MPV Commentary

Abraham drew near and said, "Will you destroy the righteous with the wicked? Perhaps there are fifty righteous people in this city; will you not spare it for their sake?" The scene described is full of interest and instruction, demonstrating the efficacy of prayer and intercession (see Proverbs 15:8; James 5:16). Abraham's reasoning was just, as he considered the righteousness of God's procedure (Romans 3:5-6), and many guilty cities and nations have been spared because of God's people (Matthew 5:13; 24:22).

The Lord continued to converse with Abraham, but eventually left him. Abraham returned to his place, likely because he was confident that the city would be preserved (Luke 13:9). Alternatively, it is possible that God restrained Abraham from further intercession (Jeremiah 7:16; 11:14). However, there were not ten righteous people in Sodom, only one. In this case, God could have justly destroyed the entire city (Ecclesiastes 9:2). Yet, a distinction was made for Abraham's sake, and God's grace was manifested in a remarkable way. What a blessing it is to be connected with a saint of God!