Topical Encyclopedia Sodom, an ancient city located in the region of the Jordan Valley, is most famously known for its association with extreme wickedness and divine judgment. The narrative of Sodom is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where it is depicted as a city steeped in sin, ultimately leading to its destruction by God.Biblical Account The account of Sodom is introduced in Genesis 13:10-13, where Lot, Abraham's nephew, chooses to settle in the fertile plains of the Jordan, near Sodom. The text notes, "Now the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD" (Genesis 13:13). This initial description sets the stage for the city's reputation for moral depravity. The most detailed account of Sodom's wickedness is found in Genesis 19. Two angels, appearing as men, visit Sodom and are welcomed by Lot. The men of Sodom, described as "both young and old, surrounded the house" (Genesis 19:4), demanding that Lot bring out his guests so they could "know them" (Genesis 19:5), a euphemism for sexual relations. This incident highlights the city's pervasive immorality and the inhabitants' blatant disregard for hospitality and righteousness. Divine Judgment The wickedness of Sodom, along with its neighboring city Gomorrah, prompts divine intervention. In Genesis 18, God reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah. Despite Abraham's intercession, where he pleads for the cities to be spared if righteous individuals can be found, the lack of such individuals leads to their destruction. Genesis 19:24-25 recounts, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and the vegetation of the ground" . Symbol of Sin and Judgment Throughout the Bible, Sodom becomes emblematic of sin and divine judgment. The prophets frequently reference Sodom to illustrate the severity of Israel's own transgressions. Isaiah 1:9-10 warns, "Unless the LORD of Hosts had left us a few survivors, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah" . Similarly, Ezekiel 16:49-50 attributes Sodom's downfall to pride, gluttony, and neglect of the poor, further emphasizing the city's moral failures. In the New Testament, Sodom serves as a cautionary example. Jesus, in Matthew 10:15, declares that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for towns that reject His disciples. Jude 1:7 also references Sodom and Gomorrah as examples of those who "indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh," serving as a warning of eternal fire . Cultural and Theological Impact The account of Sodom has had a profound impact on Judeo-Christian thought, often cited in discussions of morality, divine justice, and the consequences of sin. The term "sodomy" has historically been derived from the city's name, reflecting its association with sexual immorality. Sodom's narrative underscores the biblical theme of God's righteousness and the inevitable judgment that follows unrepentant wickedness. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 13:13But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 19:4-13 Deuteronomy 32:32 Isaiah 3:9 Jeremiah 23:14 Lamentations 4:6 Ezekiel 16:46,48,49 Jude 1:7 Library Chapter xiii The Remarkable Faith of the Ninevites is Related to have Been ... "Destroyed for Lack of Knowledge" The Pioneer's Influence Upon a Nation's Ideals. On Justice and Goodness. Book 4 Footnotes The Sins of Communities Noted and Punished. On the Sunday Called "Episozomenes," to those who had Come to ... Chapter xix Evans -- the Fall and Recovery of Man Resources What does it mean to “remember Lot's wife” in Luke 17:32? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Queen James Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Abraham and Lot? | GotQuestions.org Sodom: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sodom: Abraham's Intercession For Sodom: Destroyed on Account of the Wickedness of the People Sodom: King of, Joins Other Kings of the Nations Resisting the Invasion of Chedorlaomer Sodom: Situated on the Plain of the Jordan River Sodom: The Southeastern Limit of the Canaanites Sodom: Wickedness of the Inhabitants of Related Terms |
    |