Genesis: These Are The Generations (XIX)

The Twofold Mission Of The Three Men (19:1-33)

Neal Pollard

We cannot miss the opening phrase in this chapter–“the Lord appeared to him at the oaks of Mamre”–in connection with the events that follow. The entire episode constitutes a “theophany” (a visible appearance of God to humans) and helps us understand what transpires, including God’s difficult statement in verse 21. 

Abraham is camped at or near Hebron, a city that would have significance among his descendants for multiplied centuries. Sitting at his door, he sees three men approach (2). This appears to be the Angel of the Lord (seen by Hagar in chapter 16) accompanied by two angels (cf. 19:1; see vs. 13). We also do not know if Abraham immediately recognized one of them as being the Angel of the Lord, even though most translations capitalize “lord” (3). He otherwise does not seem to grasp until later that these are anything more than distinguished guests deserving of hospitality (3-8). It seems that through subsequent conversation Abraham is enlightened that these guests are divinely sent and that one of them is the Lord. 

That begins when these men turn the conversation to the subject of Sarah (9ff). They issue a promise that Sarah would have a son when the spokesman (the Angel of the Lord?) returned the next year. Sarah could hear this discussion from inside the tent, where she laughed at the thought of having relations and through that conceiving a child (10-12). The omniscience of the Lord is revealed in His knowing that Sarah laughed within herself (12;15). He appeals to His omnipotence, asking, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” (14). He reiterates the promise of a son (14b). The first mission, to promise Isaac, is completed. 

This heavenly entourage rise up and look toward Sodom (16). As they walk that direction, Abraham accompanies them. The Lord says to (presumably) the two angels (19:1), “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, since Abraham will surely become a great and mighty nation, and in him all the nations of the earth will be blessed?” (17-18). He contrasts the faithfulness of this chosen patriarch with the wickedness of the people of Sodom (19-20). Think about the confidence vested in Abraham to be a righteous father urging obedience contrasted with the weak and pitiful condition of Lot’s household (ch. 19). The sin of Sodom is exceedingly grave, but Abraham would do righteousness and justice.

This heavenly visitation (21) is not suggesting that the Lord will discover anything He did not know. He has already proven His omniscience. It is obviously accommodating. This is a mission of executing judgment, and He is about to go among the people of Sodom and Gomorrah in advance of His punishment. In this context, Abraham shows his compassion for his neighbors and the close relationship he had developed with God (23-32). He urges God not to destroy the righteous with the wicked, and the Lord shows Abraham the great extent of His patience and mercy. We are not told how many people lived in that valley, but if there were even ten righteous people among them He would not destroy it. The second mission, that of informing Abraham of the coming judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, was accomplished. The two parties part company.

These two missions led in opposite directions. One meant life where none was expected. The other meant death where that was not expected. One would perpetuate righteousness while the other would exterminate wickedness. One would bring a life into existence which would lead to a Savior while the other would end life that was thoroughly immersed in impenitent sin. The same Lord was in control of it all, demonstrating the perfect balance of His flawless character. For the obedient, this meant blessing. For the disobedient, this meant destruction.