Angels in the Patriarchal Age
55
Abraham had seen in his guests only three tired wayfarers, little
thinking that among them was One whom he might worship without
sin. But the true character of the heavenly messengers was now re-
vealed. Though they were on their way as ministers of wrath, yet to
Abraham, the man of faith, they spoke first of blessings....
Abraham had honored God, and the Lord honored him, taking
him into His counsels, and revealing to him His purposes.... God
knew well the measure of Sodom’s guilt; but He expressed himself
after the manner of men, that the justice of His dealings might be
understood. Before bringing judgment upon the transgressors, He
would go Himself to institute an examination of their course; if they
had not passed the limits of divine mercy, He would still grant them
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space for repentance.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 138, 139
.
The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
Two of the heavenly messengers departed, leaving Abraham alone
with Him whom he now knew to be the Son of God.... With deep
reverence and humility he urged his plea: “I have taken upon me to
speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes.” ... He came close
to the heavenly messenger, and fervently urged his petition. Though
Lot had become a dweller in Sodom, he did not partake in the iniquity
of its inhabitants. Abraham thought that in that populous city there
must be other worshipers of the true God. And in view of this he
pleaded, “That be far from thee, to do after this manner, to slay the
righteous with the wicked; ... that be far from thee. Shall not the Judge
of all the earth do right?” Abraham asked not once merely, but many
times. Waxing bolder as his requests were granted, he continued until
he gained the assurance that if even ten righteous persons could be
found in it, the city would be spared.—
Patriarchs and Prophets, 139,
140
.
Two Angels Visit Lot
In the twilight, two strangers drew near to the city gate. They
were apparently travelers coming in to tarry for the night. None
could discern in those humble wayfarers the mighty heralds of divine
judgment, and little dreamed the gay, careless multitude that in their