Answer
In Genesis 18:19 God states, “I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him” (ESV). To “keep the way of the Lord” is an essential aspect of the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
The “way of the Lord” in this passage is not merely a set of religious rituals or moral guidelines but a lifestyle that reflects God’s character and His expectations. In the Old Testament, the “way of the Lord” is the path of righteousness. Genesis 15:6 shows that “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Righteousness is a foundational aspect of the “way of the Lord,” resulting in a life lived in faithful obedience to God’s will. The call to holiness in Genesis 18:19 is thus a continuation of the covenantal theme, urging Abraham and his descendants to be righteous.
Moreover, the “way of the Lord” is connected to the pursuit of justice. The dual emphasis on righteousness and justice in Genesis 18:19 reveals that the “way of the Lord” is about personal holiness and social responsibility. Justice in the biblical sense encompasses fairness, equity, and the protection of the vulnerable, as seen in passages such as Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause” (ESV). Walking in the “way of the Lord” thus involves actively promoting justice, reflecting God’s heart for the marginalized and oppressed.
The “way of the Lord” also guides future generations. Genesis 18:19 emphasizes the importance of Abraham commanding his children and household to keep the “way of the Lord.” This path is more than a personal journey; it is a communal one that spans generations. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 reinforces this idea: “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” The “way of the Lord” is meant to be a living tradition, passed down from one generation to the next.
The “way of the Lord” in Genesis 18:19 also points to a relationship with God built on trust and obedience. This concept is echoed in Proverbs 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Walking in the “way of the Lord” requires surrendering human wisdom in favor of divine guidance and acknowledging that God’s way is the best path for a life of fulfillment and purpose. Abraham’s willingness to follow God’s direction, even when it led him into unknown territory, exemplifies this trust in the “way of the Lord.”
Finally, the “way of the Lord,” described in Genesis 18:19, is linked to fulfilling God’s promises. The verse concludes by stating that Abraham’s adherence to the “way of the Lord” is essential “so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him” (ESV). This connection between obedience and divine blessing is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in Psalm 128:1: “Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!” (ESV). The way of the Lord is not only a moral and ethical path but also a means through which God’s promises and blessings are realized in the lives of His people.
