20 And the Lord said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
20 Then the Lord said, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous
20 Then the Lord said, "Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave,
20 God continued, "The cries of the victims in Sodom and Gomorrah are deafening; the sin of those cities is immense.
20 And the Lord said, "Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grave,
20 So the Lord told Abraham, "I have heard a great outcry from Sodom and Gomorrah, because their sin is so flagrant.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 18:20
Commentary on Genesis 18:16-22
(Read Genesis 18:16-22)
The two who are supposed to have been created angels went toward Sodom. The one who is called Jehovah throughout the chapter, continued with Abraham, and would not hide from him the thing he intended to do. Though God long forbears with sinners, from which they fancy that the Lord does not see, and does not regard; yet when the day of his wrath comes, he will look toward them. The Lord will give Abraham an opportunity to intercede with him, and shows him the reason of his conduct. Consider, as a very bright part of Abraham's character and example, that he not only prayed with his family, but he was very careful to teach and rule them well. Those who expect family blessings must make conscience of family duty. Abraham did not fill their heads with matters of doubtful dispute; but he taught them to be serious and devout in the worship of God, and to be honest in their dealings with all men. Of how few may such a character be given in our days! How little care is taken by masters of families to ground those under them in the principles of religion! Do we watch from sabbath to sabbath whether they go forward or backward?