“That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?”
This verse is part of the dialogue between Abraham and God when Abraham intercedes for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The context is that God has revealed to Abraham that He is going to destroy these cities due to their great wickedness. Abraham, concerned for his nephew Lot and the righteous people living in those cities, pleads with God for mercy.
In this particular verse, Abraham expresses his faith in God’s justice. He appeals to God’s righteous nature and questions whether it would be just for the righteous to suffer the same fate as the wicked. Abraham recognizes that it would be contrary to God’s character to punish the righteous along with the wicked.
This verse highlights several important theological principles:
- God’s Justice: Abraham affirms his belief that God is just and fair. He acknowledges that it would be far from God’s nature to treat the righteous and the wicked in the same manner. This reflects the biblical understanding that God is a righteous judge who will ultimately bring justice to all.
- Concern for the Righteous: Abraham’s plea emphasizes his concern for the righteous individuals who might be affected by the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. He understands that even if the cities are filled with wickedness, there may still be righteous people within them. Abraham’s intercession shows his compassion and desire to see the righteous spared from judgment.
- Faith in God’s Character: Abraham’s question, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” reveals his trust in God’s character. He believes that God will act in accordance with His own righteous nature. This demonstrates Abraham’s confidence in God’s ability to discern between the righteous and the wicked and to administer justice accordingly.
The dialogue between Abraham and God in this passage showcases the significance of intercession and the importance of faith in God’s justice. It reminds believers of the righteousness of God and encourages them to approach Him with their concerns, knowing that He will always do what is right.
