The term "Sodomites" refers to the inhabitants of the ancient city of Sodom, which, along with Gomorrah and other nearby cities, was destroyed by divine judgment due to its grievous sins. The account of Sodom's destruction is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, with further references throughout Scripture highlighting the city's moral depravity and the consequences of its actions.

Biblical Account of Destruction

The narrative of Sodom's destruction is detailed in Genesis 18 and 19. The Lord reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah, stating, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and 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.

Two angels visit Sodom and are met by Lot, Abraham's nephew, who insists they stay at his home. The men of Sodom, described as wicked and depraved, surround Lot's house, demanding to engage in immoral acts with the visitors. Lot pleads with them, but they refuse to listen, demonstrating the city's deep-seated corruption.

The angels strike the men with blindness and warn Lot to flee with his family, as the Lord is about to destroy the city. Lot hesitates, but the angels urge him to escape to the mountains. As Lot and his family flee, the Lord rains down sulfur and fire from heaven, obliterating Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding plain (Genesis 19:24-25).

Moral and Theological Implications

The destruction of Sodom serves as a powerful example of divine judgment against sin, particularly sexual immorality and pride. The prophet Ezekiel highlights the city's arrogance, gluttony, and neglect of the poor as contributing factors to its downfall: "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" (Ezekiel 16:49).

The New Testament reiterates Sodom's destruction as a warning against ungodliness. In 2 Peter 2:6, the apostle Peter states, "He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly" . Similarly, Jude 1:7 emphasizes the sexual immorality and perversion of Sodom's inhabitants, serving as a cautionary tale for future generations.

Symbolism and Legacy

Throughout Scripture, Sodom becomes synonymous with extreme wickedness and divine retribution. The term "Sodomite" is often used to describe those who engage in similar immoral behaviors. The destruction of Sodom is frequently cited as a symbol of God's righteous judgment and a call to repentance for those who stray from His commandments.

The legacy of Sodom's destruction endures as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of living a life that honors God. The biblical account underscores the need for righteousness and the pursuit of holiness, as well as the assurance that God will ultimately judge all unrighteousness.Genesis 19:24,25
Then the LORD rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;
Nave's Topical Index

Jehoshaphat
... Verses 5, 6. "And the remnant of the Sodomites, which remained ... of Egypt, but they
turned from them, and destroyed them not ... He burneth the chariot in the fire. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 15 jehoshaphat.htm

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