‘But the men reached out their hand and brought Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.’ The door opens sufficiently for Lot to be dragged in to safety by the men within. Through them the hands of Yahweh reach out to protect him. read more
‘And they smote the men who were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves to find the door.’ Perhaps it was a temporary blindness brought on by an exceedingly bright light. We do not know. (The Hebrew word does not indicate permanent blindness but a problem with the sight. Compare 2 Kings 6:18-20). But it was sufficient to deter their efforts, and, it seems, to persuade them eventually to leave the vicinity, at least for the time being. read more
Genesis 19:1-1 Kings : . The men reach Sodom at even, and Lot, sitting as was customary in the spacious city gate, invites them, with the same courtesy and hospitality as his uncle, to stay the night in his house. They at first refuse, saying that they will pass the night in the city square. Although this was no special privation, Lot urges his offer, all the more perhaps because he knew the character of the citizens, who, before his guests retired, without exception justified their vile... read more
Genesis 12:1 to Genesis 25:18 . The Story of Abraham.— In this section the three main sources, J. E, P are present. Gunkel has given strong reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources, one connecting Abraham with Hebron, the other with Beersheba and the Negeb. The former associates Abraham with Lot. (For details, see ICC.) On the interpretation to be placed on the figures of Abraham and the patriarchs, see the Introduction. The interest, which has hitherto been diffused... read more
They smote the men, Heb. with blindness, i.e. with a blindness both of body and mind. It was not a total blindness, as if they quite lost the use of their eyes, for they saw the house, though not the door, but it was a great dimness and confusion of their sight, and a disturbance in their common sense, by which they were made unable to distinguish between differing persons or places; as it was also with the Syrians, 2 Kings 6:18; as it is in some measure with some drunkards, who, though their... read more
CRITICAL NOTES.—Genesis 19:5. That we may know them.] A well-known euphemism for a foul crime which derives its name from this infamous place. “From Leviticus 22-25 we learn that the practice of the sin here contemplated was among the principal causes why God exterminated the Canaanitish nations.” (Alford.) This sin was also the curse of heathenism, even in the best days of Rome. (Romans 1:22.) Genesis 19:5. And they called unto Lot.] “That is, with a loud voice; demanded vociferously; which... read more
Genesis 19:0 Notice: I. Sodom's sinfulness. Her sins were committed amidst an unbounded flush of prosperity; they were committed amidst scenes of much natural loveliness, Nature being outraged before the eye of her most beautiful forms; and they were committed not only in opposition to Nature's silent, but to God's spoken, warnings. II. Notice Sodom's warnings. One was given by the entrance of Lot within its gates; another was given by the advent of Chedorlaomer and the invaders from the east.... read more
Chapter nineteen of the book of Genesis deals with the destruction of the city of Sodom. The Lord came to Abraham and informed him of the fact that because of the wickedness of Sodom, it was necessary for the judgment of God to come. Abraham pleaded with the Lord for Sodom, interceded actually saying, "But what if there are fifty righteous; would You destroy the righteous with the wicked?" And the basis of Abraham's intercession was the Lord of the earth should be fair, or be just. Even in... read more
Genesis 19:1. Lot sat in the gate of Sodom, as a magistrate, no doubt, for the wicked accuse him of making himself a judge or elder. The main gate of a city was the usual place of hearing causes, and administering justice. There is no intimation that he sat there merely for hospitality. Genesis 19:4. Old and young. The whole inhabitants of Sodom were utterly corrupted, and they wished all the world to know the perfection of their wickedness. Genesis 19:5. Know them. This most... read more
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Wells of Living Water Commentary - Genesis 19:1-25
Abraham and Lot Contrasted Genesis 19:1-25 INTRODUCTORY WORDS As we enter into Genesis nineteen we are struck with many contrasts between it and Genesis eighteen. The eighteenth speaks of Abraham and the nineteenth speaks of Lot. Abraham represents the spiritual Christian, and Lot the carnal Christian. There is a difference as vast as noonday and eventide between these two characters. Both were worshipers of Jehovah, but the one was living in the light of Jehovah's smiles and favor and the... read more