Genesis 19:18

18. My lord Or, as translated in Genesis 19:2, my lords . The Masorites mark the word here as “holy,” but in Genesis 19:2 as “profane . ” But this is scarcely a necessary distinction . The address would be an appropriate form of salutation, whether the person addressed be Jehovah or one of the angels . Lot’s petition betrays exceeding weakness . He pleads the mercy already shown, inability to do what is commanded, and fear lest the threatened evil overtake him before he can reach the eastern mountains . He urges, finally, that he may be permitted to flee into a neighbouring city, first, because it was near; second, because it was a little one; and then, because, with such permission, there was hope that he might live . How different this from the faith of Abraham!