Topical Bible: God: Preserver: To Lot, when Sodom Was Destroyed

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In the biblical narrative, God is depicted as the Preserver of Lot during the destruction of Sodom, a city characterized by its grievous sinfulness. This account is primarily found in Genesis 19, where God's intervention is evident in the preservation of Lot and his family amidst divine judgment.

Context and Background

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were notorious for their wickedness, prompting God to reveal to Abraham His intention to destroy them (Genesis 18:20-21). Abraham interceded for the cities, and God agreed to spare them if ten righteous people could be found (Genesis 18:32). However, the cities' pervasive sinfulness led to their ultimate destruction.

Divine Intervention

God's preservation of Lot begins with the arrival of two angels in Sodom. Lot, recognizing their divine nature, insists on offering them hospitality (Genesis 19:1-3). The men of Sodom, however, surround Lot's house, demanding to abuse the visitors, highlighting the city's depravity (Genesis 19:4-5).

The angels intervene, striking the men with blindness and instructing Lot to gather his family and flee the city (Genesis 19:10-11). They warn, "Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city" (Genesis 19:15).

Preservation and Escape

Despite the urgency, Lot hesitates, and the angels, in an act of divine mercy, physically grasp Lot, his wife, and his daughters, leading them out of the city (Genesis 19:16). The angels command, "Flee for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!" (Genesis 19:17).

Lot negotiates to flee to a nearby town, Zoar, which God spares for his sake (Genesis 19:18-22). As Lot reaches Zoar, God rains down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, obliterating the cities and their inhabitants (Genesis 19:23-25).

Lot's Wife and the Consequence of Disobedience

Tragically, Lot's wife disobeys the divine command by looking back at the destruction, resulting in her transformation into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). This act serves as a stark reminder of the importance of obedience to God's instructions.

Theological Significance

The preservation of Lot underscores God's justice and mercy. While executing judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, God demonstrates His ability to save the righteous from destruction. This narrative highlights God's discernment in distinguishing between the wicked and the righteous, as well as His commitment to fulfilling His promises to those who are faithful.

The account of Lot's preservation is often cited as an example of God's protective nature and His willingness to intervene on behalf of His people. It serves as a testament to the belief that God is both a righteous judge and a compassionate preserver of those who seek refuge in Him.

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Genesis 19:1
And 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;
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Library

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... no Christians?"A. He is their maker and preserver; but they ... state?"A. I mean, that
it is the lot of those ... there is no respect of persons with God' (Romans 2 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

CHAP. I. -II. 3 (II. 1).
... the lot of Judah, that the announcement of the lot of Israel ... for the special love,
then the general relation to God as the Creator and Preserver must also ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/chap i -ii 3 ii 1.htm

Funeral Oration on the Great S. Basil, Bishop of C??sarea in ...
... subject which has ever fallen to the lot of an ... now again united by the impulsion
of God no less ... persons the reputation of Athens should be destroyed, and so ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xliii funeral oration on.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... independence, or else had thrown in their lot with the ... He related how God, after
creating the universe out ... and eats and drinks with him.*** Sodom and Gomorrah ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm