Topical Encyclopedia The term "Sodomites" refers to the inhabitants of the ancient city of Sodom, which, along with Gomorrah, was destroyed by divine judgment due to its grievous sins. The narrative of Sodom is primarily found in Genesis 18-19, where the city's moral depravity is highlighted as a significant reason for its destruction.Biblical Account: In Genesis 18, the LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah. The LORD says, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Their sin is so grievous" (Genesis 18:20). Abraham intercedes for the cities, and the LORD agrees to spare them if ten righteous people can be found. Genesis 19 details the visit of two angels to Sodom, where they are met by Lot, Abraham's nephew. Lot insists on providing them hospitality, but the men of Sodom surround his house, demanding to have relations with the visitors. Lot pleads with them, saying, "Please, my brothers, do not do such a wicked thing" (Genesis 19:7). The angels then strike the men with blindness and warn Lot to flee the city with his family. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is described in Genesis 19:24-25: "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" . Sins of Sodom: The sins of Sodom are often associated with sexual immorality, particularly homosexual acts, as indicated by the men's demand to know the visitors carnally. This interpretation is supported by Jude 1:7, which states, "In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire" . However, the sins of Sodom are not limited to sexual immorality. Ezekiel 16:49-50 provides a broader perspective: "Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food, and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen" . This passage highlights pride, gluttony, and neglect of the needy as additional sins contributing to Sodom's downfall. Theological Implications: The account of Sodom serves as a powerful warning against sin and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. It underscores the seriousness with which God views sin, particularly when it involves the corruption of societal norms and the mistreatment of others. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is often cited in Scripture as a symbol of divine judgment and a call to repentance. In the New Testament, Jesus references Sodom in the context of judgment, stating that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for towns that reject His message (Matthew 10:15). This comparison emphasizes the gravity of rejecting divine truth and the opportunity for salvation. Cultural and Historical Context: The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were located in the region of the Jordan Valley, near the Dead Sea. Archaeological evidence and historical records suggest that these cities were part of a prosperous and fertile area, which may have contributed to their inhabitants' complacency and moral decline. The term "Sodomite" has historically been used to describe individuals who engage in homosexual acts, drawing from the narrative of Sodom. However, it is essential to consider the broader context of Sodom's sins, which included various forms of social injustice and moral corruption. Conclusion: The account of the Sodomites serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of living in accordance with God's will. It calls believers to examine their own lives, seek righteousness, and extend compassion to those in need, avoiding the pitfalls of pride and moral decay that led to Sodom's destruction. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 18:20And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; Nave's Topical Index Library Some Man Will Say, "So Then any Thief Whatever is to be Accounted ... And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said... If Then to Sin, that Others May not Commit a Worse Sin... Sin in the Heart the Source of Error in the Head In Christ and in Ephesus The Pelagians Argue that Cohabitation Rightly Used is a Good, and ... Concerning Our Lord, and Concerning Death and Satan Clement of Alexandria. Matt. xxiv. 33, 34 On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs. Resources What is the definition of sin? | GotQuestions.orgThe Study of Sin ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org If Jesus paid the price for our sin, why do we still suffer the consequences of our sin? | GotQuestions.org Sin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sin in Believers is a Reproach to the Lord Sin is the Transgression of the Law Sin Money: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Aggravated by Neglecting Advantages Sin: All Men are Conceived and Born In Sin: All the Imaginations of the Unrenewed Heart Are Sin: Blessings Withheld on Account of Sin: Christ Was Manifested to Take Away Sin: Christ's Blood Cleanses From Sin: Christ's Blood Redeems From Sin: Confusion of Face Belongs to Those Guilty of Sin: Consequences of, Entailed Upon Children Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Counted In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: Manna and Quail Given In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The Complaint for Bread In Sin: Desert of, a Wilderness Between Elim and Sinai: The People of Israel Journey Through Sin: Entered Into the World by Adam Sin: God Has Opened a Fountain For Sin: God is Provoked to Anger By Sin: God is Provoked to Jealousy By Sin: If we Say That we Have No, we Make God a Liar Sin: Ministers should Warn the Wicked to Forsake Sin: No Escape from the Consequences of Sin: No Man Can Cleanse Himself From Sin: Not Counted Against Righteous People Sin: Omission of What we Know to be Good Is Sin: Paul's Discussion of the Responsibility For Sin: Repugnant to Righteous People Sin: Saints: Abhor Themselves on Account of Sin: Saints: Ashamed of Having Committed Sin: Saints: Have Yet the Remains of, in Them Sin: Saints: Profess to Have Ceased From Sin: Scripture Concludes all Under Sin: Shall Find out the Wicked Sin: should be Avoided Even in Appearance Sin: should be Guarded Against Sin: should be Striven Against Sin: should be Wholly Destroyed Sin: Sometimes Open and Manifest Sin: Specially Strive Against Besetting Sin: The Abominable Thing That God Hates Sin: The Fear of God Restrains Sin: The Ground Was Cursed on Account of Sin: The Holy Spirit Convinces of Sin: The Law by Its Strictness Stirs Up Sin: The Law is the Strength of Sin: The Law is Transgressed by Every Sin: The Law: Curses Those Guilty of Sin: The Law: Gives Knowledge of Sin: The Law: Made to Restrain Sin: The Law: Shows Exceeding Sinfulness of Sin: The Thought of Foolishness Is Sin: The Wicked: Cannot Cease From Sin: The Wicked: Defy God in Committing Sin: The Wicked: Delight in Those Who Commit Sin: The Wicked: Encourage Themselves In Sin: The Wicked: Encouraged In, by Prosperity Sin: The Wicked: Expect Impunity In Sin: The Wicked: Guilty of, in Everything They Do Sin: The Wicked: Led by Despair to Continue In Sin: The Wicked: Make a Mock At Sin: The Wicked: Plead Necessity For Sin: The Wicked: Shall Bear the Shame of Sin: The Wicked: Tempt Others To Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on God Sin: The Wicked: Throw the Blame of, on Others Sin: The Wicked: Try to Conceal, from God Sin: The Word of God Keeps From Sin: Toil and Sorrow Originated In Sin: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To, Defining and Illustrating Sin: we should Pray to God: To Cleanse Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Deliver Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Forgive Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Keep Us From Sin: we should Pray to God: To Make Us Know Our Sin: we should Pray to God: To Search For, in Our Hearts Sin: Whatever is not of Faith Is Sin: when Finished Brings Forth Death Related Terms Sin-offering (115 Occurrences) |