Genesis 19:4

Before they had gone to bed, all the men of the city of Sodom, both young and old, surrounded the house.

Study Bible

Before they had gone to bed
This phrase sets the scene for the urgency and immediacy of the events that are about to unfold. The Hebrew word for "bed" here is "mishkav," which can refer to a place of rest or sleep. The timing indicates that the events occur under the cover of night, a time often associated with evil deeds in biblical literature. This highlights the moral darkness of Sodom, contrasting with the hospitality and righteousness of Lot, who has welcomed the visitors into his home.

all the men from every part of the city of Sodom
The phrase underscores the pervasive wickedness of Sodom. The Hebrew word for "men" is "enosh," which can refer to humanity in general, but here it emphasizes the collective moral failure of the city's male population. The mention of "every part of the city" suggests that the sinfulness was not isolated but widespread, affecting the entire community. This reflects the biblical theme of collective responsibility and the consequences of communal sin.

both young and old
This phrase indicates the complete moral corruption across generations in Sodom. The Hebrew words "na'ar" (young) and "zaqen" (old) show that the depravity was not limited to a specific age group but was a societal norm. This generational sinfulness highlights the failure of the community to pass down righteousness and the importance of godly instruction across generations, as emphasized in Deuteronomy 6:6-7.

surrounded the house
The act of surrounding the house is both literal and symbolic. The Hebrew word "naqaph" means to encircle or encompass, suggesting an aggressive and threatening posture. This encirclement represents the pressure and hostility faced by the righteous in a sinful world. It also foreshadows the divine judgment that will soon encircle Sodom itself. The house, a place of refuge and safety, becomes a focal point of conflict between righteousness and wickedness, illustrating the spiritual battle that believers face in a fallen world.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Lot
A righteous man living in Sodom, nephew of Abraham, who offers hospitality to the visiting angels.

2. Angels
Divine messengers sent by God to assess the wickedness of Sodom and to rescue Lot and his family.

3. Men of Sodom
The inhabitants of the city, described as wicked and sinful, who surround Lot's house with evil intentions.

4. Sodom
A city known for its grave sinfulness, ultimately destroyed by God due to its wickedness.

5. House of Lot
The setting of the event, where Lot hosts the angels and where the men of Sodom gather.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sin
The account of Sodom serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked sin and rebellion against God.

The Importance of Righteousness
Lot's presence in Sodom highlights the call for believers to live righteously even in corrupt environments.

Hospitality and Protection
Lot's actions demonstrate the biblical value of hospitality and the protection of guests, reflecting God's care for His people.

Divine Judgment and Mercy
While God's judgment is evident in the destruction of Sodom, His mercy is shown in the rescue of Lot and his family.

Community Influence
The collective sin of Sodom illustrates the powerful influence a community can have, for better or worse, on individuals.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the behavior of the men of Sodom reflect the overall spiritual state of the city, and what can we learn about the impact of communal sin?

2. In what ways does Lot's response to the situation demonstrate his character and values, and how can we apply these lessons in our own lives?

3. How does the account of Sodom and Gomorrah serve as a warning for us today, and what other biblical examples reinforce this message?

4. What role does hospitality play in this account, and how can we practice biblical hospitality in our modern context?

5. How can we, like Lot, maintain our righteousness and faithfulness to God while living in a society that may not share our values?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 18:20-21
God reveals to Abraham the grave sin of Sodom, setting the stage for the events in Genesis 19.

2 Peter 2:6-8
Peter references the destruction of Sodom as a warning and highlights Lot's righteousness amidst the wickedness.

Jude 1:7
Jude uses Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of divine judgment against sexual immorality and perversion.

Romans 1:24-27
Paul discusses the consequences of turning away from God, which can be seen in the behavior of the men of Sodom.