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.
38 The younger also bore a son and called his name Ben-ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites to this day.
Setting the Scene for Genesis 19:1-38
In Genesis chapter 19, the scene unfolds in the ancient city of Sodom, known for its wickedness and sinfulness. Two angels, disguised as men, arrive at the city gates and are greeted by Lot, the nephew of the righteous man Abraham. Lot, aware of the dangers lurking in Sodom, insists on offering hospitality to the strangers by inviting them to stay at his home for the night.
As the evening progresses, the atmosphere in Sodom becomes increasingly hostile as the men of the city surround Lot’s house, demanding that he bring out the two visitors so they can engage in immoral acts with them. Lot, in a desperate attempt to protect his guests, offers his own daughters instead, but the angels intervene and strike the men with blindness. The angels then urge Lot to gather his family and flee the city before it is destroyed by the impending judgment of God.
The scene is tense and filled with moral decay, showcasing the contrast between the righteousness of Lot and the depravity of the city of Sodom. The setting is one of impending doom and divine judgment, as Lot and his family are faced with the choice of following God’s command to escape the destruction or being consumed by the sinful environment surrounding them.
What is Genesis 19:1-38 about?
This powerful verse from Genesis serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of immorality and sin. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah illustrates the wrath of God towards those who deviate from His laws and indulge in wickedness. The story ultimately emphasizes the importance of righteousness and living a life in accordance with moral values. We can ask ourselves as we reflect on this verse: Are we adhering to the principles of goodness and morality in our own lives? Are we making conscious choices to avoid actions that are harmful to ourselves and others? The story of Sodom and Gomorrah reminds us of the significance of living with integrity and virtue, even in the face of temptation.
Let this verse be a reminder to strive for righteousness and to uphold moral values in our daily interactions. May we learn from the mistakes of those in Sodom and Gomorrah and choose to lead lives filled with compassion, kindness, and respect for all.
Understanding what Genesis 19:1-38 really means
Structure for Commentary
- Introduction to the Passage
- Context and Background
- Key Verses and Phrases
- Theological Insights
- Relevance to Contemporary Life
- Conclusion with a Reflective Question
Commentary on Genesis 19:1-38
1. Introduction to the Passage
Genesis 19:1-38 recounts the dramatic and morally complex story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and Lot’s interaction with the divine messengers. This passage is often cited for its vivid portrayal of divine judgment and human frailty.
2. Context and Background
To understand this chapter fully, we need to recognize its place within the broader narrative of Genesis. Preceding chapters introduce us to Abraham, who pleads with God to spare the cities for the sake of the righteous. The story underscores themes of hospitality, moral corruption, and divine justice. Other relevant passages include Genesis 18, where Abraham intercedes for Sodom, and Ezekiel 16:49-50, which identifies the sins of Sodom as pride, excess, and neglect of the poor.
3. Key Verses and Phrases
Several phrases stand out in this passage:
- “The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening.” This sets the stage for divine intervention and highlights the urgency and gravity of the situation.
- “Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city.” This indicates Lot’s integration into the local culture, despite its moral failings.
- “Let me flee there—it is very small, isn’t it?” Lot’s plea to escape to Zoar reveals his human fear and need for divine mercy.
Each phrase underscores the human condition in the face of divine decisions. Lot’s actions mirror many of our own when confronted with pressing moral dilemmas.
4. Theological Insights
This passage drives home the concept of divine judgment and mercy. God’s destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah represents judgment on rampant sin. However, Lot’s deliverance illustrates divine mercy in response to righteousness and hospitality, themes also echoed in Hebrews 13:2, which encourages hospitality toward strangers.
God’s impartiality is crucial here. God is described as just in Deuteronomy 10:17-18, showing no partiality and ensuring justice for the fatherless and widows. This reinforces God’s dual nature of justice and mercy.
5. Relevance to Contemporary Life
Why is this passage relevant today? Our society, much like Sodom and Gomorrah, struggles with moral decay. Whether it’s indifference to suffering, indulgence, or neglect of the needy, the parallels are striking. However, focusing solely on judgment misses half the message. A community faced severe flooding in a modern anecdote. Instead of just waiting for government aid, locals banded together, housed displaced families, and rebuilt homes. This echoes Abraham’s hospitality and Lot’s plea for mercy and safety, highlighting our responsibility toward our neighbors.
6. Genesis 19:1-38 challenges us to reflect on our actions and their alignment with divine justice and mercy. Are we acting with compassion and uprightness, or are we sliding into moral laxity? Reflect on your own community and personal life. How can we extend hospitality and stand for righteousness amid moral challenges?
This passage is not just ancient history; it’s a living narrative inviting us to engage with and transform our world through divine principles. How will you respond to the call for justice and mercy in your life?
What does this story teach about true hospitality?
This story teaches that true hospitality involves showing kindness and respect to those in need, even when it may be inconvenient or challenging. Lot demonstrates true hospitality in this passage by inviting the two strangers into his home, offering them a place to rest, and providing for their needs. He goes above and beyond to ensure their safety and protection, even at personal cost.
Furthermore, true hospitality is not just about providing physical comfort, but also about showing genuine care and concern for others. Lot’s actions highlight the importance of treating guests with warmth, generosity, and goodwill, regardless of their background or circumstances. He exemplifies the idea of going the extra mile to make others feel welcomed and valued, embodying the true spirit of hospitality as a virtue rooted in love and compassion.
This passage also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of failing to extend hospitality and kindness to others. The contrast between Lot’s hospitality and the inhospitality of the people of Sodom underscores the significance of showing benevolence and empathy towards those in need. It emphasizes the importance of choosing to act with compassion and generosity, as true hospitality not only benefits the recipient but also reflects positively on the character and integrity of the host.
Application
Imagine your life as a bustling city, filled with the tasks of work and the joys of family. Just like any city, it needs order and guidance to thrive. The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a stark reminder to keep our own cities in check, steering clear of what tears us down. Choose righteousness as your roadmap, seeking God’s guidance in every decision. How will you ensure your city stands strong and vibrant?
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.