Genesis 18:23

Abraham drew near. This expression seems to indicate more than a mere physical approach to the Lord. The Hebrew word translated “drew near” is sometimes used to indicate a reaching out of the mind and heart toward God in contrition and worship (Ex. 30:20; Isa. 29:13; Jer. 30:21). The same thought is similarly expressed in the NT (see Heb. 4:16; 10:22; James 4:8).

Wilt thou also destroy? This personal concern for his fellow men is one of the sublime traits of Abraham’s character. His intercession on their behalf is one of several similar situations recorded in Scripture (see Ex. 32:11-32; Job 42:10; Eze. 14:14; Dan. 9:3-19; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60). Abraham was moved not only by his concern for Lot but still more by a deep sense of compassion toward the inhabitants of Sodom, with many of whom he had become personally acquainted upon the occasion of their rescue from the hands of the Mesopotamian kings. Abraham must have had reason to believe that some of the inhabitants of the plain had been influenced favorably by his earlier ministry on their behalf. Though Lot is obviously not forgotten, his name is never mentioned. Abraham’s compassion was probably heightened and intensified by the memory of his own need of forgiving grace on previous occasions.

This question presupposes that God had, according to the resolution of Gen. 18:17, explained to the patriarch His intention to destroy the cities of the plain. Abraham’s objective was not simply the preservation of any godly remnant that might be found within the doomed cities, but an extended period of probation for their entire population. Realizing it to be a settled fact, however, that the wealthy but wicked cities of the plain were to be destroyed, Abraham proceeded with bold humility to inquire whether the Lord had considered the fate of the righteous in the general overthrow of the wicked. Here Abraham’s appeal was to God’s gracious mercy.