of Christian Men... The Baptismal Covenant Can be Kept Unbroken. Aim and Responsibility of Parents. The Justice of God "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up Himself to Take Hold on Thee," The Wonderful. Wisdom and Revelation. Links Genesis 18:25 NIVGenesis 18:25 NLT Genesis 18:25 ESV Genesis 18:25 NASB Genesis 18:25 KJV Genesis 18:25 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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