“And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,”
This verse is part of the narrative of Abraham’s encounter with three visitors, who are actually angels of the Lord, near the Oaks of Mamre. The preceding verses describe how Abraham had shown hospitality to these visitors and how they had informed him of the promise that Sarah, his wife, would bear him a son.
In Genesis 18:20, the Lord reveals to Abraham the reason for His visit to the region. The Lord states that He has heard the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah and has seen the great wickedness and grievous sins committed by the people of those cities.
This verse provides important context for the events that follow in Genesis 18 and 19, where the angels proceed to Sodom and Gomorrah to investigate the sinfulness of the cities and pronounce judgment upon them.
The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah has been a topic of much discussion and interpretation throughout history. While the exact nature of their sins is not explicitly mentioned in this verse, the overall biblical narrative and subsequent passages suggest that their sins involved grave moral and ethical transgressions. The term “Sodom and Gomorrah” has often been associated with sexual immorality, particularly homosexuality, but it is important to note that the Bible does not provide a detailed account of their sins in this particular verse.
The mention of the Lord hearing the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah emphasizes God’s attentiveness to the moral state of humanity and His commitment to justice. This verse underscores the importance of righteous living and serves as a reminder of the consequences of persistent and unrepentant sin.
In summary, Genesis 18:20 highlights the Lord’s awareness of the great wickedness and grievous sins of Sodom and Gomorrah. It sets the stage for the subsequent events where judgment is pronounced upon these cities. The verse underscores the importance of moral righteousness and serves as a reminder of God’s justice and His response to unrepentant sin.
