Topical Bible: Miracles: Catalogue of The Destruction of Sodom

◄ Miracles: Catalogue of The Destruction of Sodom ►

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The destruction of Sodom is one of the most dramatic and sobering miracles recorded in the Bible, illustrating God's judgment against sin and His mercy towards the righteous. This event is primarily documented in Genesis 18 and 19, with additional references throughout Scripture that underscore its significance.

Context and Background

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were located in the plain of Jordan, a region known for its fertility and prosperity. However, these cities became infamous for their wickedness and sinfulness. Genesis 13:13 notes, "But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD." The moral depravity of Sodom and Gomorrah became so severe that it prompted divine intervention.

Divine Revelation and Intercession

The narrative begins in Genesis 18, where the LORD appears to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre. During this encounter, God reveals His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, aware of his nephew Lot's residence in Sodom, intercedes on behalf of the righteous within the city. In a profound dialogue with God, Abraham pleads for the city, asking if it would be spared for the sake of fifty, forty-five, forty, thirty, twenty, and finally ten righteous people. The LORD agrees, stating in Genesis 18:32 , "For the sake of ten, I will not destroy it."

The Angels' Visit and Lot's Deliverance

In Genesis 19, two angels arrive in Sodom and are met by Lot, who insists they stay at his house. The men of Sodom, displaying their depravity, surround Lot's house and demand the visitors be handed over to them. Lot's attempt to protect the angels results in the men of the city becoming aggressive. The angels intervene, striking the men with blindness and instructing Lot to gather his family and flee the city.

The angels warn Lot of the impending destruction, urging him to escape to the mountains. Lot hesitates, and the angels, in their mercy, physically lead Lot, his wife, and his two daughters out of the city. Genesis 19:16 states, "When he 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."

The Cataclysmic Destruction

Once Lot and his family reach safety, the LORD rains down sulfur and fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah, obliterating the cities and all their inhabitants. Genesis 19:24-25 records, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground."

Lot's wife, disobeying the angels' command not to look back, turns to see the destruction and is transformed into a pillar of salt. This act serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and attachment to a sinful past.

Biblical References and Significance

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is referenced throughout the Bible as a symbol of divine judgment. In the New Testament, Jesus warns of the suddenness of judgment, comparing it to the days of Lot (Luke 17:28-30). The Apostle Peter and Jude also cite this event as an example of God's righteous judgment and a warning to the ungodly (2 Peter 2:6, Jude 1:7).

The miracle of Sodom's destruction underscores the holiness of God, His intolerance of sin, and His willingness to save the righteous. It serves as a powerful reminder of the need for repentance and the hope of deliverance for those who seek refuge in the Lord.

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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

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... us may be added to that catalogue which leads ... And elsewhere he compares the destruction
which he will ... preached his Gospel, and wrought miracles in confirmation ...
/.../practical discourses on regeneration/discourse iv the necessity of.htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
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I see it to be so; and dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

The Church History of Eusebius. Index of Subjects.
... Churches, destruction of, under Diocletian, [654]324; restoration of, after
the great persecution, [655]370; dedication of, [656]370 sq. ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/the church history of eusebius.htm

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... greatest enemies, and those that not only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles,
but that, a ... Why have we not a catalogue of some holy men that were so in ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the jerusalem sinner saved.htm

Beginning at Jerusalem. --Luke xxiv. 47.
... that not only despised his person, doctrine, and miracles, but that a ... why have we
not a catalogue of some holy men ... It shall be more tolerable for Sodom at the ...
/.../bunyan/jerusalem sinner saved/beginning at jerusalem luke xxiv 47.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... his conception was attended by supernatural circumstances, and the miracles which
accompanied ... bodies of men, in order to hasten the final destruction of the ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm