The mere fact that the Lord would not destroy the Country

[Mary Naeem]

Pope Shenouda III





The mere fact that the Lord would not destroy the Country for the sake of the righteous who lived in it gives us an idea not only of Abraham's dignity but also of the dignity of those righteous in front of the Lord. The Lord said: "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes... If I find there forty-five, I will not destroy it... I will not do it for the sake of forty... I will not do it if I find thirty there... I will not destroy it for the sake of twenty... I will not destroy it for the sake of ten" (Gen.18: 26-32).
The phrase 'for the sake of" has its divine value which signifies that God saves persons for the sake of others and it is also a clear proof of the mediation of the righteous for the sake of sinners. The Lord accepts this mediation without the beneficiaries asking for it.