Question
Why did Abraham stop negotiating with God on the destruction of Sodom and Gemorrah at 10 righteous men?
Answer
The sages say that Abraham extrapolated from Noah — in the time of Noah there were 8 righteous people: Noah, his wife, his three sons and their wives and yet the world was not saved on their behalf. Thus, 8 people cannot save a society. Our sages further explain that Abraham could have asked for 9, but in his previous pleas, had asked for 9Â (per town) and the request was not granted.
Be Well,
Rabbi Yoel Spotts