Gen 18:20-32

Genesis 18:20 Then the Lord said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grave.

Genesis 18:21 I will go down to see whether they have done all the evil that has been brought before me; if so, I will know.'

Genesis 18:22 The men left there and went toward Sodom, while Abraham stood before the Lord.

Genesis 18:23 Then Abraham drew near and said, 'Will you really destroy the righteous along with the wicked?

Genesis 18:24 Perhaps there are fifty righteous people in the city; will you really destroy them? Will you not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous people who are in it?

Genesis 18:25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put to death the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be treated like the wicked. Far be that from you! Shall not the judge of all the earth do justice?”

Genesis 18:26 The Lord replied, 'If I find fifty righteous people in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.

Genesis 18:27 Abraham replied, 'I dare to speak to my Lord, though I am dust and ashes...

Genesis 18:28 Perhaps there will be five less than fifty righteous people; will you destroy the whole city for those five? He replied, 'I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.

Genesis 18:29 Abraham spoke to him again and said, "Perhaps there will be forty there." He replied, "I will not do it, for the sake of the forty."

Genesis 18:30 He said, "Let not my lord be angry, and I will speak again. Perhaps there will be thirty found there." He said, "I will not do it, if I find thirty there."

Genesis 18:31 He said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of the twenty who are there."

Genesis 18:32 He replied, "Let not my Lord be angry, and I will not speak again. Perhaps there will be ten found there." He said, "I will not destroy it for the sake of those ten."

The evil that is done cries out to the Lord. We can define the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah as the ultimate abyss into which human nature can fall. The text of Genesis presents God who wants to make sure that things are really as the cry that has reached him says.

"Then the Lord said, 'The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin is so grave. These words emphasise the reason for the imminent destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. For God, the sinfulness of those cities had reached a level that required judgement. The "cry" mentioned here symbolises the cry of injustice and immorality that has reached the Lord's ears.

The focus on the sins of the cities reveals the principle that moral corruption and injustice clash with divine punishment. This implies that God's judgment is not arbitrary, but is a response to the cumulative effect of wickedness and decay in society.

The practical application of verse 20 goes beyond the historical and theological context and concerns the concept of divine justice and human moral responsibility. It reminds us that actions have consequences and that there is a divine moral order that holds individuals and societies accountable for their behaviour.

Furthermore, it encourages reflection on personal and community ethics. It is an invitation to self-examination and repentance, and urges individuals and communities to address moral failures and injustices before they reach a point of no return. It also emphasises the importance of promoting justice and righteousness in one's own environment. Just as the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah was heard by God, so too is the ethical climate of our communities observed and evaluated.

Verse 20 has remarkable relevance in today's context. It is a powerful reminder of the consequences of collective moral failure and the importance of ethical conduct. In a world facing numerous moral and social challenges, this verse draws attention to the need for personal and social repentance. It calls individuals and communities to reflect on their actions and the values of society, encouraging a move towards righteousness and fairness. Furthermore, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah stimulates discussion on issues such as corruption, injustice, and the role of the faith community in addressing moral issues. It challenges contemporary readers to consider whether their actions and social structures align with divine principles of justice and compassion.

It is a profound verse that encapsulates the reasons behind God's judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah. It highlights the importance of moral behaviour and the principle of divine retribution in response to serious transgressions. The 'cry' of Sodom and Gomorrah is a moral cry that transcends human perception and calls for divine intervention. The "very grave" nature of their sin highlights the intensity of their moral corruption and serves as a warning to all societies about the dangers of unchecked wickedness.

In practical terms, lessons must be learned about the importance of living according to divine standards and maintaining social justice by upholding integrity, compassion, and righteousness in personal and community life. The profound connection between human behaviour and divine judgement challenges believers to live lives that reflect justice and moral integrity.

After that, intercessory prayer arises biblically with this account of Abraham's life. The request for forgiveness of the wicked on behalf of the righteous also arises. This is the heart of our Christology. This is the heart of the Gospel. God cannot cause the wicked and the righteous to die together because of the wicked. But God can cause the wicked and the righteous to live together because of the righteous. 

Those who love the Lord and have faith in Him cannot accept a summary justice that unites the wicked and the righteous in a single condemnation.

At the heart of this discussion is a specific question: before God, does the wickedness of the many carry more weight than the goodness of the few? God is ready to give more importance to the good, even if it is in the minority, because His love precedes His justice. 

 Argentino Quintavalle, author of the books 

- Apocalypse – exegetical commentary 

- The Apostle Paul and the Judaizers – Law or Gospel?

Jesus Christ, True God and True Man in the Trinitarian Mystery

The Prophetic Discourse of Jesus (Matthew 24-25)

All generations will call me blessed

 Catholics and Protestants in comparison – In defence of the faith

 The Church and Israel according to St. Paul – Romans 9-11

(Available on Amazon)