Definition: And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 18:23. It’s a really important and complex passage about God's plan for the world. Here’s a simple explanation: What it means in plain English: Abraham was getting closer to fulfilling a very important promise God made to him. This promise involved a great deal of creation and establishing a new home for humanity. However, he asked God a worrying question: "Will you destroy the righteous with the wicked?" Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And Abraham drew near…” : This means Abraham was moving closer to something important - likely a specific location or event. “…and said…” : Abraham spoke out, expressing his concern. “…Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?” : This is the core of the verse. It’s a powerful question asking if God would deliberately harm people who are doing right and good. “Righteous” means just, honest, and morally upright. "The wicked" refers to people who are evil or wrong. What's the significance? This verse is often interpreted as a warning against prejudice and judgment. It speaks to the dangers of: Favoritism: It suggests that God might not be fair if he allows some people to get away with doing wrong while punishing others. Hatred & Judgment: The question highlights the potential for God to punish those who are just, suggesting a danger of anger and vengeance. Important Context - It’s more than just a simple conflict! This verse is part of a larger story in Genesis. It's connected to the story of Noah and the flood. God told Noah he would love his descendants and that they would be blessed. However, this promise was threatened by the wickedness of humanity (represented by the serpent in the Garden of Eden). In short: Abraham’s question is a reflection on the potential for injustice and a reminder to be mindful of the consequences of our actions and to always strive for fairness. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Genesis 18? Discuss the meaning of the story as a whole? Talk about how this verse relates to other biblical stories?