Three men? A foreshadowing of the trinity? “The Lord appeared to him.” However you understand it, at least Abraham recognizes what’s happening and makes the appropriate response!
The name Isaac means “laughter” in Hebrew. God revealed that name after Abraham laughed (17:17), and here we have Sarah doing the same thing. The name probably becomes a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it would remind them of their doubt. But it would also remind them of their joy and the faithfulness of God!
Abraham expresses care, compassion, and trust in God when he pleads for Sodom and Gomorrah. Although some make a big issue out of the fact that Abraham didn’t go lower than 10, I’m guessing that this wasn’t just some sort of test. God knew what would happen and knew what Abraham would do. It also seems that Abraham was concerned because he understood the sinfulness of the cities of the plain, and he didn’t want to risk offending God.
Thought for the day: the humility Abraham displays both in serving/worshiping God and questioning God is something we should emulate.
James 4:10 (WEB) “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he will exalt you.”
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