Sodom and Gomorrah

 September 10, 2020 (Thursday)

     Genesis 19 is not a cheerful chapter. It’s one of judgement drained out on sin. In today’s weird, wacky, and wonky world it’s something people want to entomb with group-think. (“A pattern of thought characterized by self-deception, forced manufacture of consent, and conformity to group values and ethics” Merriam-Webster.com)

     The two angels enter Sodom to be greeted by Lot, “The two messengers entered Sodom in the evening. Lot, who was sitting at the gate of Sodom, saw them, got up to greet them, and bowed low.” [Genesis 19:1 CEB] Lot sitting at the gate reveals he is some sort of government official. Presumably a judge from the rest of the story. He invites the men to his house. Actually, “He pleaded earnestly with them.” [Genesis 19:3a CEB]

     From here the story turns grisly. A mob forms, “Before they went to bed, the men of the city of Sodom—everyone from the youngest to the oldest—surrounded the house.” [Genesis 19:4 CEB] The trouble with mobs is that they develop a group-think. The consequence of joining a group-think can be devastating.

     What was the demand? “… Where are the men who arrived tonight? Bring them out to us so that we may have sex with them.” [Genesis 19:5 CEB] There is no way to sugar-coat this or bring this down to an R-rating. Their intention was to rape the visitors. This act in this chapter should have been a cautionary tale, yet it would be repeated later in Israel’s history (it ended differently).

     Lot offers his two virgin daughters in exchange for the angels (see Genesis 19:8). His reason? The men are under his protection. Some have suggested this was standard practice in ancient Middle Eastern culture. While that may be accurate, it misses the fact that Lot bowed low to angels. Lot understood who they were and, I think, perceived the reason for their visit.

     Lot does what he can to prevent the destruction of Sodom and the surrounding cities with this offer. Their response to his attempt, “They pushed Lot back and came close to breaking down the door.” [Genesis 19:9c CEB] The angels rescue Lot, blind the men at the entrance, and tell Lot to gather everyone who will go. “For we are about to destroy this city completely. The outcry against this place is so great it has reached the Lord, and he has sent us to destroy it.” [Genesis 19:13 NLT]

     Even in the end, Lot does what he can for the condemned, “He hesitated, but because the Lord intended to save him, the men grabbed him, his wife, and two daughters by the hand, took him out, and left him outside the city.” [Genesis 19:16 CEB] He was willing to put his own life between judgment and those about to be destroyed. Lot does manage to save the city of Zoar (see Genesis 19:22).

     Despite being warned, “When Lot’s wife looked back, she turned into a pillar of salt.” [Genesis 19:26 CEB] We do not know why she looked back. Maybe she was thinking about what she was leaving behind. Jesus used this story in Luke 17:28 -- 33 to describe the end times. Like the days of Lot, fire and sulfur will fall. Lot's wife was someone who wanted her stuff more than her life.

     Here is an observation: it seems God judges us on our behavior not motivation. It does not matter why we do or do not do the things we do. It only matters if we do or do not do them. The Hebrew word for “repent” carries the idea of changed behavior. The Greek word for “repent” carries the idea of changed mind. In ancient Greek culture the mind ruled behavior.

     “Don’t be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds so that you can figure out what God’s will is—what is good and pleasing and mature.” [Hebrews 12:2 CEB]