Chapter 6: The Bargain

The two angels departed toward Sodom. But Abraham remained standing before the Lord.

His mind raced. Lot was in that city. Lot's wife. Lot's daughters. Would God destroy the righteous along with the wicked?

Abraham stepped closer. His heart pounded. He was about to do something no man had ever done — negotiate with the Almighty.

ABRAHAM“Will you sweep away the righteous with the wicked? What if there are fifty righteous people in the city? Will you destroy it and not spare it for their sake? Far be it from you. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?”— Genesis 18:23-25

THE LORD“If I find fifty righteous in Sodom, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”— Genesis 18:26

Abraham pressed further. What about forty-five? God agreed. Forty? Agreed. Thirty? Agreed.

Each time Abraham expected wrath. Each time he received mercy.

ABRAHAM“Please do not be angry, Lord, but let me speak once more. What if only ten are found there?”— Genesis 18:32

THE LORD“For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it.”— Genesis 18:32

The conversation ended. The Lord departed. Abraham stood alone under the darkening sky.

Ten righteous people. Surely there were ten. Lot and his family alone would be close to that number. Surely the city would be spared.

He returned to his tent and waited.