Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionSodom and Gomorrah are two ancient cities mentioned in the Bible, primarily known for their destruction due to pervasive wickedness and sin. These cities have become synonymous with moral depravity and divine judgment. The narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a powerful illustration of national sins and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments. Biblical Account The primary account of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in Genesis 18-19. The cities were located in the plain of Jordan, near the Dead Sea. The Bible describes them as exceedingly wicked, with their sin being "very grievous" (Genesis 18:20). God reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah and to destroy them if the allegations of sin are confirmed. Abraham intercedes for the cities, negotiating with God to spare them if righteous individuals can be found. However, only Lot, Abraham's nephew, and his family are deemed righteous. Two angels visit Sodom to rescue Lot and his family before the impending destruction. The men of Sodom, displaying their depravity, attempt to assault the visitors, confirming the city's wickedness. The angels warn Lot to flee with his family, instructing them not to look back. As Lot and his family escape, God rains down sulfur and fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah, obliterating the cities and their inhabitants (Genesis 19:24-25). Lot's wife, disobeying the command, looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). Nature of the Sins The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah are often associated with sexual immorality, particularly homosexual acts, as indicated by the men's desire to assault the angelic visitors (Genesis 19:5). However, the Bible also highlights other aspects of their wickedness. Ezekiel 16:49-50 states, "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." This passage suggests that the sins of Sodom included pride, gluttony, and neglect of the needy, alongside their sexual immorality. The cities' collective behavior exemplified a complete disregard for God's laws and a societal embrace of sin. Divine Judgment and Warning The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a stark warning of divine judgment against national sins. The Bible frequently references these cities as examples of God's wrath against unrepentant wickedness. In the New Testament, Jesus warns that the fate of unrepentant cities will be worse than that of Sodom and Gomorrah (Matthew 10:15; Luke 10:12). The apostle Peter and Jude also cite Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of God's judgment. 2 Peter 2:6 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." Jude 1:7 adds, "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." Theological Implications The narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah underscores the seriousness with which God views national sins. It highlights the importance of righteousness and the consequences of collective moral decay. The account serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and adherence to God's commandments to avoid divine judgment. Conclusion The account of Sodom and Gomorrah remains a powerful biblical illustration of the consequences of national sins. It serves as a warning to nations and individuals alike to uphold righteousness and seek God's mercy through repentance and obedience. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 18:20And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Peter 2:6 Library The Great Suit: Jehovah Versus Judah Thyatira Joshua's Conquest. The Temple Cleansed Again The First Book Authenticity and Credibility of the Pentateuch. The Cause and Cure of Earthquakes The Prophet Joel. The Life of Mr. James Mitchel. The Sixth vision "On Earth" Resources How can I know that my future sins are forgiven? | GotQuestions.orgHow could Jesus say, “Your sins are forgiven,” before He died on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Why should we confess our sins to one another (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics National Sins are a Reproach to a People National Sins: Aggravated by Privileges National Sins: Bring Down National Judgments National Sins: Cause the Withdrawal of Privileges National Sins: Children of Israel National Sins: Defile: National Worship National Sins: Defile: The Land National Sins: Defile: The People National Sins: Denunciations Against National Sins: Kingdom of Israel National Sins: Kingdom of Judah National Sins: Lead the Heathen to Blaspheme National Sins: Ministers should Mourn Over National Sins: Ministers should Pray for Forgiveness of National Sins: Ministers should Testify Against National Sins: Ministers should Try to Turn the People From National Sins: National Prayer Rejected on Account of National Sins: National Worship Rejected on Account of National Sins: Nations of Canaan National Sins: Often Caused and Encouraged by Rulers National Sins: Often Caused by Prosperity National Sins: Pervade all Ranks National Sins: Punishment For, Averted on Repentance National Sins: Saints Especially Mourn Over National Sins: should be Confessed National Sins: should be Mourned Over National Sins: should be Repented of National Sins: should be Turned From National Sins: Sodom and Gomorrah Sins of Omission and Commission Related Terms |
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