Genesis 18:21

Key Reflection

The LORD's statement to Abraham in Genesis 18:21 reflects the understanding of divine judgment prevalent in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where gods were seen as both powerful and responsive to human cries for justice. The "cry of Sodom and Gomorrah" refers not only to the literal outcry from the inhabitants about their treatment but also to the broader societal grievances and injustices that had built up over time, making these cities ripe for divine retribution according to the cultural expectations of the time.