share torah logo

Genesis 18:32 - Pleading for ten righteous souls

Genesis 18:32 - בראשית 18:32

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אַל־נָא יִחַר לַאדֹנָי וַאֲדַבְּרָה אַךְ־הַפַּעַם אוּלַי יִמָּצְאוּן שָׁם עֲשָׂרָה וַיֹּאמֶר לֹא אַשְׁחִית בַּעֲבוּר הָעֲשָׂרָה׃

English Translation

And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: perhaps ten shall be found there. And He said, I will not destroy it for the sake of the ten.

Transliteration

Va'yomer al-na yichar la'Adonai va'adabera ach ha'pa'am ulai yimatze'un sham asara va'yomer lo ashchit ba'avur ha'asara.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַ֠יֹּ֠אמֶר אַל־נָ֞א יִ֤חַר לַֽאדֹנָי֙ וַאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה אַךְ־הַפַּ֔עַם אוּלַ֛י יִמָּצְא֥וּן שָׁ֖ם עֲשָׂרָ֑ה וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א אַשְׁחִ֔ית בַּעֲב֖וּר הָעֲשָׂרָֽה׃
וַ֠יֹּ֠אמֶר אַל־נָ֞א יִ֤חַר לַֽאדֹנָי֙ וַאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה אַךְ־הַפַּ֔עַם אוּלַ֛י יִמָּצְא֥וּן שָׁ֖ם עֲשָׂרָ֑ה וַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙ לֹ֣א אַשְׁחִ֔ית בַּעֲב֖וּר הָעֲשָׂרָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Avraham's Intercession for Sodom

The verse (Bereishit 18:32) captures the climax of Avraham's negotiation with Hashem to spare Sodom if even a minimal number of righteous individuals could be found. Avraham cautiously approaches his final request, saying "אַל־נָא יִחַר לַאדֹנָי" ("Let not the Lord be angry"), demonstrating profound humility and reverence in addressing the Divine.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that Avraham feared his repeated appeals might provoke Divine displeasure, yet he persisted out of compassion for potential righteous souls. The phrase "אוּלַי יִמָּצְאוּן שָׁם עֲשָׂרָה" ("perhaps ten shall be found there") reflects Avraham's hope that even a minyan (quorum of ten) could invoke mercy. Rashi (citing Bereishit Rabbah 49:9) explains that ten represents the smallest communal unit capable of spiritual influence—a concept later foundational for minyan in Jewish law.

Rambam on Divine Justice

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 3:15) highlights this dialogue as a paradigm of middat hadin (Divine justice) balanced with middat harachamim (Divine mercy). Hashem's response—"לֹא אַשְׁחִית בַּעֲבוּר הָעֲשָׂרָה" ("I will not destroy for the sake of the ten")—affirms that even a small righteous remnant can sustain an entire society, echoing the principle of zechut avot (merit of the ancestors) in Jewish thought.

Talmudic and Midrashic Insights

  • Sanhedrin 108a: The Gemara contrasts Sodom's fate with Nineveh's repentance, noting that Sodom lacked even ten righteous individuals—unlike Nineveh, which heeded Yonah's warning.
  • Bereishit Rabbah 49:13: The Midrash teaches that Avraham stopped at ten because he knew Lot's family (his potential righteous core) numbered fewer than ten, underscoring the tragic inevitability of Sodom's destruction.

Ethical Lessons

This exchange exemplifies the Jewish imperative of aravut (mutual responsibility). Avraham's advocacy—despite Sodom's wickedness—models how the righteous must plead for mercy even for the undeserving. The number ten also alludes to the idea that communal repentance requires collective effort, as later codified in halachic concepts like tzibbur (community).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the power of prayer and the merit of the righteous.
📖 Megillah 14a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the number of prophets in Israel and the significance of Abraham's intercession for Sodom.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 18:32?
A: In Genesis 18:32, Avraham (Abraham) is pleading with Hashem to spare the city of Sodom if even ten righteous people can be found there. This is part of Avraham's negotiation with Hashem, showing his deep concern for justice and mercy.
Q: Why did Avraham stop at ten people in his request?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, Avraham stopped at ten because he knew that a minyan (a quorum of ten Jewish adults) is required for communal prayer and spiritual merit. If there were at least ten righteous people, their collective merit could save the entire city.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's plea in this verse?
A: This verse teaches us the importance of advocating for others and seeking mercy, even for those who may not deserve it. Avraham's boldness in speaking to Hashem demonstrates the value of compassion and the power of righteous individuals to influence divine judgment.
Q: Why did Hashem agree not to destroy Sodom if ten righteous people were found?
A: Hashem agreed because the presence of ten righteous people would create a spiritual foundation that could potentially influence and uplift the entire community. The Midrash explains that the merit of the righteous can protect and sustain the world.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us of the impact that even a small group of righteous individuals can have on their surroundings. It encourages us to strive for righteousness and to recognize our responsibility to positively influence our communities, just as Avraham sought to do for Sodom.