Chapter IX

He informs him of the destruction about to fall upon the cities of the plain, for their great wickedness, in abusing the gifts bestowed upon them. The ordinance of marriage had been made for them, but they foully set it at nought. The flame of love. Therefore shall they be destroyed as an example to all men for ever. Abraham is full of fear, and asks God whether the “sinful and the sinless” are to suffer together. Whether he will spare the cities provided fifty righteous are found in them? For the sake of fifty the cities shall be spared. The patriarch beseeches God to spare the city for the sake of forty-five righteous. For the lack of five the cities shall not be destroyed. For forty the cities shall be spared. Abraham entreats God’s forbearance for his speech. Thirty righteous, found in the cities, shall save them from destruction. For the sake of twenty guiltless ones God will release the rest. Or if ten only should be found pure. The patriarch intercedes for Lot. Beseeches Him to “temper His ire,” and then departs weeping for sorrow.