Topical Bible: Sodom: Lot Lived In

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Introduction

Sodom, a city mentioned in the Book of Genesis, is one of the most infamous locations in biblical history. Known for its wickedness and eventual destruction, Sodom serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment against sin. The city is most notably associated with Lot, the nephew of Abraham, who chose to reside there despite its reputation for immorality.

Biblical Account

The narrative of Sodom is primarily found in Genesis 13, 18, and 19. Lot, the nephew of Abraham, chose to settle in the plains of Jordan, which included the city of Sodom, because of its fertile land. Genesis 13:10-12 describes Lot's decision: "Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. And Abram moved his tent and went to live near the great trees of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD."

Wickedness of Sodom

Sodom's reputation for sinfulness is well-documented in the Scriptures. Genesis 13:13 states, "But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD." The city's depravity is further highlighted in Genesis 18, where the LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah. The gravity of Sodom's sin is such that it prompts divine intervention.

Lot's Life in Sodom

Lot's life in Sodom is marked by tension between his righteousness and the city's immorality. Despite the wickedness surrounding him, Lot is described as a righteous man in 2 Peter 2:7-8 : "And if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)."

Lot's hospitality is demonstrated in Genesis 19 when two angels visit Sodom. Lot insists on providing them shelter, a stark contrast to the city's inhabitants who sought to harm the visitors. This incident underscores Lot's moral struggle and the pervasive evil of Sodom.

Destruction of Sodom

The destruction of Sodom is a pivotal event, illustrating God's judgment. In Genesis 19:24-25 , the LORD rains down sulfur and fire upon Sodom and Gomorrah, obliterating the cities and their inhabitants: "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He destroyed these cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground."

Lot and his family are spared from the destruction, but not without consequence. Lot's wife, looking back at the city, is turned into a pillar of salt, as recounted in Genesis 19:26 : "But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt."

Legacy and Symbolism

Sodom's legacy endures as a symbol of divine retribution against sin. Throughout the Bible, Sodom is referenced as a warning against immorality and a call to righteousness. Jesus Himself refers to Sodom in the Gospels, emphasizing the severity of its judgment (Matthew 10:15): "Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town."

The account of Sodom and Lot serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of living a life pleasing to God, even amidst a corrupt society.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 13:12
Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Abraham --The Father of the Faithful.
... lived there were so very wicked, and Abraham prayed Him to spare them if even ten
good men could be found in them, for he remembered that Lot lived in Sodom. ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iii abrahamthe father of.htm

Lot's Escape from a Wicked City
... upon Sodom and Gomorrah, and he destroyed those cities and all the plain, with all
the people who lived in it and all that grew on the ground. But Lot's wife ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/lots escape from a wicked.htm

The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals.
... to explain the origin of Israel's foes, the nomadic Ishmaelites, who lived south
of ... In the story of the destruction of Sodom Lot appears as the central figure. ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study v the pioneers influence.htm

Abraham's Four Surrenders
... I have no doubt that the men of Sodom said that Lot was. A MUCH SHREWDER MAN. than
his uncle Abram, and that if he lived twenty-five years he would be the richer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm

The Story of the Tower of Babel
... So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and lived in the
cities of the plain and moved his tent as far as Sodom. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the story of the tower.htm

'Because of his Importunity'
... Abraham did not intercede for Lot, but for the sinners in Sodom. ... Where had he learned
this brave pity? Where but from the God with whom he lived by faith? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/because of his importunity.htm

Here Followeth the Life of Abraham
... and our Lord rained from heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah ... Then Lot ascended from Zoar
and dwelled in the ... Sarah lived an hundred and twenty-seven years and died ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the life of.htm

The Story of Hagar and Ishmael
... more of the earth than those who had lived before the ... which the people built were
two called Sodom and Gomorrah. ... One good man named Lot and his family escaped. ...
/.../marshall/the wonder book of bible stories/the story of hagar and.htm

We Should not Hastily Impute as Crimes to the Men of Old Time ...
... Lot, who led forth his daughters from Sodom, and these ... thus to act while He dwelt
and lived among us ... Now this whole matter was indicated through Lot, that the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxi we should not hastily.htm

The Importance of a Choice
... the glorious Beyond, for which he lived, blazed too ... Lot began with choosing the plain;
then he crept a ... nearer, and pitched his tent 'towards' Sodom; next time ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the importance of a choice.htm