Genesis 18:21
French (La Bible expliquée)
Je vais descendre pour vérifier s'ils ont fait tout ce dont on les accuse auprès de moi. Si ce n'est pas le cas, je le saurai. » Abraham intercède auprès du Seigneur en faveur de la ville de Sodome. Quelle que soit sa motivation (s'inquiète-t-il du sort de son neveu Loth et des siens?), sa prière est à la fois humble et audacieuse. Elle devient un étonnant combat, une âpre négociation où pour s'opposer à la colère de Dieu, il n'a qu'un seul argument, c'est la justice même de Dieu: « Tu ne peux pas agir ainsi! » (v. 25). Même si toute une communauté est solidaire dans la faute et son expiation, le juste devrait-il payer pour les coupables? Abraham obtient l'exaucement en inversant la logique du jugement: non seulement les innocents ne paieront plus pour les coupables, mais les coupables auront la vie sauve grâce aux innocents, même si ces derniers ne sont qu'une infime minorité. Le Nouveau Testament ira au bout de ce retournement, en affirmant que Dieu veut sauver toute l'humanité par un seul juste, le Christ.
What Does This Mean?
In this verse, God is speaking and says He will go down to Sodom to see if the reports of the wickedness there are true. If they are not as bad as reported, God will find out.
Explained for Children
Imagine you heard your friend say your brother was being really naughty. You decide to go check if it's true, just like when a teacher checks if a student really did something bad. That's what God is doing here.
Historical Background
The book of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. This passage is part of the broader narrative of God's interaction with humanity, specifically with Abraham and the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Living It Out Today
This verse teaches us the importance of checking facts before making judgments. For instance, if a rumor spreads at school about a classmate, it's wise to gather all the facts before deciding if it's true.
Topics
judgmenttruthinvestigationjusticedivine interventionmoral accountability
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does God say He will 'go down' to Sodom?
In the context of the ancient Near East, this phrase indicates a divine act of intervention, symbolizing God's movement from a higher realm to Earth to directly address a situation.
What does 'cry of it' refer to?
The 'cry of it' refers to the outcry against the wickedness in Sodom, indicating that the sins there have reached a point where they call for divine attention.
How does this verse relate to divine justice?
This verse shows God's commitment to justice by personally investigating the reports of Sodom's wickedness, ensuring that judgment is based on truth.
What can we learn from God's investigation in Genesis 18:21?
We can learn the importance of verifying information and acting based on facts rather than rumors, reflecting a responsible and just approach to life's challenges.