"In order to show that the rescue of Lot was in response to the prayer of Abraham, the narrative reads so that the words of the messengers ["swept away," Genesis 19:15; Genesis 19:17] recall explicitly the words of Abraham’s prayer in behalf of the righteous in the previous chapter ["sweep away," Genesis 18:23]." [Note: Sailhamer, The Pentateuch . . ., p. 170.] 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
(16) And while he lingered.—Heb., and he lingered. Lot still clung to his wealth, and could not make up his mind to leave it, and so at length the angels took him by the hand and compelled him to quit the doomed city.The Lord being merciful unto him.—Heb., in Jehovah’s pity for him. (Comp. Isaiah 63:9.) 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
19:16 And while he {h} 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 unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.(h) The mercy of God strives to overcome man’s slowness in following God’s calling. 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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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 19:16
Genesis 19:16. And while he lingered— Alarmed at the apprehension of so terrible an event, shocked for the destruction of his relations and friends, and the inhabitants of this devoted city, Lot stood benumbed, as it were, and unable to move, when the angels led him and his family by the hand from the accursed city, and advised him to fly with all speed from the plain, which was destined to ruin, to the mountains, where he would be safe; exhorting him, as a test of his obedience and faith, not... read more