Introduction

The biblical account of Lot serves as a profound example of divine preservation during judgment. Lot, the nephew of Abraham, is a significant figure in the narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where God's mercy and justice are vividly illustrated.

Background

Lot first appears in Genesis as the son of Haran, Abraham's brother. He travels with Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans to the land of Canaan. As both men prosper, their herdsmen begin to quarrel, prompting Abraham to propose a separation to maintain peace. Lot chooses the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley, settling near the city of Sodom (Genesis 13:10-12).

The Wickedness of Sodom

Sodom, along with Gomorrah, is described as exceedingly wicked and sinful against the LORD (Genesis 13:13). Despite the city's depravity, Lot remains there, perhaps drawn by its prosperity or the allure of city life. The moral corruption of Sodom becomes a central theme, setting the stage for divine judgment.

Divine Judgment and Preservation

In Genesis 18, the LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grave sin. Abraham intercedes, pleading for the cities if righteous individuals can be found within them. The LORD agrees to spare the cities if ten righteous people are present (Genesis 18:32).

In Genesis 19, two angels arrive in Sodom to execute God's judgment. Lot, recognizing their divine nature, insists they stay at his home, protecting them from the city's wicked men. The angels warn Lot of the impending destruction and urge him to gather his family and flee the city.

Lot's Hesitation and Rescue

Despite the urgency, Lot hesitates, prompting the angels to physically lead him, his wife, and his two daughters out of the city. The angels instruct them to flee to the mountains and not look back, emphasizing the severity of the judgment (Genesis 19:15-17).

The LORD rains down sulfur and fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah, obliterating the cities and their inhabitants. However, Lot and his daughters are preserved, escaping to safety. Tragically, Lot's wife disobeys the command not to look back and is turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).

Significance

Lot's preservation amidst judgment highlights several key themes:

1. Divine Mercy: Despite Lot's association with a sinful city, God's mercy extends to him because of Abraham's intercession and Lot's own righteousness, albeit imperfect.

2. Judgment and Righteousness: The narrative underscores the principle that God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked, delivering the former even in the midst of widespread judgment.

3. Obedience and Consequences: Lot's wife's fate serves as a stark reminder of the importance of obedience to God's commands, illustrating the consequences of disobedience.

4. Intercession: Abraham's intercession for Sodom exemplifies the power and importance of prayer and advocacy for others before God.

Conclusion

The account of Lot's preservation during the judgment of Sodom and Gomorrah remains a powerful testament to God's justice and mercy. It serves as a reminder of the importance of righteousness, obedience, and the impact of intercessory prayer.Genesis 19:15-17
And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take your wife, and your two daughters, which are here; lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit
... he was crying to his Father for preservation in a ... I understand not thy ways, for
thy judgments are a ... been church members for twenty years, and during all those ...
/.../the masters professionthe disciples pursuit.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... so great, that has statutes and judgments so righteous ... of charity which can contribute
to his preservation. ... to us without figure; first, that during our whole ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Nature of Covenanting.
... in due time were to pass away, were, during the term ... of my mouth; for I have hoped
in thy judgments. ... in religion or in practice, or the preservation of peace ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm

An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality.
... from the history of Abel, is exemplified in a ... But what the spirit is thus made during
its passage ... spite of the promptings of self-preservation, exposes himself ...
/.../an essay on the scriptural.htm

Footnotes
... Faithful Witness Bearing Exemplified, preface, p. iv. ... had the advantage of their
services during the vigour ... also, the result was ultimately determined by lot. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/footnotes.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... thither, and will take what shall follow; and the Lord grant that my lot may there ...
when I plead with Thee: yet let me talk with Thee of Thy judgments' (Jer.12:1 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

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