Genesis 19:28
Genesis 19:28 in Multiple Translations
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.
And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
and he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the Plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the land went up as the smoke of a furnace.
And looking in the direction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the lowland, he saw the smoke of the land going up like the smoke of an oven.
He looked down at Sodom and Gomorrah and the whole valley floor, and saw the land burning, sending up smoke like from a furnace.
And looking towarde Sodom and Gomorah and toward all the land of the plaine, behold, he sawe the smoke of the lande mounting vp as the smoke of a fornace.
and he looketh on the face of Sodom and Gomorrah, and on all the face of the land of the circuit, and seeth, and lo, the smoke of the land went up as smoke of the furnace.
He looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and saw that the smoke of the land went up as the smoke of a furnace.
And he looked towards Sodom and Gomorrah, and towards all the land of the plain, and beheld, and lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
He looked towards Sodom and Gomorrha, and the whole land of that country: and he saw the ashes rise up from the earth as the smoke of a furnace.
He looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and he was surprised to see that all over the valley, smoke was rising, like the smoke of a huge furnace.
He looked down at Sodom and Gomorrah and all the flat country around them, and he saw a lot of smoke, like a really big bush fire.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 19:28
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Genesis 19:28 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּשְׁקֵ֗ף
עַל
פְּנֵ֤י
סְדֹם֙
וַ/עֲמֹרָ֔ה
וְ/עַֽל
כָּל
פְּנֵ֖י
אֶ֣רֶץ
הַ/כִּכָּ֑ר
וַ/יַּ֗רְא
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
עָלָה֙
קִיטֹ֣ר
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
כְּ/קִיטֹ֖ר
הַ/כִּבְשָֽׁן
וַ/יַּשְׁקֵ֗ף
shâqaph
H8259
to look
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פְּנֵ֤י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
סְדֹם֙
Çᵉdôm
H5467
Sodom
N-proper
וַ/עֲמֹרָ֔ה
ʻĂmôrâh
H6017
Gomorrah
Conj | N-proper
וְ/עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Conj | Prep
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
הַ/כִּכָּ֑ר
kikkâr
H3603
talent
Art | N-cs
וַ/יַּ֗רְא
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
behold
Conj | Part
עָלָה֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
קִיטֹ֣ר
qîyṭôwr
H7008
smoke
N-ms
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Art | N-cs
כְּ/קִיטֹ֖ר
qîyṭôwr
H7008
smoke
Prep | N-ms
הַ/כִּבְשָֽׁן
kibshân
H3536
kiln
Art | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 19:28
וַ/יַּשְׁקֵ֗ף
shâqaph
H8259
"to look"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
To look means to gaze or peep out, like looking out a window. It can also mean to overlook or gaze down, as in Psalm 14 where God looks down on humanity to see their ways.
Definition: 1) to overlook, look down or out, overhang, look out and down 1a) (Niphal) to lean over (and look), look down 1b) (Hiphil) to look down, look down upon
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: appear, look (down, forth, out). See also: Genesis 18:16; 2 Kings 9:30; Psalms 14:2.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פְּנֵ֤י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
סְדֹם֙
Çᵉdôm
H5467
"Sodom"
N-proper
Sodom was a city near the Dead Sea, known for its wickedness and corruption. According to the book of Genesis, God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah as a judgment for their sins. The city has become a symbol of evil and immorality.
Definition: Sodom = "burning" a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment Also named: Sodoma (Σόδομα "Sodom" G4670)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: Sodom. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 19:28; Isaiah 1:9.
וַ/עֲמֹרָ֔ה
ʻĂmôrâh
H6017
"Gomorrah"
Conj | N-proper
Gomorrah was a city in ancient Palestine, mentioned in Genesis 18:20, known for its wickedness and ultimately destroyed by God, as described in Genesis 19:24-25, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin.
Definition: Gomorrah = "submersion" the twin-city in evil with Sodom, both destroyed in judgment by God with fire from heaven Also named: Gomorra (Γόμορρα "Gomorrah" G1116)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Gomorrah. See also: Genesis 10:19; Deuteronomy 29:22; Isaiah 1:9.
וְ/עַֽל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
פְּנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶ֣רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
הַ/כִּכָּ֑ר
kikkâr
H3603
"talent"
Art | N-cs
In the Bible, a talent was a unit of weight or currency, like in Matthew 25:15-28, where a master gives his servants talents to invest. It could also refer to a round loaf of bread or a region, such as the Jordan valley.
Definition: 1) round 1a) a round district (environs of the Jordan valley) 1b) a round loaf (of bread) 1c) a round weight, talent (of gold, silver, bronze, iron) Aramaic equivalent: kik.ker (כִּכֵּר "talent" H3604)
Usage: Occurs in 55 OT verses. KJV: loaf, morsel, piece, plain, talent. See also: Genesis 13:10; 2 Kings 5:5; Proverbs 6:26.
וַ/יַּ֗רְא
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
וְ/הִנֵּ֤ה
hinnêh
H2009
"behold"
Conj | Part
This Hebrew word is an expression that means 'behold' or 'look', often used to draw attention to something. It appears in Genesis and Isaiah, and is translated as 'behold' or 'lo' in the KJV.
Definition: behold, lo, see, if
Usage: Occurs in 799 OT verses. KJV: behold, lo, see. See also: Genesis 1:29; Genesis 42:35; Deuteronomy 19:18.
עָלָה֙
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
קִיטֹ֣ר
qîyṭôwr
H7008
"smoke"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a thick cloud of smoke, like the kind that rises from a fire. It appears in the book of Exodus to describe the smoke from the mountain when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. This image is also used in Psalm 119 to describe God's presence.
Definition: thick smoke, smoke
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: smoke, vapour. See also: Genesis 19:28; Psalms 119:83; Psalms 148:8.
הָ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Art | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
כְּ/קִיטֹ֖ר
qîyṭôwr
H7008
"smoke"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a thick cloud of smoke, like the kind that rises from a fire. It appears in the book of Exodus to describe the smoke from the mountain when God gave Moses the Ten Commandments. This image is also used in Psalm 119 to describe God's presence.
Definition: thick smoke, smoke
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: smoke, vapour. See also: Genesis 19:28; Psalms 119:83; Psalms 148:8.
הַ/כִּבְשָֽׁן
kibshân
H3536
"kiln"
Art | N-ms
A kiln is a hot oven used to melt metals or make pottery, like in Ezekiel 22:20-22 where God describes a furnace for refining silver. It's also used in 1 Kings 8:51 to describe the furnace of affliction.
Definition: kiln (pottery or lime), smelting forge, furnace
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: furnace. See also: Genesis 19:28; Exodus 9:10; Exodus 19:18.
Study Notes — Genesis 19:28
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 19:28 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 19:28
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 19:28
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 19:28
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 19:28
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 19:28
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 19:28
- Sermons on Genesis 19:28
Context — The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
26But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
27Early the next morning, Abraham got up and returned to the place where he had stood before the LORD.
28He 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.
29So 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. 30Lot 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 18:9 | Then the kings of the earth who committed sexual immorality and lived in luxury with her will weep and wail at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. |
| 2 | Revelation 9:2 | The star opened the pit of the Abyss, and smoke rose out of it like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the pit. |
| 3 | Revelation 21:8 | But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.” |
| 4 | Revelation 18:18 | and cry out at the sight of the smoke rising from the fire that consumes her. “What city was ever like this great city?” they will exclaim. |
| 5 | Jude 1:7 | In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire. |
| 6 | 2 Peter 2:7 | and if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless |
| 7 | Revelation 14:10–11 | he too will drink the wine of God’s anger, poured undiluted into the cup of His wrath. And he will be tormented in fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises forever and ever. Day and night there is no rest for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.” |
| 8 | Revelation 19:3 | And a second time they called out: “Hallelujah! Her smoke rises forever and ever.” |
| 9 | Psalms 107:34 | and fruitful land into fields of salt, because of the wickedness of its dwellers. |
Genesis 19:28 Summary
Genesis 19:28 describes the moment when Abraham saw the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, with smoke rising from the land like smoke from a furnace. This event shows God's judgment on sin and wickedness, yet also His mercy in rescuing those who are righteous, like Lot. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God is both just and merciful, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7 and Psalm 103:8-10. We can also learn to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand the circumstances around us, and to be concerned about the spiritual well-being of others, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:1-4 and James 5:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the smoke from the land in Genesis 19:28 signify?
The smoke rising from the land like smoke from a furnace signifies the destruction and judgment of God upon Sodom and Gomorrah, as seen in the context of Genesis 19:24-25 where the Lord rained down burning sulfur on these cities.
Why did Abraham look down toward Sodom and Gomorrah?
Abraham looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah because he was concerned about his nephew Lot and the fate of the cities, as seen in Genesis 18:23-33 where Abraham interceded for the cities.
How does this event relate to God's character?
This event shows God's justice and righteousness, as He judges sin and wickedness, yet also shows His mercy and grace in rescuing Lot, as seen in Genesis 19:29, and is consistent with His character described in Exodus 34:6-7.
What can we learn from Abraham's actions in this verse?
We can learn from Abraham's actions that it is important to be concerned about the spiritual well-being of others, as seen in his intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 18:23-33, and to trust in God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in his obedience to God's commands in Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 22:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- How does the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah relate to my own life and the consequences of sin?
- What can I learn from Abraham's example of interceding for others, and how can I apply this in my own relationships?
- How does the image of smoke rising from the land like smoke from a furnace impact my understanding of God's judgment and mercy?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when I do not understand the circumstances around me, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 19:28
And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain,.... To see how it fared with them: very probably the Lord had hinted it to him, that the destruction would be that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 19:28
And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD: Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 19:28
Genesis 19:28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.Ver. 28. And he looked.] Abraham might look upon the smoke of Sodom; Lot might not; because it would work more on Lot’ s heart, than on Abraham’ s, who had more grace. The smoke of the country.] Nothing else was now to be seen of that fair and fruitful plain. Sic transit gloria mundi . When we most greedily grasp earthly things, we embrace nothing but smoke, which wrings tears from our eyes, and soon vanisheth into nothing.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 19:28
(28) Lo, the smoke of the country (really, land) went up as the smoke of a furnace.—The substitution of the word country for land is confusing. It was the land of the Ciccar, just mentioned, which was in flames. As Abraham could see the Ciccar, it must have been at the northern end of the Dead Sea (see Note on Genesis 18:16); and as a violent conflagration was raging throughout it, the site of the cities could not have been submerged (see Note on Genesis 14:3). The violence of the fire is indicated by the last word, which is not the ordinary word for a furnace, but means a kiln, such as that used for burning chalk into lime, or for melting ores of metal.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 19:28
28. the smoke of the land] The word is one used especially in connexion with incense and sacrifice. It is not the usual word for smoke, but rather corresponds to our “reek” or, as Driver, “steam.” Travellers relate that, owing to rapid evaporation, there always appears a steamy mist rising up from the Dead Sea. Wis 10:6-7, “While the ungodly were perishing, wisdom delivered a righteous man, when he fled from the fire that descended out of heaven on Pentapolis. To whose wickedness a smoking waste still witnesseth … Yea and a disbelieving soul hath a memorial there, a pillar of salt still standing.” a furnace] The word used in Exodus 9:8; Exodus 9:10; Exodus 19:18, “a furnace,” or “kiln,” for burning lime, or making bricks. 29 (P). when God destroyed, &c.] This verse contains P’s brief summary of the whole event. This will explain the repetition of the narrative, and the sudden substitution of “God” (Elohim) for “the Lord” (Jehovah). The expression “God remembered Abraham” would otherwise seem strange after the narrative in 18; but, as a matter of fact, the sentence probably followed after Genesis 13:12, with P’s account of the separation of Abram and Lot. For “destroyed” (shâḥ ?ath), cf. Genesis 6:13; Genesis 6:17, Genesis 9:11; Genesis 9:15 (P).
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 19:28
28. Looked toward Sodom… smoke — The fearful sight shows him that there were not even ten righteous persons to be found in Sodom. But Abraham’s intercession had an answer in the salvation of Lot. See Genesis 19:29.
Sermons on Genesis 19:28
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The Papacy Is the Antichrist 1 of 3 (1888) - Part 3 by J.A. Wylie | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the depiction of judgment and the destruction of Babylon in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes that this day of wrath will be one of the |
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My Peace I Give Unto You by A.B. Simpson | In this sermon, the preacher delves into the concept of fiery ordeal as depicted in the Bible, particularly focusing on the refining process likened to a smelting furnace where imp |
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Hell No Exits by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and highlights three aspects of it: Majesty, mystery, and misery. He encourages the audience to seek inspiration from |
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The Crime of Unbelief by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had, where he witnessed a horrible crime being committed behind closed doors in God's house. The preacher e |
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The Touch of God - Slovakia Conference 2003 (Slovakian/english) by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being a man of prayer and brokenness. He shares his own journey of spiritual laziness and how he had to make a decision to |
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Hell - Side 1 (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal testimony of a near-death experience and his encounter with hell. He describes his troubled past, including time spent in prison and |
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Forgiveness - Part 2 by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for God's mercy and forgiveness by humbly acknowledging our sins and coming to Him in repentance. It contrasts the att |