“And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?”
This verse is part of the narrative where the Lord visits Abraham near the oaks of Mamre. The context leading up to this verse is crucial for understanding its significance. In the preceding verses, three men appear to Abraham, who offers them hospitality. It becomes evident that one of the men is the Lord Himself and the other two are angels.
In verse 17, the Lord questions whether He should hide His intentions from Abraham. This statement is somewhat rhetorical, as the Lord already knows that He wants to reveal His plan to Abraham. However, this question provides an opportunity for God to engage in a dialogue with Abraham and express His purposes to him.
The verse raises a couple of important points:
Intimacy and Communication with God: The Lord’s question reveals the special relationship He has with Abraham. God considers Abraham as His friend and confidant. He desires to share His plans with Abraham, not out of necessity, but out of a deep relationship. This shows us that God desires to have an intimate and communicative relationship with His people.
God’s Will and Revelation: The Lord’s question also highlights His sovereignty and the fact that He chooses to reveal His will to humanity. God could have simply carried out His plan without involving Abraham, but He chooses to include him in the process. This demonstrates God’s desire to partner with human beings and involve them in His purposes.
In the subsequent verses, God reveals His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and ultimately destroy those cities. Abraham, upon hearing this, intercedes for the righteous people in those cities, negotiating with God to spare them. This interaction showcases the depth of Abraham’s relationship with God and his concern for justice and mercy.
Genesis 18:17 sets the stage for the dialogue between God and Abraham, highlighting the significance of their relationship and God’s willingness to communicate His plans. It reminds us of the importance of seeking a close relationship with God and being open to His revelation in our lives.
