Topical Bible: Blindness: Miraculously Inflicted Upon the Sodomites

◄ Blindness: Miraculously Inflicted Upon the Sodomites ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the city of Sodom is synonymous with wickedness and divine judgment. One of the most striking instances of divine intervention in Sodom is the miraculous infliction of blindness upon its inhabitants. This event is recorded in the Book of Genesis and serves as a powerful demonstration of God's protection over the righteous and His judgment upon the wicked.

Biblical Account

The account of the Sodomites being struck with blindness is found in Genesis 19. Two angels, appearing as men, visit the city of Sodom to assess its wickedness and to rescue Lot, the nephew of Abraham, and his family. Lot, recognizing the divine nature of his visitors, insists on providing them hospitality in his home. However, the men of Sodom, described as exceedingly wicked, surround Lot's house and demand that he bring out his guests so they might "know them" (Genesis 19:5), a euphemism for sexual assault.

Lot attempts to dissuade the mob, even offering his daughters in a desperate bid to protect his guests, but the men of Sodom refuse to listen. At this critical moment, the angels intervene to protect Lot and his household. Genesis 19:10-11 states: "But the men inside reached out, pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. And they struck with blindness the men who were at the doorway of the house, both young and old, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the door."

Theological Significance

The miraculous blinding of the Sodomites serves multiple purposes within the narrative. Firstly, it underscores the divine protection afforded to Lot and his family. Despite the overwhelming threat posed by the mob, God's messengers ensure the safety of the righteous by rendering the aggressors powerless. This act of divine intervention highlights the theme of God's justice and mercy, as He delivers the innocent from harm while simultaneously executing judgment upon the wicked.

Secondly, the blindness inflicted upon the Sodomites symbolizes their spiritual blindness and moral depravity. Their inability to perceive the door, despite their physical proximity, mirrors their inability to recognize and repent from their sinful ways. This blindness is both a literal and metaphorical representation of their separation from God's truth and righteousness.

Contextual Considerations

The event takes place within the broader context of God's impending judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. The cities are ultimately destroyed by fire and brimstone due to their grievous sins, as described later in Genesis 19. The blinding of the Sodomites is a precursor to this judgment, serving as a final act of divine warning and a testament to the severity of their iniquity.

Related Themes and Cross-References

The theme of blindness as a form of divine judgment is echoed in other biblical passages. For instance, in 2 Kings 6:18, the prophet Elisha prays for the Aramean army to be struck with blindness, allowing Israel to gain the upper hand. Similarly, in Acts 13:11, the apostle Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, pronounces blindness upon Elymas the sorcerer for opposing the gospel.

These instances, along with the account of the Sodomites, illustrate a consistent biblical motif where physical blindness is used as a tool of divine intervention, often reflecting a deeper spiritual reality.

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Genesis 19:11
And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.
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