“For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”
My Notes
What Does Genesis 18:19 Mean?
God reveals why he chose Abraham: because I know him. The knowing is intimate, relational, and purpose-driven. God chose Abraham because he knew what Abraham would do — command his children and household to keep the way of the LORD.
"That he will command his children and his household after him" — the choosing is connected to generational faithfulness. God chose Abraham for what he would pass on — not just what he would believe personally but what he would transmit to the next generation.
"And they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment" — the content of the transmission: the way of the LORD, expressed in justice and judgment. The faith is not abstract. It is ethical — producing justice in daily life.
"That the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him" — the generational faithfulness enables the fulfillment of God's promises. The commanding of children is connected to the delivering of promises. The family's obedience creates the conditions for God's blessing.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What does God choosing Abraham for his generational influence reveal about divine priorities?
- 2.How is 'commanding children' different from passively modeling faith?
- 3.What is the connection between family obedience and the fulfillment of God's promises?
- 4.What are you intentionally transmitting to the next generation?
Devotional
For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him. God chose Abraham because he knew what Abraham would do with the choosing. Not just believe. Command — pass the faith to the next generation.
That they shall keep the way of the LORD. The faith is not just for Abraham. It is for his children. And their children. The way of the LORD is transmitted generationally — not by osmosis but by commanding. Intentional, deliberate, parental instruction.
To do justice and judgment. The way of the LORD is expressed in justice. The faith is not just spiritual experience. It is ethical practice. Doing justice. Exercising fair judgment. The spiritual produces the practical.
That the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken. The generational faithfulness enables God's promises. The commanding of the children is connected to the fulfillment of the covenant. The promises flow through the obedience of the family.
God chose Abraham for what he would pass on. The greatest legacy is not wealth, influence, or reputation. It is a household that keeps the way of the LORD — children who know justice because a parent commanded it.
What are you commanding your household? Not suggesting. Not modeling passively. Commanding — with the intentionality and urgency of someone who knows that God's promises flow through the faithfulness of families.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
For I know him,.... Not only by his omniscience, but with a special knowledge, such as is accompanied with peculiar love…
- The Visit of the Lord to Abraham 2. השׂתחיה vayı̂śtachû “bow,” or bend the body in token of respect to God or man.…
And they shall keep the way of the Lord - The true religion; God's way; that in which God walks himself, and in which,…
The messengers from heaven had now despatched one part of their business, which was an errand of grace to Abraham and…
I have known him See Amo 3:2. Personal knowledge is the basis of confidence and love; the choice of Abraham is no…
Cross References
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