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Genesis 19

38 verses

TL;DR

Lot’s hospitality to angels leads to his rescue and escape from Sodom, which is subsequently destroyed by divine judgment; the chapter ends with the birth of Moab and Ammon from Lot’s daughters.

Summary

Lot welcomes two angels at Sodom’s gate and offers them hospitality, but the sinful men of the city threaten his family. The angels protect Lot, who attempts to offer his daughters instead of the men, and they ultimately escort him, his wife, and daughters out of the city. The angels advise Lot to flee to the mountain, but he settles in Zoar, where he later escapes Sodom’s destruction. God rains brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying the cities and their inhabitants, while Lot’s wife turns into a pillar of salt for looking back. The surviving Lot and his daughters move to a cave; fearing lack of men, the daughters drug their father and conceive sons, Moab and Ben‑Ammi, founders of the Moabites and Ammonites.

Outline
  1. Lot’s hospitality and the threat from Sodom’s men
  2. Rescue and escape guided by angels
  3. Destruction of Sodom, aftermath, and rise of Moab and Ammon
Themes
hospitality and its limitsdivine judgment versus mercyconsequences of sin and the continuity of covenant peoples
Keywords
hospitalitysinjudgmentdestructioncovenantmercy
People
LotLot’s wifeLot’s daughterstwo angelsmen of SodomAbraham
Places
SodomGomorrahZoarthe mountainthe plain
Things
angelsbrimstonefirepillar of saltwinecave
Key Verses
  • Genesis 19:24: God’s judgment with brimstone and fire
  • Genesis 19:26: Lot’s wife becomes a pillar of salt
  • Genesis 19:36: Birth of Moab, founder of the Moabites
Questions
  • What does Lot’s hospitality reveal about his character?
  • Why does God allow the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah?
  • How does the narrative explain the origins of the Moabites and Ammonites?
  • What moral lessons can be drawn from the daughters’ actions?
  • How does this chapter fit into the broader covenantal narrative with Abraham?
Sentiment

negative
depicts sin, judgment, and destruction, tempered by divine mercy and rescue.