Turning to Abraham, the Lord said, “The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah is great. I hear the cries of their victims constantly. I’m going to the city to see it for myself. If I find that it’s true, I’ll destroy them.” 

As Abraham and the Lord continued to talk, the other two men left them and walked toward Sodom. Abraham said, “Is it true that you would actually sweep away the righteous along with the wicked? Let’s say there’re fifty righteous people in the city. Would you actually destroy the place, knowing that you’re killing those righteous people right along with the wicked? I don’t believe you’d do that. The Judge of all the earth is always just.” 

The Lord said, “If I find fifty righteous people in Sodom, then for their sakes I won’t destroy the city.” 

Abraham said, “I realize now that I shouldn’t have been so fast to talk to you that way. I’m nothing but dust along the road. But let’s say the city lacked just five people to make up the fifty you’re looking for. Are you going to destroy the whole city just because they’re missing five righteous people?” 

The Lord said, “I won’t destroy the city if I find forty-five righteous people there.” 

“Uh, Lord, could we make that forty righteous people?” 

“I won’t destroy the place if I find forty righteous people there.” 

“Lord, don’t be angry with me for speaking up again. What would you do if you found only thirty righteous people there?” 

“I won’t destroy the place if I find thirty righteous people there.” 

“Lord, since I have already been so bold to talk to you about this, could we make that twenty righteous people?” 

“I won’t destroy the place if I find twenty righteous people there.” 

“Uh Lord, please don’t be angry with me. I promise this is the last time I’ll talk to you about this. What would you do if you found only ten righteous people there?” 

“I won’t destroy the place if I find ten righteous people there.” 

With that, the conversation was over. The Lord left, and Abraham returned to his tent.