2. turn in, I pray you . . . tarry all night—offer of the same generous hospitalities as described in Genesis 18:2-8, and which are still spontaneously practised in the small towns. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night—Where there are no inns and no acquaintance, it is not uncommon for travellers to sleep in the street wrapped up in their cloaks. read more
The men of Sodom wanted to have homosexual relations with Lot’s visitors (Genesis 19:5). The Mosaic Law later regarded all homosexual behavior as a capital offense (Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13; cf. Romans 1:26-27). [Note: For a refutation of denials of this view, see P. Michael Ukleja, "Homosexuality and the Old Testament," Bibliotheca Sacra 140:559 (July-September 1983):259-66. On the modern resurgence of homosexuality and its connection with ancient religious paganism, see Peter Jones,... read more
The Destruction of the Cities of the Plain1. The visit of the two angels (who are ’the men’ of Genesis 18) may be regarded as the final test of Sodom. If they were hospitably received and honourably treated they might still be spared.In the gate] The entrance gate of walled Eastern cities is a great place of resort. In front of it the market was held and justice administered. See Ruth 4; 2 Samuel 15:2; Amos 5:10-15; Job 31:21; Deuteronomy 21:19; Jeremiah 38:7.2. We will abide in the street all... read more
(2) In the street.—That is, the broad open space of the city. (Comp. Judges 19:15; Judges 19:20.) In a warm climate there is little hardship in passing the night in the open air; and as at this early date there were no caravanserais, travellers had to lodge in this way unless they found some hospitable entertainer. read more
DESTRUCTION OF THE CITIES OF THE PLAINGenesis 19:1-38WHILE Abraham was pleading with the Lord the angels were pursuing their way to Sodom. And in doing so they apparently observed the laws of those human forms which they had assumed. They did not spread swift wings and alight early in the afternoon at the gates of the city; but taking the usual route, they descended from the hills which separated Abraham’s encampment from the plain of the Jordan, and as the sun was setting reached their... read more
CHAPTER 19 The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah 1. The angels visit (Genesis 19:1-5 ) 2. Lot and the Sodomites (Genesis 19:6-11 ) 3. The destruction of Sodom announced (Genesis 19:12-13 ) 4. Lot and his sons-in-law (Genesis 19:14 ) 5. Lot brought forth (Genesis 19:15-17 ) 6. Lot’s request (Genesis 19:18-20 ) 7. The escape (Genesis 19:21-25 ) 8. Lot’s wife (Genesis 19:26 ) 9. Abraham looks on (Genesis 19:27-29 ) 10. Lot’s shame (Genesis 19:30-38 ) This is a chapter of... read more
SODOM'S WICKEDNESS EXPOSED Not in the heat of the day, but in the evening, the two angels arrived at Sodom. Lot was sitting in the gate, the place of a judge. He was a believer making an effort to control the evil natures of ungodly men. Many Christians since that time have attempted to make the world better by their entering politics, but the Christian is "not of this world;" rather he has a message of grace that has power to deliver people "out of this present evil world" (Galatians 1:4),... read more
SODOM AND GOMORRAH THE SODOM MOB (Genesis 19:1-11 ) What leads to the belief that Lot did not recognize the nature of his visitors (Genesis 19:2-3 )? (Compare Hebrews 13:2 .) The following verses show that the Sodomites sought acquaintance with these supposed men for those vile purposes which have ever been associated with the name of their city. It was for this that Lot, at the risk of his life, came to their defense, for the duty of protecting a guest has always been accounted among... read more
The Destruction of Sodom Gen 19:24-25 There must have been some very strong justification for an act so terrible. This right of destruction may, I think, be fairly inquired into by human reason, and ought to be well studied as a fact that has been repeatedly realised in human history. Understand, if you please, that there is a Power above us which can utterly devour and consume our life. It is important to feel the whole force of this truth, especially as showing that life is not independent... read more
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Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 19:1-3
"And the two angels came to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot saw them, and he rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face to the earth; and he said, Behold now, my lords, turn aside, 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 way. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. And he urged them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and... read more