C'est pourquoi je vais descendre, et je verrai s'ils ont agi entièrement selon le bruit venu jusqu'à moi; et si cela n'est pas, je le saurai.
Que signifie ce verset ?
In this verse, God is speaking and says He will go down to Sodom to see if the reports of the wickedness there are true. If they are not as bad as reported, God will find out.
Expliqué aux enfants
Imagine you heard your friend say your brother was being really naughty. You decide to go check if it's true, just like when a teacher checks if a student really did something bad. That's what God is doing here.
Contexte historique
The book of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BC. This passage is part of the broader narrative of God's interaction with humanity, specifically with Abraham and the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Application pour aujourd'hui
This verse teaches us the importance of checking facts before making judgments. For instance, if a rumor spreads at school about a classmate, it's wise to gather all the facts before deciding if it's true.
In the context of the ancient Near East, this phrase indicates a divine act of intervention, symbolizing God's movement from a higher realm to Earth to directly address a situation.
What does 'cry of it' refer to?
The 'cry of it' refers to the outcry against the wickedness in Sodom, indicating that the sins there have reached a point where they call for divine attention.
How does this verse relate to divine justice?
This verse shows God's commitment to justice by personally investigating the reports of Sodom's wickedness, ensuring that judgment is based on truth.
What can we learn from God's investigation in Genesis 18:21?
We can learn the importance of verifying information and acting based on facts rather than rumors, reflecting a responsible and just approach to life's challenges.