Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right— Always act consistently with the clemency as well as the justice, which may reasonably be expected from so great and good a Being. Calling this Lord, Judge of all the earth, proves him to have been more than an angel. See Job 34:10-12. It is impossible to read this fine intercession of the patriarch, without the highest estimation for his love, his philanthropy, and humility, see Job 34:27. Sodom, in this passage, seems to be spoken of as the chief city, the capital of the Pentapolis, or five cities, which were to be consumed.
REFLECTIONS.—Abraham no sooner hears the secret, than instantly his heart begins to plead, if there yet may be hope. We have here,
1. Abraham's prayer: and a most ardent, humble, believing, loving prayer it is. (1.) His approach: filled with the sense both of the greatness and goodness of his dear Lord, he dares approach with reverence and hope, drawn by that fervent charity, which would snatch the brand from the burning. (2.) His request for Sodom.
See how he pleads, [1.] for the righteous. Some he charitably hoped might be found: Lot, no doubt: and perhaps he had converts. Confident they should be spared, he pleads God's glorious perfections: his mercy and righteousness embolden his address. Note; First, it is a strong support in prayer, to plead God's perfections, as a ground to speak before him. Secondly, We must be confident the Judge of all will do right; nor shall any man have cause to find fault with his determinations. Thirdly, The righteous shall not be destroyed with the wicked. Though they be involved with them, they shall not be like them. They shall escape out of their trial, or their suffering shall be sanctified unto them. [2.] For the wicked: though we hate sin, we must pity and pray for the sinner. The worst must not be forgotten: while there is life, there is hope. Note; To be spared to repent, is a great mercy.
2. God's answer: free and gracious. Thus does prayer prevail. How ready he to hear, how willing to pardon? if fifty be found righteous, Sodom is spared. How should this encourage our applications to him?