Let's Make a Deal

Genesis 18:16-33

Seems like there's quite a lot of insight into the nature of God in this section. This is the section where Abraham negotiates with God for the deliverance of Sodom.

First off- here's some clarity regarding the last section. When last we met, if you recall- The LORD appeared to Abraham, he looked up and saw men standing before him, he fed them and spoke to the LORD. It seemed to me that these men were the personification of God and that his seeing them, and seeing God were the same thing. I waxed eloquent about God eating with Abraham- and drew some conclusions about God's nature.

Here the men depart toward Sodom and Abraham then talks to God... so apparently, they aren't the same entity. So most of that stuff from last time...? Never mind.

3 interesting things from this section:

1) God seems to have a pang of conscience. That's probably an overstatement- but in the course of his time with Abraham, He says to Himself, "Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?" So, God searches Himself and decides sharing His will is the right thing to do. It's funny to think of God having to search his conscience for the right choice. I don't ever think of God in those terms. He's God- He knows right from wrong- He knows it all. But this is a dimension of God that seems a little more complex. He decides...you know what? This is the right thing to do.

2) God responds to an "outcry" regarding Sodom. What does this mean? People praying against the actions of the city? Angels reporting back to God? Is this like the blood of Abel crying out to God. And once again- God doesn't know- He responds to some sort of report and decides to go check it out. God's omniscent- why does He need the cries or the investigation?

3) Abraham does his best yard-sale customer imitation with God and seems to have some success. Would you spare Sodom for 50 righteous men? 45? 40? All the way down to 10- and God goes for it. This is pretty cool. I think it speaks volumes about the power of our prayers. Even things God sets out to do, He's willing to reconsider if we ask Him. This reminds me of a thread we had on the believing blog some time back that Dave started about the purpose of prayer. It's awesome to think that God cares enough about our feelings to even consider altering His plans if it will bring us comfort or joy.

Unless God knew that Abraham wouldn't be able to find those ten. In which case it seems kind of mean. Sure Abraham go ahead and try- it's pointless, but see what you can do. Although even then it could serve as a way for Abraham to understand just why He was commited to the destruction- there aren't even 10 righteous men there Abraham, see for yourself.