Genesis 18:26
Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))
فقالَ الرَّبّ: «إِن وَجدتُ في سَدومَ خَمْسينَ بارًّا في المَدينة، فإِنِّي أَصْفَحُ عن المَكانِ كُلِّه مِن أَجْلِهم».
What Does This Mean?
In Genesis 18:26, the LORD says that if He finds fifty righteous people in Sodom, He will spare the whole city for their sake. This shows how God values righteousness and how the presence of a few righteous people can influence the fate of many.
Explained for Children
Imagine you and your friends are in a playground where everyone is being mean. If you and 49 other kind kids were there, God might say, 'Okay, I'll make sure the whole playground is okay because of all the good things these kids do.'
Historical Background
Genesis was written by Moses around 1440 BC. The audience was the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. The cultural setting was one where God was establishing His covenant with His people and showing His mercy and justice in action.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, a community might be facing a serious problem like pollution. If fifty people in the community start an initiative to clean up and educate others, their efforts could lead to the entire community becoming cleaner and healthier.
Topics
judgmentmercyrighteousnessintercessioncommunityGod's covenant
Related Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this verse teach about God's mercy?
This verse teaches that God is merciful and willing to spare the wicked for the sake of the righteous. It shows that God values righteousness and can be moved by a small number of righteous people.
How does the number fifty fit into this story?
The number fifty is significant because it represents a critical mass of righteous people that could influence the outcome for the whole city. It symbolizes the power of a small but committed group.
What does this verse say about the concept of intercession?
This verse highlights the concept of intercession, where the righteous can plead on behalf of others, influencing God's decision to spare or judge a place or people.
How can this verse be applied in modern community settings?
This verse can be applied by recognizing the impact of righteous individuals in a community. It encourages people to be a positive influence and work towards improving their surroundings for the benefit of all.