Genesis 19:15-16 - Exposition

And when the morning arose ,—literally, as soon as the dawn (from שָׁחַר , to break forth as the light) went up , i.e. on the first appearance of the morning twilight— then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here ;—literally, which are found ; not implying the existence of other daughters (Knobel), but contrasting with the sons in law (Keil, Kalisch) lest thou be consumed in the iniquity (or punishment, as in Isaiah 5:18 ) of the city. And while he lingered ,—Lot's irresolution would have been his ruin but for his attendant. His heart manifestly clung to the earthly possessions he was leaving. The angels made no mention of his attempting to save a portion of his great wealth— 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: —literally, in the mercy, or gentleness, of Jehovah to him ; the primary idea of the verb from which the noun is derived being that of softness (cf. Isaiah 63:9 )— and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.