Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, angels are often depicted as messengers of God, sent to deliver divine messages, provide guidance, or execute judgment. One of the notable appearances of angels is found in the account of Lot in the city of Sodom, as recorded in the Book of Genesis.Context and Background The story of Lot and the angels is situated within the broader narrative of Abraham, Lot's uncle, who was chosen by God to be the father of many nations. Lot, having separated from Abraham, settled in the city of Sodom, a place notorious for its wickedness and sinfulness. The account of the angels' visit to Lot is a pivotal moment that underscores themes of divine judgment and mercy. The Angelic Visit The visit of the angels to Lot is detailed in Genesis 19. Prior to their arrival, Abraham intercedes with God on behalf of Sodom, concerned for the righteous who might reside there. In response, God sends two angels to the city to assess its condition and to rescue Lot and his family from the impending destruction. Genesis 19:1-3 describes the arrival of the angels: "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 and bowed with his face to the ground. 'My lords,' he said, 'please turn aside into the house of your servant to spend the night and wash your feet. Then you can rise early and go on your way.' 'No,' they answered, 'we will spend the night in the square.' 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." The Role and Actions of the Angels The angels' primary role in this narrative is to execute God's judgment on Sodom while simultaneously ensuring the safety of Lot and his family. Their presence in Sodom serves as a testament to God's awareness of human affairs and His willingness to intervene. As the story unfolds, the men of Sodom surround Lot's house, demanding that the visitors be brought out to them. In response, the angels demonstrate their divine power by striking the men with blindness, thereby protecting Lot and his household (Genesis 19:10-11): "But the men inside reached out, pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. And they struck with blindness the men at the entrance, both young and old, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the door." The Deliverance of Lot The angels then instruct Lot to gather his family and flee the city, warning of the imminent destruction decreed by God. Despite the urgency, Lot hesitates, prompting the angels to physically lead him, his wife, and his daughters out of the city (Genesis 19:15-16): "At daybreak the angels urged Lot, saying, 'Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city.' But when Lot hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters, and led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them." Conclusion The appearance of angels to Lot in Sodom is a profound illustration of divine intervention and the dual themes of judgment and mercy. The angels act as agents of God's will, executing judgment on the wickedness of Sodom while extending mercy to Lot and his family. This narrative serves as a reminder of God's righteousness and His compassionate concern for the righteous amidst a fallen world. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 19:1-17And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; Nave's Topical Index Library The Angel of the Lord in the Pentateuch, and the Book of Joshua. Paul's Desire to Depart Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses. A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ... Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Homiletical. The Barren Fig-Tree; part ii The Greatness of the Soul, Resources Who is the destroying angel? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the angel Moroni? | GotQuestions.org Who is the angel of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org Angel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit are Examples of Meekness Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit are Obedient Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit are Wise Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit of Different Orders Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Aspects of Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Called Angel of the Lord Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Called Morning Stars Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Called Principalities, Powers Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Created Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: do not Marry Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Elect Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Have Knowledge of, and Interest In, Earthly Affairs Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Holy Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Hosts Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Immortal Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Innumerable Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Men Called Angels Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Mighty Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Not to be Worshiped Angel (A Spirit): A Celestial Spirit: Worship God Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of At the Ascension Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of At the Tomb of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of At the Transfiguration of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of in Gethsemane Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Abraham Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Balaam Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Cornelius, in a Dream Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Daniel, in the Lions' Den Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To David, at the Threshing Floor of Araunah Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Elijah Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Elisha While he Lay Under the Juniper Tree Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Gideon Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Hagar, in the Wilderness Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Jacob, in his Various Visions Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Jesus, After his Temptation Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To John, on the Island of Patmos Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Joseph, in a Dream Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Joshua, "The Captain of the Lord's Host" Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Lot, in Sodom Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Manoah Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Mary, Concerning Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Moses Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Paul, on the Way to Damascus Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Peter and John, While in Prison Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Peter, in Prison Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Philip Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the Fiery Furnace Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To the Israelites Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To the Shepherds Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Zacharias Angel (A Spirit): Appearances of To Zechariah, in a Vision Angel (A Spirit): Execute Judgments Upon the Wicked Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Announces the Birth of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Announces the Birth of John the Baptist Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Announces the Birth of Samson Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Guard the Way to the Tree of Life Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Law Given By Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Medium of Revelation to Prophets Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Ministers to Jesus After the Temptation Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Ministers to Jesus During his Passion Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Present at the Ascension Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Present at the Tomb of Jesus Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Remonstrates With Balaam Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Warns Joseph to Escape to Egypt Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Will be With Christ at his Second Coming Angel (A Spirit): Functions of Will be With Christ at the Judgment Angel (A Spirit): Ministrant to the Righteous Angel (A Spirit): Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Angel (Holy Trinity): One of the Holy Trinity: Called Angel of God Angel (Holy Trinity): One of the Holy Trinity: Called Angel of his Presence Angel (Holy Trinity): One of the Holy Trinity: Called Angel of the Lord Angel of the Churches: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |