Abraham entertains three holy men—They promise that Sarah will have a son—Abraham will command his children to be just—The Lord appears to him—They discuss the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
“Lesson 28: Genesis 18,” Old Testament Seminary Student Material (2018)
According to Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 18:3 (in Genesis 18:3, footnote a), the three messengers who visited Abraham were referred to as “My brethren” instead of “My Lord,” indicating that the Lord was not one of the three men. Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 18:23 (in Genesis 18:22, footnote a) clarifies that these three messengers were “holy men … sent forth after the order of God.” In the King James Version of the Bible, the word angels, which was used in reference to these men (see Genesis 19:1), was translated from the Hebrew word malakhim, which can also mean “messengers.”
Although we do not know the identity of the three messengers, Abraham treated them as if they were presiding authorities of the Lord’s kingdom then on the earth, and their messages were directly from the Lord (see Bruce R. McConkie, Doctrinal New Testament Commentary[1973], 3:235; Sidney B. Sperry, “Abraham’s Three Visitors,” Improvement Era, Aug. 1931, 583, 585).
The Lord Keeps His Promises, Even when They Seem Impossible.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23” Even though God had promised that Sarah and Abraham were going to have a son, as they got older it seemed impossible—Abraham was 100 years old, and Sarah was 90 (see Genesis 17:17). How can you use this story to help the children have faith that God will always keep His promises?
Younger Kids
- Summarize God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah that they would have a child and the fulfillment of this promise (see Genesis 17:15–19; 18:9–14; 21:1–7). Or invite a couple in the ward to dress up as Abraham and Sarah and tell their story. Help the children understand that Abraham and Sarah were too old to have children. Ask them the question from Genesis 18:14, “Is any thing too hard for the Lord?” Testify that the Lord can fulfill His promises, even if they seem impossible.
Older kids:
Write on the chalkboard: Is anything too hard for the Lord? Invite the children to discuss this question. Or write each word from the first sentence of Genesis 18:14 on a separate piece of paper, and give one to each child. Then ask the class to put the words in the correct order. Read Genesis 18:9–14; 21:1–7 with the children to find one example from the lives of Sarah and Abraham when the Lord did something that seemed impossible. What can we learn from the experience of Sarah and Abraham that can encourage us to trust God’s promises?
“Lesson 11: Abraham and Isaac,” Primary 6: Old Testament Show the pictures The Crossing of the Red Sea, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, and Three Men in the Fiery Furnace. Briefly explain that the Lord parted the waters of the Red Sea to let Moses and the Israelites escape from the Egyptian army, he protected Daniel from a den of lions, and he kept three young men from being burned when they were cast into a fiery furnace. (Note: Do not teach these stories in detail. Tell the children that they will learn more about these stories later in the year.) Point out that these people trusted in the Lord and had faith that his will would be done. Their faith was rewarded with miracles.
Abraham and Sarah had a baby boy, just as the Lord promised. They named him Isaac. Genesis 17:9; 21:1–3
Friend February 2022 “Abraham and Sarah”
- Show a picture of a baptism or of the sacrament (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 103, 104, 107, 108). Help the children learn about the promises we make with God, and what God promises in return, when we are baptized and take the sacrament. (See True to the Faith, 23–25.)
The below handout is from Rachel’s Booknook
Friend February 2019 “The Baptism Covenant” Cut out and mix up these cards. Then take turns matching cards that go together. With each match, talk about that part of the baptism covenant.
- Make a promise to the children that you will fulfill at the end of class (for example, that you will allow them to color a picture). Throughout class, remind them of your promise, and then fulfill it. Explain that the Lord always keeps His promises.
- Ask the children to share a time when they had to wait for something that they really wanted. With the children, sing a song that testifies of God’s promises, such as “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47). Help the children identify things that God has promised us if we are faithful.
I Can Flee Wickedness.
Lot entertains holy men—The men of Sodom seek to abuse Lot’s guests and are smitten with blindness—Lot is sent out of Sodom—The Lord rains brimstone and fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah—Lot’s daughters preserve his seed in the land.
Institute: Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Genesis 18–23”
When these three messengers arrived in Sodom, they met Lot, Abraham’s nephew. For reasons that are not clear, Lot had moved his family from living near Sodom (see Genesis 13:12) to living in Sodom (see Genesis 14:12). In the last lesson, you learned about the great wickedness that existed in Sodom and the Lord’s decision to destroy the city (see Genesis 18).
There are two indications in the scriptures that the phrase “looked back” was an idiomatic way of saying “she turned back” or “returned to Sodom.” The implication is that Lot’s wife started back to Sodom, perhaps to save some possessions, and was caught in the destruction.
Most scholars agree that the most probable site of Sodom is now covered by the southern part of the Dead Sea, a body of water with a high salt content. If Lot’s wife returned to Sodom, she would have been caught in the destruction. Her becoming a pillar of salt could be a figurative way of expressing this outcome.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23” The account of Lot and his family fleeing a wicked city could inspire the children you teach to flee evil influences in their lives.
- Summarize Genesis 19:15–26 by explaining that Lot’s family lived in a very wicked city, and angels warned them to leave. Read together verses 15–17, 26, and help the children think about what it might mean for them today to “escape” evil and “look not behind” (verse 17).
- Display a picture of the Savior, and ask the children to take a step toward it as they share one thing they can do to flee wickedness and come closer to Christ.
Avoiding temptation is easier than resisting it.
- Discuss situations in which a friend might invite the children to do something they know isn’t right. How would we “flee” these situations? What could we say to our friend?
Friend November 2017 “Peer Pressure Problems” Ideas on how to deal with peer pressure to avoid making wrong choices
Genesis 19:15–17.These verses can help your family members prepare for times when they need to flee from wicked situations. What might some of these situations be? For example, you might have a discussion about inappropriate media or the temptation to gossip. How can we flee from such situations? (Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23”)
Friend February 2022 “Come, Follow Me Activities”
Story: Heavenly Father gives us commandments to help us and keep us safe. Angels told a man named Lot to leave his home in a wicked city. Because Lot listened and obeyed, he stayed safe.
Song: “Keep the Commandments” (Children’s Songbook, 146–47)
Activity: Now play a game! Take turns being the leader. The leader tells others to do actions, like “jump up and down” or “run in a circle.” Everyone else follows them. How can following the commandments help you?
Abraham Obeyed the Lord.
Abraham is commanded to sacrifice Isaac, his son—Both father and son yield to the will of God—Abraham’s seed will be as the stars and the sand in number—In his seed, all nations will be blessed—Rebekah is born to Bethuel.
Old Testament Stories “Abraham and Isaac” Illustrations
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23” It was very difficult for Abraham to follow the commandment to sacrifice his son. Ponder how you can appropriately use this story to encourage the children to obey God even when it is hard or they don’t fully know the reasons for His commandments.
- Show a picture of Abraham and Isaac (see this week’s study outline in Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families), and use it to tell the story of Abraham and Isaac (see also “Abraham and Isaac” in Old Testament Stories). Show a picture of Jesus Christ, and talk to the children about how the story of Abraham and Isaac can remind us of the sacrifice Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ made for us.
- Play a simple game that requires the children to follow directions. For example, the directions could lead to a picture of the Savior hidden in the classroom. What are some things Heavenly Father has asked us to do? Help the children understand that keeping His commandments will help us return to live with Him and Jesus Christ again.
Old Testament Coloring Book “Abraham and Isaac”
Heavenly Father Sent His Son, who Sacrificed Himself for Us.
Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 18–23” As you teach about Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac, be sensitive to the feelings of the children. Use this story to help the children strengthen their love and appreciation for the Savior’s sacrifice.
- Show the video “For God So Loved the World” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org), or sing together a song about the Savior’s sacrifice, such as “He Sent His Son” (Children’s Songbook,34–35). Invite the children to talk about how Jesus’s sacrifice shows Heavenly Father’s love for us. What can we learn about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ from the accounts of Abraham and Isaac and of the Crucifixion? What similarities do you find?
What have we been asked to sacrifice as a family? How have these sacrifices brought us closer to God?
Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Obedience and Sacrifice” Lesson, activity, and refreshment ideas
Additional Resources
Abimelech desires Sarah, who is preserved by the Lord—Abraham prays for Abimelech, and the Lord blesses him and his household.
Sarah bears Isaac—He is circumcised—Hagar and her son are cast out of Abraham’s household—The Lord saves Hagar and Ishmael—Abraham and Abimelech deal honorably with each other.
Latter Day Kids “Abraham and Isaac” Lesson ideas
Friend February 2022 “For Older Kids”
- Lesson 11: Abraham and Isaac,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 43–4 Purpose:
- To help the children understand that we should trust Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ completely.
- “Abraham Covenants with the Lord” (Aug. 1998 Friend) A retelling of Abraham being asked to sacrifice his son, and the covenant he made with the Lord. Includes scripture figures.
- “Abraham” (Mar. 1994 Friend) A retelling of the story of Abraham being visited by the Lord and the things he learned.
- “Scriptural Giants: Friend of God” (July 1987 Friend)
A retelling of various stories from Abraham’s life. - Music: “Follow the Prophet” (Children’s Songbook, 110)
- Old Testament Student Manual Genesis-2 Samuel “Genesis 18–23”
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