Genesis 19
BSB1 Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them, bowed facedown, 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square." 3 But Lot insisted so strongly that they followed him into his house. He prepared a feast for them and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 4 Before they had gone to bed, all the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house. 5 They called out to Lot, saying, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Send them out to us so we can have relations with them!" 6 Lot went outside to meet them, shutting the door behind him. 7 “Please, my brothers,” he pleaded, “don’t do such a wicked thing! 8 Look, I have two daughters who have never slept with a man. Let me bring them to you, and you can do to them as you please. But do not do anything to these men, for they have come under the protection of my roof." 9 “Get out of the way!” they replied. And they declared, “This one came here as a foreigner, and he is already acting like a judge! Now we will treat you worse than them.” And they pressed in on Lot and moved in to break down the door. 10 But the men inside reached out, pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. 11 And they struck the men at the entrance, young and old, with blindness, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the door. 12 Then the two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—a son-in-law, your sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, 13 because we are about to destroy this place. For the outcry to the LORD against its people is so great that He has sent us to destroy it." 14 So Lot went out and spoke to the sons-in-law who were pledged in marriage to his daughters. “Get up,” he said. “Get out of this place, for the LORD is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. 15 At daybreak the angels hurried Lot along, saying, “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city." 16 But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them. 17 As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, “Run for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere on the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!" 18 But Lot replied, “No, my lords, please! 19 Your servant has indeed found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness by sparing my life. But I cannot run to the mountains; the disaster will overtake me, and I will die. 20 Look, there is a town nearby where I can flee, and it is a small place. Please let me flee there—is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved." 21 “Very well,” he answered, “I will grant this request as well, and will not demolish the town you indicate. 22 Hurry! Run there quickly, for I cannot do anything until you reach it.” That is why the town was called Zoar. 23 And by the time the sun had risen over the land, Lot had reached Zoar. 24 Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. 25 Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground. 26 But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD. 28 He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and all the land of the plain, and he saw the smoke rising from the land like smoke from a furnace. 29 So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham, and He brought Lot out of the catastrophe that destroyed the cities where he had lived. 30 Lot and his two daughters left Zoar and settled in the mountains—for he was afraid to stay in Zoar—where they lived in a cave. 31 One day the older daughter said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is no man in the land to sleep with us, as is the custom over all the earth. 32 Come, let us get our father drunk with wine so we can sleep with him and preserve his line." 33 So that night they got their father drunk with wine, and the firstborn went in and slept with her father; he was not aware when she lay down or when she got up. 34 The next day the older daughter said to the younger, “Look, I slept with my father last night. Let us get him drunk with wine again tonight so you can go in and sleep with him and we can preserve our father’s line." 35 So again that night they got their father drunk with wine, and the younger daughter went in and slept with him; he was not aware when she lay down or when she got up. 36 Thus both of Lot’s daughters became pregnant by their father. 37 The older daughter gave birth to a son and named him Moab. He is the father of the Moabites of today. 38 The younger daughter also gave birth to a son, and she named him Ben-ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites of today.
Study Notes — Genesis 19
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Genesis 19
- Themes from Genesis 19
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Genesis 19
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Genesis 19 begins with the arrival of two angels in Sodom, where they are met with hostility and immorality. Lot, who is living in Sodom, tries to protect the angels, but the men of the city demand that he hand them over. The angels then reveal their divine nature and warn Lot to leave the city, as God is about to destroy it. Lot's family is hesitant to leave, but they are eventually persuaded to flee. As they escape, God rains down fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying the cities and all their inhabitants. Lot's wife, however, looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt. The chapter concludes with Lot and his daughters living in a cave, where they engage in incestuous behavior, resulting in the birth of Moab and Ben-ammi. Key verses in this chapter include Genesis 19:1-3, Genesis 19:12-14, and Genesis 19:24-25, which highlight God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, as well as His mercy towards Lot and his family.
Context for the Chapter
Genesis 19 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Genesis, which describes the creation of the world and the early history of humanity. This chapter is specifically connected to the story of Abraham, who is Lot's uncle, and serves as a demonstration of God's judgment on sin and His mercy towards those who are faithful to Him. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah also foreshadows the later conquest of Canaan by the Israelites, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the need for God's people to separate themselves from the wickedness of the world.
Heart Application
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning to all people of the consequences of sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the need for redemption. As believers, we are called to separate ourselves from the wickedness of the world and to seek refuge in God, trusting in His mercy and care for those who are faithful to Him.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Genesis 19 tells the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities that were very wicked. God sent two angels to warn Lot, a righteous man who lived in Sodom, to leave the city before it was destroyed. Lot and his family escaped, but his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. This chapter teaches us about the importance of righteousness and the consequences of sin, as seen in Genesis 19:24-25.
Voices from the Church
“The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is a solemn warning to all who would indulge in sin, and a comforting assurance to those who trust in God's mercy.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The rescue of Lot and his family serves as a demonstration of God's care for those who are faithful to Him, and a reminder of the importance of righteousness in the face of wickedness.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Angels' Visit to Sodom (Genesis 19:1-11) — The two angels arrive in Sodom, where they are met with hostility and immorality. Lot tries to protect them, but the men of the city demand that he hand them over.
- The Warning to Leave Sodom (Genesis 19:12-14) — The angels warn Lot to leave Sodom, as God is about to destroy the city. Lot's family is hesitant to leave, but they are eventually persuaded to flee.
- The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:15-25) — God rains down fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying the cities and all their inhabitants. Lot's wife looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt.
- The Aftermath of the Destruction (Genesis 19:26-38) — Lot and his daughters live in a cave, where they engage in incestuous behavior, resulting in the birth of Moab and Ben-ammi.
- The Significance of the Destruction (Genesis 19:24-25) — The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning to all people of the consequences of sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the need for redemption.
Core Doctrines
- The Holiness of God
- The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah demonstrates God's holiness and justice, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the consequences of sin.
- The Mercy of God
- The rescue of Lot and his family serves as a demonstration of God's mercy and care for those who are faithful to Him.
- The Consequences of Sin
- The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning to all people of the consequences of sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the need for redemption.
- The Importance of Righteousness
- The character of Lot serves as a contrast to the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting the importance of righteousness and faithfulness to God.
Lessons from Genesis 19
- The Importance of Righteousness — The character of Lot serves as a contrast to the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting the importance of righteousness and faithfulness to God.
- The Consequences of Sin — The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning to all people of the consequences of sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the need for redemption.
- The Mercy of God — The rescue of Lot and his family serves as a demonstration of God's mercy and care for those who are faithful to Him.
- The Importance of Responding to God's Warnings — The story of Sodom and Gomorrah teaches us about the importance of responding to God's warnings and seeking refuge in Him, as seen in the warning to Lot and his family to leave the city.
- The Significance of Separation from the World — The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning to God's people to separate themselves from the wickedness of the world, trusting in God's mercy and care for those who are faithful to Him.
Themes from Genesis 19
- God's Judgment on Sin — The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a demonstration of God's judgment on sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the consequences of wickedness.
- God's Mercy and Care — The rescue of Lot and his family serves as a demonstration of God's mercy and care for those who are faithful to Him, highlighting the importance of trust and obedience.
- The Importance of Righteousness — The character of Lot serves as a contrast to the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting the importance of righteousness and faithfulness to God.
- The Consequences of Sin — The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning to all people of the consequences of sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the need for redemption.
- The Significance of Redemption — The story of Sodom and Gomorrah foreshadows the concept of redemption, highlighting the importance of seeking refuge in God and trusting in His mercy and care.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah about the consequences of sin?
- How does the rescue of Lot and his family demonstrate God's mercy and care for those who are faithful to Him?
- What role does righteousness play in the face of wickedness, as seen in the character of Lot?
- How can we apply the lessons of Genesis 19 to our own lives, seeking to separate ourselves from the wickedness of the world and to trust in God's mercy?
- What does the story of Sodom and Gomorrah teach us about the importance of responding to God's warnings and seeking refuge in Him?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Angels' Visit to Sodom (Genesis 19:1-3)
| 19:1 | The two angels arrive in Sodom, where they are met with hostility and immorality. |
| 19:2 | Lot tries to protect the angels, but the men of the city demand that he hand them over. |
2. The Warning to Leave Sodom (Genesis 19:12-14)
| 19:12 | The angels warn Lot to leave Sodom, as God is about to destroy the city. |
| 19:13 | The angels explain that the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah has reached God, and that He will destroy the cities. |
3. The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:15-25)
| 19:15 | The angels urge Lot and his family to leave Sodom, as the destruction of the city is imminent. |
| 19:24 | God rains down fire and brimstone on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying the cities and all their inhabitants. |
4. The Aftermath of the Destruction (Genesis 19:26-38)
| 19:26 | Lot's wife looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt. |
| 19:30 | Lot and his daughters live in a cave, where they engage in incestuous behavior, resulting in the birth of Moab and Ben-ammi. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah?
The sin of Sodom and Gomorrah was their wickedness and immorality, as seen in Genesis 19:1-11. The men of the city were hostile towards the angels and demanded that Lot hand them over, demonstrating their rebellion against God and their rejection of His standards of righteousness.
Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?
God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness and immorality, as seen in Genesis 19:12-14. The outcry against the cities had reached God, and He determined to destroy them as a warning to all people of the consequences of sin.
What can we learn from the story of Lot and his family?
The story of Lot and his family teaches us about the importance of righteousness and faithfulness to God, as well as the consequences of sin and the need for redemption. We can also learn about the mercy and care of God, as seen in the rescue of Lot and his family from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 19:1 → Hebrews 13:2 | The visit of the angels to Sodom foreshadows the concept of hospitality and the importance of treating strangers with kindness and respect. |
| 2 | Genesis 19:12-14 → 2 Peter 2:7-8 | The warning to Lot and his family to leave Sodom serves as a demonstration of God's mercy and care for those who are faithful to Him, and highlights the importance of responding to God's warnings and seeking refuge in Him. |
| 3 | Genesis 19:15-25 → Luke 17:28-29 | The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning to all people of the consequences of sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the need for redemption. |
| 4 | Genesis 19:24-25 → Deuteronomy 29:23 | The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a demonstration of God's judgment on sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the consequences of wickedness. |
| 5 | Genesis 19:26 → Luke 17:32 | The story of Lot's wife serves as a warning to all people of the dangers of looking back and being attached to the things of the world, rather than seeking refuge in God and trusting in His mercy and care. |
| 6 | Genesis 19:30-38 → Ruth 4:18-22 | The story of Moab and Ben-ammi serves as a demonstration of God's sovereignty and providence, highlighting the importance of trusting in His plan and purpose for our lives. |
| 7 | Genesis 19:1-3 → Matthew 25:31-46 | The visit of the angels to Sodom foreshadows the concept of judgment and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, as seen in the parable of the sheep and the goats. |
| 8 | Genesis 19:12-14 → 1 Peter 2:11-12 | The warning to Lot and his family to leave Sodom serves as a demonstration of God's mercy and care for those who are faithful to Him, and highlights the importance of responding to God's warnings and seeking refuge in Him. |
| 9 | Genesis 19:15-25 → Revelation 18:1-24 | The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning to all people of the consequences of sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the need for redemption, as seen in the fall of Babylon. |
| 10 | Genesis 19:24-25 → Jude 1:7 | The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a demonstration of God's judgment on sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the consequences of wickedness, as seen in the example of Sodom and Gomorrah. |
Sermons on Genesis 19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(1 Peter - Part 21): As Strangers & Pilgrims, Abstain From Fleshly Lusts by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as Christians, we are pilgrims journeying home and our only real enemies are within us. God has changed the external world and protecte |
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Abraham and Lot by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts off with a lighthearted and humorous tone, wearing a unique outfit and dancing on the platform. However, he quickly transitions to a serious top |
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Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God (Alternate) by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incomprehensible power of God's anger and the eternal misery that awaits those who have not been born again. The preacher warns that eve |
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The Lord Has Promised to Deliver You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by reading verses from Psalm 34 that emphasize the theme of deliverance. He then prays for an anointing and discusses how God deals with violence |
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The Judgment Day by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the last trumpet and the resurrection of the dead. He explains that God sent forth his angels with a great sound of a trumpet |
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The Eternal Spirit the Gifts That Came by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the presence of dens of vice in our society, indicating that the Lord's coming is near. He refers to the book, which keeps him on the right |
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Enter Into His Rest by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher begins by leading the congregation in praise and worship, emphasizing the importance of praising and magnifying the name of Jesus. He encourages the be |
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The Greatest Danger for America by Andrew Strom | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the current state of society and the negative influences that are impacting the younger generation. He highlights the increasing violence in v |
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Flee the Lusts of the Flesh - Escape for Your Life by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a righteous and pure life. He encourages listeners to flee from bad talk, foul mouthing, and stealing, and instead, |
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Pt 5 the Corruption of the Leaven by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the three measures of meal. He explains that the parable represents fellowship with God in service, which can be spoiled by th |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 19
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is a solemn warning to all people of the consequences of sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the need for redemption. The rescue of Lot and his family serves as a demonstration of God's mercy and care for those who are faithful to Him, and highlights the importance of responding to God's warnings and seeking refuge in Him. As Matthew Henry notes, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a reminder of the importance of separating ourselves from the wickedness of the world and trusting in God's mercy and care. The chapter also foreshadows the concept of redemption, highlighting the importance of seeking refuge in God and trusting in His plan and purpose for our lives, as seen in Genesis 19:1-3 and Genesis 19:12-14. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Hostility of Sodom
The men of Sodom are hostile towards the angels, demanding that Lot hand them over. This highlights the wickedness and immorality of the city, demonstrating the need for God's judgment.
The Mercy of God
Despite the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah, God shows mercy to Lot and his family, rescuing them from the destruction of the cities. This demonstrates God's care for those who are faithful to Him.
The Consequences of Sin
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning to all people of the consequences of sin, highlighting the importance of righteousness and the need for redemption.