By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Professor of Biblical Studies, University of Mobile
PURGED
Genesis 19:12–26
Sodom and Gomorrah were wicked cities that rejected the authority of God their Creator. They rivaled modern cities known for their promiscuity and sexual indulgences. Abraham had interceded repeatedly on behalf of these cities — presumably because Lot and his family lived there — but judgment was surely at hand.
God honored Abraham’s request. Rather than pardoning the wickedness of the inhabitants of the cities or destroying Lot and his family along with these adulterous and idolatrous people, the Lord determined to remove Lot from the condemned cities. This was an act of grace.
Urgency (12–17)
Earlier in this chapter, the angelic visitors had struck the Sodomite men blind in righteous judgment. They now turn their attention to Lot and his family, intending to deliver them away from the city and its destruction. Judgment is at hand, and they need to get out: “Get up. Get out of this place!”
While the messengers of God are communicating the urgency of the situation, Lot lingers, trying to convince his sons-in-law that they need to leave the city as well. This section ends after the visitors give clear instructions to Lot: Get up and get out of the city, escape with your life, head to the mountains and don’t look back.
Why do people today hesitate or ignore God’s solemn warnings? In part, they do so because humanity has been doing it ever since the fall of Adam.
There are several presumptions that people have about God. First, they believe that God will adjust His plans for their benefit. Second, they believe that God is obligated to forgive them. After all, many have been raised to believe that it is easier (or better) to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. Third, they believe that God is obligated to give second and third chances. “If Jonah got a second chance, why can’t I?”
Bargaining (18–22)
Lot expresses his opinions about this escape, bargaining with his heavenly rescuers and lingering along the way. Yes, we will leave the city. No, we will not go quickly. You will basically have to drag us kicking and screaming to leave. And no, we will not travel all the way to the mountains. Let us travel as far as Zoar.
Earlier in Genesis, the name of the city was named Bela (14:2). Evidently, it was renamed as Zoar because of Lot’s description twice in Verse 20 of our text calling it a small place.
The angelic spokesman grants Lot’s request and his family safe passage. His further instruction to Lot is to travel quickly since the sentence cannot be carried out until they arrive in Zoar.
Judgment (23–26)
Judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah comes in various forms. Buildings and bodies are destroyed; land and livestock are cut off. The cities and the river valley are devastated by fire and brimstone.
Mrs. Lot invites judgment on herself by turning back to the city. “Remember Lot’s wife!” (Luke 17:32). This brief instruction from Jesus was a sufficient reminder to His followers that they were not to turn back from following Him.
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