Genesis 19 Explained: Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

God’s judgment, mercy, and the consequences of sin.

Genesis 19 Scripture (World English Bible - WEB)

1: And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

2: And he said, “Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant’s house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways.” And they said, “Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.”

3: And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

4: But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

5: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, “Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.”

6: And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,

7: And said, “I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.”

8: Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.”

9: And they said, “Stand back.” And they said again, “This one came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them.” And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.

10: But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

11: And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

12: And the men said unto Lot, “Hast thou here any besides? son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:

13: For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.”

14: And Lot went out, and spoke unto his sons-in-law, which married his daughters, and said, “Up, get you out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city.” But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law.

15: And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, “Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.”

16: And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful to him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

17: And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, “Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.”

18: And Lot said unto them, “Oh, not so, my Lord:

19: Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:

20: Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.”

21: And he said unto him, “Behold, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.

22: Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

23: The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.

24: Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

25: And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

26: But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

27: And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD:

28: And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.

Memory Verse of the Day:
“But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” – Genesis 19:26

Introduction


Genesis 19 is a sobering chapter that shows the consequences of persistent sin and the mercy of God toward the faithful. The chapter recounts the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, cities steeped in wickedness, while God rescues Lot and his family, preserving them from judgment.

This chapter highlights the danger of compromising with sin and the urgency of obeying God’s warnings. Lot’s hesitation and the tragic loss of his wife—who looked back—serve as reminders of the consequences of divided loyalty and the importance of wholehearted obedience. Yet God’s protection of Lot also illustrates His grace, demonstrating that He cares for those who trust and follow Him even amid a corrupt world.

Read also: Understanding God’s covenant and His plans for Abraham’s descendants.

Genesis 19 teaches us about God’s justice, the seriousness of sin, and His faithfulness in providing a way of escape for the righteous.

As we begin today’s devotional, may we commit to obedience, heed God’s warnings, and trust His guidance for protection and deliverance in every area of our lives.

Angels Visit Lot (Genesis 19:1-11)

Two angels come to Lot, who shows them hospitality, while the men of Sodom demonstrate wickedness. Lot protects the visitors at great risk to himself.

Reflection: Are you willing to stand for righteousness even when surrounded by wickedness?

The Escape (Genesis 19:12-23)

Lot and his family are urged to flee Sodom, demonstrating obedience and reliance on God’s instructions for safety.

Read also: Lessons on prayer, intercession, and trusting God’s justice.

Teaching Point: God’s guidance is crucial for protection; trust and obey His instructions promptly.

Destruction of the Cities (Genesis 19:24-28)

God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah as a consequence of sin. The smoke rising from the land shows the completeness of judgment.

Reflection: Sin has consequences. Examine your life and turn away from disobedience before it’s too late.

Lessons from Lot’s Wife

Looking back symbolizes longing for a sinful past. Lot’s wife serves as a warning to focus on God’s path and not cling to disobedience.

Read also: Trusting God’s protection in difficult and unexpected situations.

Encouragement: Keep your eyes forward, obey God fully, and trust His deliverance.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy in rescuing Lot and his family. Help us to obey Your guidance completely and flee from sin.

Lord, teach us the importance of looking forward, not back to our past sins or temptations. Strengthen our resolve to walk in righteousness and trust Your protection.

Father, may we stand firm for Your truth in a world filled with wickedness. Guard our hearts and minds, and lead us away from what displeases You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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