26. God said, “If I find fifty decent people in the city of Sodom, I’ll spare the place just for them.”
27-28. Abraham came back, “Do I, a mere mortal made from a handful of dirt, dare open my mouth again to my Master? What if the fifty fall short by five—would you destroy the city because of those missing five?”He said, “I won’t destroy it if there are forty-five.”
29. Abraham spoke up again, “What if you only find forty?”“Neither will I destroy it if for forty.”
30. He said, “Master, don’t be irritated with me, but what if only thirty are found?”“No, I won’t do it if I find thirty.”
31. He pushed on, “I know I’m trying your patience, Master, but how about for twenty?”“I won’t destroy it for twenty.”
32. He wouldn’t quit, “Don’t get angry, Master—this is the last time. What if you only come up with ten?”“For the sake of only ten, I won’t destroy the city.”
33. When God finished talking with Abraham, he left. And Abraham went home.