Genesis Part 033
We learn lots about the nature and character of Abraham—that he could be bold toward God, generous to his guests and merciful toward even the sinful inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Included in this lesson is a section from the “Book of Jasher.” As a disclaimer, this book is not a part of biblical cannon and parts of the book contradict some facts of the Bible. However, it does seem to contain some accurate traditions that were passed down over time and can bring to light some information about Sodom and Gomorrah.
From the Book of Jasher chapter 19 verses 11-14: “In those days all the people of Sodom and Gomorrah, and of the whole five cities, were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord and they provoked the Lord with their abominations . . . and their wickedness and crimes were in those days great before the Lord. And they had in their land a very extensive valley, about half a day’s walk, and in it there were fountains of water and a great deal of herbage surrounding the water. And all the people of Sodom and Gomorrah went there four times in the year [Sun worship—summer & winter solstice, and the spring and autumn equinox], with their women and children and all belonging to them, and they rejoiced there with timbrels and dances. And in the time of rejoicing they would all rise and lay hold of their neighbor’s women, and some, the virgin daughters of their neighbors, and they enjoyed them, and each man saw his woman and daughter in the hands of his neighbor and did not say a word.”
Due to all these sins, God chose to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.
Chapter 18 of Genesis ends with Abraham interceding for Sodom in verses 22-33. Here’s what the UCG Bible reading program says about these verses:
“The account of Abraham reasoning with God over the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah reveals much about both God and Abraham. As mentioned before, the phrase ‘come down’ often indicates the serious nature of a personal intervention by God, usually in judgment. That God Himself would leave heaven and personally come to make an inspection shows His diligence in administering justice, as well as His close involvement with the affairs of man. And the fact that He was ready to repeal the sentence if He found only 10 righteous inhabitants shows His great mercy. Furthermore, that God would reveal His intentions to Abraham demonstrates that God desires interaction with His people. God is interested in our opinions, and He is willing to reason with us. We too can talk to God in prayer. Jesus said, ‘Ask, and it will be given to you’ (Matthew 7:7). God hears and answers our prayers. He even changes His plans at times in response to our prayers. Interestingly, God disclosing His business to Abraham, who will later be called a prophet (Genesis 20:7), brings to mind Amos 3:7, which states, ‘Surely the Lord God does nothing, unless He reveals His secret to His servant the prophets.’ We also see reflected in the account something of the nature and character of Abraham—that he could be bold toward God, generous to his guests and merciful toward even the sinful inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah.”
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
