18:32Genesis 18:32

Abraham drew near to plead for a city where he did not live, pressing his request down from fifty to ten that it be spared if even ten righteous could be found there, and God assured him it would not be destroyed for ten's sake, after which Abraham stopped in hope that ten would be found.PP 139.2–3+2 He asked humbly and with growing confidence, moved by love and compassion for its people and by care for Lot who lived there.PP 139.2–3+2 God's promise to spare for ten shows He takes no pleasure in destruction and stays judgment for the sake of the righteous, yet fewer than ten were found because the city was corrupt, so it was destroyed by fire, though Abraham's prayer was still answered in the rescue of Lot who feared God.Ms 79, 1901, par. 18–22+4 Ten righteous would have been enough to spare Sodom and the cities of the plain, which reveals the great worth of righteousness to a nation and calls to earnest, persevering intercession that hates sin yet pities and loves souls, warns of coming ruin, and points to Jesus who pleads for each one He bought.Ms 19, 1886, par. 12–14+4

Abraham did not live in Sodom and had no connection with it, yet he drew near to the heavenly messengers and continued his plea for the city.PP 139.2–3+1 He pressed from fifty down to ten, asking that it be spared if even ten righteous should be found there.PP 139.2–3+4 God assured him He would not destroy it for ten's sake.PP 139.2–3+4 Having made that final appeal, Abraham stopped, hoping ten would be found.Ms 19, 1886, par. 12–14

He pleaded humbly as a child pleads with parents.Ms 19, 1886, par. 12–14 His confidence grew as his requests were granted, and he persisted humbly in his plea.PP 139.2–3+1 He pleaded with faith and compassion for people in error, and his earnest pleading manifested a benevolent and noble disposition.PP 139.2–3+3 He pleaded out of love for its inhabitants, including Lot and his household, with intense interest that Sodom might be spared if possible, remembering that Lot lived there with family ties through marriage.PP 139.2–3+1

In this plea he stood as God's representative to Sodom, revealing the God of heaven.Ms 19, 1886, par. 12–14+1 He did not shut himself away from the people around him but maintained friendly relations with them.PP 368.2 His fidelity was a light to the people in all the countries of his sojourn, and his integrity and unselfishness, his valor and benevolence, represented the character of God to Sodom as well as in Mesopotamia, in Canaan, and in Egypt.PP 368.2

The promise not to destroy for ten's sake shows that judgment is preceded by room for repentance.PP 138.4–139.1 Destruction is not delighted in, though sin is marked and punished.PP 138.4–139.1 Mercy is extended and judgment is stayed because of the righteous who love and fear God.Ms 64, 1899, par. 11

Fewer than ten righteous, honest persons could be found, for the city was corrupt.Ms 79, 1901, par. 18–22+1 Because ten could not be found, the city was not spared.Ms 29, 1911, par. 62+1 It was destroyed by fire in divine judgment and its inhabitants perished.Ms 29, 1911, par. 62+1

Even though ten were not found, the intercession was still answered in the rescue of Lot, the one man who feared God, from destruction.PP 160.2 Ten righteous would have sufficed to spare Sodom and the wicked cities of the plain.5T 713.4+1 That fact reveals the great value of righteousness for a whole nation and for every nation.11MR 111.3–4+2 The faithfulness of those clothed in Christ's righteousness brings an influence for good.Ms 66, 1895, par. 1–2 Judgment upon the wicked is delayed for the benefit and protection of the righteous.Ms 76a, 1901, par. 8–9+1 If there were but ten righteous with a living connection with a living God, Satan will not at last gain the victory over the world, even when he looks to the resurrection of the unjust and hopes then to rally his army.Ms 118, 1909, par. 11–15

The plea to spare for the sake of ten is a call to earnest intercession for sinners, persevering in prayer because sinners may yet be saved.Ms 19, 1886, par. 12–14+1 Though having no home or connection in Sodom, the intercessor drew near in humility as a child pleads with parents, with intense interest that the city might be spared if possible, remembering that Lot dwelt there with family ties through marriage.Ms 19, 1886, par. 12–14 Pressing from fifty down to ten and then ceasing in hope that ten righteous would be found, he stood as God's representative for those around him in darkness.Ms 19, 1886, par. 12–14+1 That example teaches to hate sin while pitying and loving the souls for whom Christ died, to warn sinners of coming ruin, and to plead humbly and persistently for those still within reach of mercy while pointing to Jesus who pleads in heaven above and knows the worth of every soul because He paid the price for each one.Ms 19, 1886, par. 12–14+1

Hearers are to seek the Lord most earnestly and take a more decided stand by being obedient to all of God's requirements and not merely professed believers in the truth.Ms 29, 1887, par. 57 When the word is spoken with earnest prayer for God to make it effectual in reaching hearts, God's Spirit touches hearts to soften and subdue them.Ms 29, 1887, par. 57 That divine touching brings forward movement, heartfelt confession, and earnest prayer.Ms 29, 1887, par. 57 Because ten righteous would have sufficed to spare the wicked cities of the plain, there is reason to pray that in answer to His people's prayers God may hold back those who are making void His law.5T 713.4 Such holding back would grant a respite in which His people can awaken and do their neglected work.5T 713.4