1 The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth.
2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.”
3 But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house.
4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house.
5 And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.”
6 Lot went out to the men at the entrance, shut the door after him,
7 And said, “I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly.
8 Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please.
9 But they said, “Stand back!” And they said, “This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them.” Then they pressed hard against the man Lot, and drew near to break the door down.
10 But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them and shut the door.
11 And they struck with blindness the men who were at the entrance of the house, both small and great, so that they wore themselves out groping for the door.
12 Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place.
13 For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.
14 So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting.
15 As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.”
16 But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.
17 And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.”
18 And Lot said to them, “Oh, no, my lords.
19 Behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life.
20 Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!”
21 He said to him, “Behold, I grant you this favor also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken.
22 Escape there quickly, for I can do nothing till you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar.
24 Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven.
25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
26 But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
27 And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord.
28 And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace.
29 So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.
30 Now Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters.
31 And the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man on earth to come in to us after the manner of all the earth.
32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.”
33 So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose.
34 The next day, the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us make him drink wine tonight also. Then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.”
35 So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose.
36 Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father.
37 The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day.
30 Now Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters.
The True Meaning of Genesis 19
This chapter of Genesis was written by Moses, the great prophet and leader of the Israelites. He recounts the events that took place in the city of Sodom, a place known for its wickedness and immorality. As we delve into this passage, we will witness the dramatic downfall of Sodom and the miraculous deliverance of Lot and his family.
The chapter opens with the arrival of two angels in Sodom, sent by God to investigate the city’s sinful ways. Lot, a righteous man living in Sodom, welcomes the angels into his home, unaware of the chaos that is about to unfold. The men of Sodom, driven by their wicked desires, surround Lot’s house, demanding that he hand over the visitors. This incident foreshadows the impending judgment that will befall the city. The angels intervene to protect Lot and his family, warning them to flee the city before its destruction as the chapter progresses. The account also highlights the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience, as Lot’s wife, despite being warned, looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt.
Throughout this passage, we are reminded of the Lord’s justice and the need for repentance. The events in Sodom echo the warnings found in other biblical books, such as the prophets’ messages about the consequences of sin and the importance of turning to God.
Genesis 19:1-3
Two angels arrive in the city of Sodom in the evening in Genesis 19:1-3. Lot, Abraham’s nephew, sees them at the entrance of the city and recognizes them as special visitors. He immediately invites them to spend the night at his house. Lot’s actions are a display of hospitality, a virtue highly regarded in the Bible. It was customary in ancient times to show hospitality to strangers, as it was seen as a way to honor God and extend kindness to others. This act of kindness towards the angels contrasts sharply with the wickedness that pervaded the city of Sodom.
Lot’s eagerness to offer hospitality to the strangers also highlights his righteous character, even though he was living in a city known for its sinfulness. This episode underscores the idea that even in the midst of great evil, there can still be individuals who choose to do what is right in the eyes of God. Lot’s actions serve as a reminder that we are called to show kindness and hospitality to others, even when it may not be the popular or easy choice.
This act of hospitality by Lot echoes the importance of showing kindness to strangers, a concept that is emphasized throughout the Bible. Hebrews 13:2 in the New Testament encourages believers to show hospitality to strangers because some have entertained angels without knowing it. Lot’s hospitality towards the angels sets the stage for the dramatic events that are about to unfold in Sodom and Gomorrah, showcasing the contrast between righteousness and wickedness.
Genesis 19:4-11
The specific account recorded in Genesis 19:4-11 is about the wickedness of the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah. This section describes the shocking scene where the men of the city, both young and old, surrounded Lot’s house demanding to have relations with the two angels who had arrived there in the guise of men.
The men of Sodom exhibited extreme depravity and a complete disregard for any sense of righteousness or hospitality. This event serves as a vivid illustration of the depth of sin and corruption that had consumed these cities, to the point where even the sacred laws of hospitality and decency were thrown aside in pursuit of their sinful desires. The deplorable behavior displayed by the men of Sodom not only reflects the moral decay of the society but also underscores the consequences of turning away from God and embracing wickedness.
Lot, who was a righteous man living in Sodom, demonstrated hospitality by offering protection to the two angels who appeared as strangers. Lot’s actions highlight the importance of showing kindness and compassion to others, even in the face of grave danger or opposition. Lot’s willingness to protect his guests, even at great personal risk, is a reminder of the virtues of hospitality and righteousness that are valued in the eyes of God.
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning about the destructive nature of sin and the consequences of turning away from God. The cities were ultimately destroyed by fire and brimstone as a divine judgment upon their wickedness. This event underscores the principle that sin leads to destruction and separation from God. It also demonstrates God’s sovereignty and justice in dealing with unrepentant sin.
The narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah is referenced in various parts of the Bible, including in the New Testament. Jesus himself spoke about the days of Lot and the destruction that befell Sodom in Luke 17:28-30, warning about the importance of being vigilant and not becoming ensnared by the temptations of the world. This serves as a reminder for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to be discerning in a world that is often characterized by sin and wickedness. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah continues to serve as a powerful lesson about the consequences of sin and the importance of living in alignment with God’s will.
Genesis 19:12-14
The angels urged Lot to gather his family and flee from the impending destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:12-14. This passage is critical as it highlights the mercy and grace of God, who sends angels to rescue Lot and his family from the destruction that is about to befall the city due to its wickedness.
The urgency of the situation is emphasized by the angels urging Lot to quickly gather his family and leave the city before it is too late. This sense of urgency can serve as a reminder to us of the importance of heeding God’s warnings and not delaying our response to His call for repentance.
Lot’s hesitance to leave is evident in his attempt to negotiate with the angels and ask if he can flee to a smaller city instead of the mountains. This shows us how attached Lot had become to the lifestyle and comfort he had in Sodom, despite its sinful nature. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of becoming too comfortable in a sinful environment and the need to separate ourselves from such influences.
The mention of Lot’s sons-in-law who did not take the warning seriously and perished in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring God’s warnings. It emphasizes the importance of taking God’s word seriously and not being complacent in our faith.
This passage also illustrates the theme of God’s judgment on sin and His mercy towards those who are faithful to Him. Just as God rescued Lot and his daughters from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, He is always willing to rescue and protect those who trust in Him and obey His commands. God will separate the righteous from the wicked in the broader context of the Bible, foreshadowing the final judgment to come. It reminds us of the importance of being prepared spiritually and living a life that is pleasing to God, so that we may be counted among the righteous on the day of judgment. Genesis 19:12-14 conveys timeless messages about God’s mercy, the urgency of responding to His warnings, the consequences of ignoring His word, and the importance of living a righteous life in obedience to Him. It challenges us to examine our own lives and ensure that we are aligned with God’s will, so that we may experience His protection and salvation.
Genesis 19:15-17
The narrative of Lot and his family presents a critical moment in Genesis 19:15-17 as the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah draws near. This section begins with the angels urging Lot to quickly gather his family and flee the city before it is consumed by God’s judgment. Lot hesitates, showing his reluctance to leave his home and possibly indicating his attachment to the sinful environment of Sodom despite knowing the impending destruction.
This passage illustrates the concept of obedience and trust in God’s warning. Lot and his family were given a chance to escape the devastation, but they had to act swiftly and without looking back, as evidenced later in the story when Lot’s wife disobeys this instruction and turns into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). This serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of following God’s guidance without hesitation. God’s mercy and protection towards the righteous are showcased in this account. Despite the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, God still remembered His promise to spare the righteous, exemplified through the rescue of Lot and his family. This event foreshadows the consistent theme in the Bible where God delivers those who remain faithful to Him and obey His commands, as seen in stories such as Noah and the great flood (Genesis 6-8) or the Israelites’ escape from Egypt (Exodus 14).
The urgency and seriousness conveyed in these verses serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of living in sin and the need to heed God’s warnings. It highlights the importance of being alert to spiritual dangers and being willing to detach oneself from sinful environments, even if it means leaving behind familiar comforts. Lot’s indecision and attachment to his current lifestyle serve as a stark contrast to Abraham’s faithful obedience and willingness to follow God’s direction, further emphasizing the significance of choosing righteousness and faith in the face of temptation and impending judgment.
Genesis 19:18-22
The aftermath of the two angels arriving in Sodom to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction of the city is seen in Genesis 19:18-22. Lot, aware of the city’s fate, pleads with the angels for a safe haven in a nearby small town called Zoar. There are several important elements and lessons we can draw from this passage. Lot requests to flee to Zoar instead of fleeing to the mountains as initially advised by the angels in verses 18 and 19. Lot’s plea reveals his fear and desperation to find safety for himself in light of the impending destruction. This shows a reluctance on Lot’s part to fully trust in God’s plan and protection. Sometimes, like Lot, we may have our own ideas of how God should deliver us from difficult situations, but we must learn to trust in His wisdom and timing. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. The angel in verses 20-22 concedes to Lot’s request and grants him permission to flee to Zoar. This act of mercy towards Lot illustrates God’s compassion and willingness to meet us where we are, even in our moments of wavering faith. Despite Lot’s shortcomings and lack of strong faith, God still extended His grace towards him. This highlights the importance of God’s mercy and willingness to show kindness to those who call upon Him, even in times of weakness.
The story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and disobedience. The cities were known for their wickedness and depravity, and God’s judgment upon them was severe. Lot, though a righteous man, was not exempt from the consequences of living among such corruption. This serves as a warning to believers to remain separate from the ways of the world and to uphold righteousness in all circumstances. 2 Corinthians 6:17 urges us, “Therefore, come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. Lot’s actions and God’s response showcase the complexities of human nature and faith in the passage in Genesis 19:18-22. It underscores the importance of trusting in God’s plans even when they may not align with our own, and highlights God’s unwavering mercy towards those who seek His help. It also serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the need to remain faithful and obedient to God’s commands.
Genesis 19:23-26
The devastating account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is seen in Genesis 19:23-26. Let’s delve deeper into the significance of these verses by breaking them down.
Verse 23 starts by saying, “The sun had risen upon the earth when Lot entered Zoar.” Lot and his daughters had just fled Sodom with the warning of impending destruction from the angels. Zoar was a small city where Lot sought refuge after pleading with the angels to spare it, as he feared he wouldn’t make it to the mountains in time. This act of mercy from God towards Lot shows His willingness to listen to our prayers and protect us in times of distress. Lot’s decision to leave Sodom also serves as a lesson about the importance of discerning righteousness and making difficult choices to separate oneself from sin and wickedness.
Verse 24 describes the Lord raining brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah from the Lord out of heaven. This was a divine act of judgment upon the exceedingly sinful cities. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is a significant event in the Bible as it serves as a powerful example of God’s wrath against unrepentant sin and disobedience. It also highlights the importance of leading a righteous life and the consequences of choosing to live in immorality. We can draw parallels to this event in the New Testament, where it is referenced as a warning against engaging in sexual immorality and pursuing unnatural desires (Jude 1:7). God overthrew those cities, along with all the inhabitants of the cities and what grew on the ground, as mentioned in Verse 25. The complete annihilation of Sodom and Gomorrah illustrates the severity of God’s judgment when faced with extreme wickedness. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of repentance and obedience to God’s commands. It echoes the biblical principle that God is just and will punish sin, but also shows His mercy in rescuing those who are faithful to Him.
The final verse, 26, tells us, “But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” This tragic end to Lot’s wife serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of disobedience, lack of faith, and attachment to the world. Instead of focusing on the future and following God’s instructions, she turned back, longing for what she left behind in Sodom. Jesus references this event in Luke 17:32, warning believers to remember Lot’s wife and not to cling to worldly desires that can lead us away from God. Genesis 19:23-26 provides us with profound lessons about the consequences of sin, the importance of obedience, the need for discernment between righteousness and wickedness, and the mercy and judgment of God. It serves as a timeless reminder to seek righteousness, trust in God’s guidance, and turn away from sin to avoid facing His righteous judgment.
Genesis 19:27-29
The aftermath of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is seen in Genesis 19:27-29. These verses are crucial in understanding the consequences of disobedience and the importance of following God’s commandments. The destruction of these cities serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of living a sinful and unrepentant life. Lot’s wife disobeyed the command of the angels who were leading them out of the city, by looking back towards the city in longing, a clear sign of her attachment to the sinful life she was leaving behind. She was turned into a pillar of salt, serving as a symbol of the consequences of disobedience and the dangers of clinging to worldly desires.
The story of Lot and his family illustrates the significance of making righteous choices and the importance of heeding God’s warnings. Lot, being a righteous man, was spared from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah because of his faithfulness to God. This event points to the biblical theme of God’s judgment on sin and His mercy towards those who remain faithful to Him. It also emphasizes the need for believers to let go of worldly pleasures and temptations, as seen through Lot’s wife’s fate.
Lot’s daughters play a significant role in the aftermath of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, as they believed that they and their father were the only survivors left on earth. They got their father drunk and committed incest with him in a misguided attempt to preserve their family line, resulting in the births of Moab and Ammon, who would go on to become the ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites. This act of desperation and lack of faith showcases the consequences of taking matters into one’s own hands instead of trusting in God’s plan.
Genesis 19:27-29 serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of obedience, faith, and trust in God. It highlights the destructive nature of sin and the need to prioritize spiritual values over worldly desires. Just as Sodom and Gomorrah faced divine judgment for their wickedness, these verses urge us to turn away from sin and towards a life of righteousness. The story of Lot and his family also shows us that even in the midst of chaos and destruction, God’s mercy and grace can still be found for those who remain faithful to Him.
Genesis 19:30-38
The aftermath of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is seen in Genesis 19:30-38. Lot and his two daughters fled to a cave in fear of their lives. This passage delves into a dark and sorrowful event in which Lot’s daughters, feeling the weight of being among the only survivors of the city’s destruction, devised a plan to ensure their family line continued. They believed that no man was left on earth to father their children, so they made their father drunk and took turns to lay with him on two consecutive nights, resulting in both becoming pregnant.
This account is a disturbing and tragic narrative that highlights the consequences of the sinful and depraved culture of Sodom and Gomorrah. It also reveals the desolate state of Lot and his daughters, who were left with no one but each other to carry on their family line. The actions of Lot’s daughters, though born out of desperation and a desire to perpetuate their lineage, were morally reprehensible and contrary to God’s design for human relationships.
This episode serves as a stark reminder of the repercussions of living in a society characterized by immorality and disregard for God’s laws. It underscores the importance of upholding moral standards and remaining faithful to God even in the midst of chaos and destruction. The consequences of sin, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and its aftermath, are dire and far-reaching, affecting not only the individuals involved but also their future generations.
The story of Lot and his daughters also echoes the broader biblical theme of the consequences of unrighteousness and the importance of obedience to God’s commands. It highlights the need for discernment, wisdom, and reliance on God in navigating challenging circumstances. Despite the darkness of this account, it ultimately points to the redemptive power of God, who can bring healing and restoration even in the midst of brokenness and sin.
This passage stands as a cautionary tale, warning against the dangers of moral decay and the devastating effects of straying from God’s will. It prompts readers to reflect on their own choices and actions, encouraging them to seek righteousness and obedience to God’s precepts. The story of Lot and his daughters reminds us of the enduring importance of living a life that honors God, even when faced with the most trying circumstances.
After Genesis 19
The men of Sodom had surrounded Lot’s house, demanding that he bring out his visitors so they could abuse them. Lot pleaded with the men, offering his own daughters instead, but they refused. Suddenly, the visitors struck the men with blindness, and Lot was warned to flee the city with his family. The Lord rained down fire and sulfur from the heavens, destroying Sodom and Gomorrah as Lot and his family hurried away. Lot’s wife, however, looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. Lot and his daughters faced a new challenge as they sought refuge in the mountains. With no one else left, how would they continue their family line? The daughters, in their desperation, resorted to a drastic measure that would have lasting consequences, both for themselves and for the generations to come. The story of Lot’s family was far from over, and the choices they made in the aftermath of Sodom’s destruction would shape the future in ways they could never have imagined.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.