We continue our “Series in “Genesis.”
BEFORE READING GENESIS 19, I RECOMMEND READING JOHN GILL’S INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS
Chapter CONTEXT from MHCC: The contents of this chapter we have, 2 Pt. 2:6-8, where we find that “God, turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, and delivered just Lot.” It is the history of Sodom’s ruin, and Lot’s rescue from that ruin. We read (ch. 18) of God’s coming to take a view of the present state of Sodom, what its wickedness was, and what righteous persons there were in it: now here we have the result of that enquiry. I. It was found, upon trial, that Lot was very good (v. 1-3), and it did not appear that there was any more of the same character. II. It was found that the Sodomites were very wicked and vile (v. 4-11). III. Special care was therefore taken for the securing of Lot and his family, in a place of safety (v. 12-23). IV. Mercy having rejoiced therein, justice shows itself in the ruin of Sodom and the death of Lot’s wife (v. 24-26), with a general repetition of the story (v. 27-29). V. A foul sin that Lot was guilty of, in committing incest with his two daughters (v. 30, etc.).
| Genesis chapter 19 Simplified Outline | |
| Ge 19:1-3. | Lot entertains two angels. |
| Ge 19:4-11. | The vicious Sodomites are smitten with blindness. |
| Ge 19:12-14. | Lot is warned, and in vain warns his sons-in-law. |
| Ge 19:15-23. | He is directed to flee with his family to the mountains, but obtains leave to go into Zoar. |
| Ge 19:24-25. | Sodom and Gomorrah are destroyed. |
| Ge 19:26-28. | Lot’s wife becomes a pillar of salt. |
| Ge 19:29-30. | Lot dwells in a cave. |
| Ge 19:31-38. | The incestuous origin of Moab and Ammon. |
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In our last post in this series, we saw Abraham attempting to negotiate with God to stave off the destruction of the city of Sodom. Abraham has a vested interest there since his nephew Lot and Lot’s family lived there. Abraham appealed to God first for 30, then 20, and finally if 10 righteous men are found in Sodom would not God hold off its destruction for their sake.
Today’s reading is clear evidence that there were not even 10 righteous men to be found. God demonstrates this to all by sending two angels to visit Lot and the men of Sodom want to attack them for their own pleasures. These angles instruct Lot and his family on how to escape the coming wrath of God against the sinfulness of the city’s inhabitants. Not all of Lot’s family can follow instructions, and Lot’s wife disobeys God and looks back upon the destruction of Sodom, her home, she is immediately turned into a pillar of salt.
There are two (2) points that clearly stick out to me. First is man’s depravity, Abraham surely warned Lot of his conversation with God, just as Lot warned his family (v.12-14). Yet these warnings fell on deft ears as man’s nature demands self-indulgence and moral corruption above all else.
Secondly that even those forewarned have issues with being truly obedient to God. We see this every day in pulpits and pews across America, (Sunday Christians) Holy rollers on Sunday, and unholy terrors the rest of the week. Being a Christian demands total obedience to God every day. Man’s sinful nature wants to overcome our desire to live a Godly life. The Apostle Paul dedicates all of Romans 7, to this matter.
Prayer For Godly Obedience
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 