Topical Bible: Boldness: Instances of, in Prayer: Abraham

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In the biblical narrative, Abraham is a prominent figure who exemplifies boldness in prayer, particularly in his intercession for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This instance is recorded in Genesis 18:16-33, where Abraham engages in a profound dialogue with God, demonstrating both his deep faith and his audacious approach to intercession.

Context and Background

Abraham, known as the father of faith, was chosen by God to be the patriarch of a great nation. His relationship with God was marked by covenantal promises and direct communication. In Genesis 18, the Lord appears to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre, accompanied by two angels. After sharing a meal and reiterating the promise of a son to Sarah, the Lord reveals His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin.

The Bold Intercession

Upon learning of the impending judgment, Abraham approaches God with a boldness that is both respectful and persistent. He begins by appealing to God's justice, questioning whether the righteous would be swept away with the wicked. Abraham's prayer is characterized by a series of petitions, each progressively more daring, as he negotiates with God to spare the cities for the sake of the righteous within them.

1. Initial Petition: Abraham starts by asking if God would spare the city if fifty righteous people were found there. "Will You indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?" (Genesis 18:23). This question sets the tone for his intercession, highlighting his concern for justice and mercy.

2. Progressive Boldness: As the dialogue continues, Abraham's boldness increases. He reduces the number incrementally, asking if God would spare the city for the sake of forty-five, then forty, thirty, twenty, and finally ten righteous individuals. Each request is met with God's assurance that He would not destroy the city if that number of righteous people were found.

3. Respectful Persistence: Throughout the exchange, Abraham maintains a posture of humility and reverence, acknowledging his own status as "dust and ashes" (Genesis 18:27). Despite this, he persists in his intercession, demonstrating a deep trust in God's character and a willingness to advocate for mercy.

Theological Implications

Abraham's boldness in prayer reflects a profound understanding of God's nature as both just and merciful. His intercession is rooted in a covenantal relationship, which empowers him to approach God with confidence. This instance serves as a model for believers, illustrating that boldness in prayer is not presumptuous but is an expression of faith in God's righteousness and compassion.

Conclusion

The account of Abraham's intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah stands as a testament to the power of bold prayer. It underscores the importance of approaching God with both reverence and confidence, trusting in His willingness to hear and respond to the prayers of His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 18:23-32
And Abraham drew near, and said, Will you also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Imagination in Prayer
... that this is one of the rare instances in which ... New Testament till you have offered
this prayer to God ... best usury, you must take the highest boldness in all ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xx imagination in prayer.htm

Because of his Importunity
... given to God in supplication, and the boldness comes to ... it always means and
knows"God hears prayer: I must ... Remember the wonderful instances we have of it in ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter iv because of his.htm

Intercessory Prayer
... We may not find instances of it appended to every saint's ... life was one long shower,
each drop a prayer, and the ... for us also that we may have boldness to speak ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 7 1861/intercessory prayer.htm

Putting God to Work
... We see deep humility, but holy boldness as well ... Many instances occur in God's Word
showing that God intervenes in this world in answer to prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the weapon of prayer/ii putting god to work.htm

Chapter xxxii
... these lands, as travellers have reported in many instances. ... Naturally there is a
certain boldness about holding ... do so involves an agony of prayer that leaves ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxii.htm

Chapter xxiv
... but she is not marked by an unseemly boldness. ... has collected a large number of parallel
instances: Genesis 31 ... as an instance of Effectual Fervent Prayer; yet it ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiv.htm

The Life of Mr. John Scrimzeor.
... and familiarity with him, as appears from the following instances. ... comfort before
her will not do; prayer will not ... time, but use not the like boldness in time ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 4.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... and of Jehoash and his people,[142] afford instances. ... apostle to say,""Having therefore,
brethren, boldness to enter ... vow is made in the exercise of prayer. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

First Attempts on Jerusalem.
... even to a scrupulous excess.[2] He said that they had made the house of prayer into
a den of ... But these were only isolated or unavowed instances of boldness. ...
/.../renan/the life of jesus/chapter xiii first attempts on.htm

Acts vi. 8
... He lacked not miracles, and great was the boldness he exhibited ... man." Well then,
let us give you men for instances. ... refuge with God, and in her prayer does not ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xv acts vi 8.htm