Sodom is one of the most infamous cities mentioned in the Bible, known primarily for its destruction due to the wickedness of its inhabitants. It is first mentioned in Genesis 10:19 as part of the boundaries of the Canaanites. Sodom, along with Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela (Zoar), formed the "cities of the plain" (Genesis 13:12).

The narrative of Sodom is most prominently featured in Genesis 18-19. The city is described as exceedingly sinful, and its reputation for immorality and depravity is well-documented. In Genesis 18, the Lord reveals to Abraham His intention to destroy Sodom due to its grave sinfulness. Abraham intercedes, and God agrees to spare the city if ten righteous people can be found there (Genesis 18:32).

In Genesis 19, two angels visit Sodom and are met by Lot, Abraham's nephew, who insists they stay at his house. The men of Sodom, both young and old, surround Lot's house and demand to have relations with the visitors, demonstrating the city's moral corruption (Genesis 19:4-5). The angels strike the men with blindness and warn Lot to flee the city with his family. Lot and his daughters escape, but his wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26).

The destruction of Sodom, along with Gomorrah, is executed by the Lord raining down sulfur and fire from heaven (Genesis 19:24-25). This event serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment against sin and is referenced throughout Scripture as a warning against ungodliness (e.g., Deuteronomy 29:23, Isaiah 1:9-10, Jude 1:7).

Egypt

Egypt holds a significant place in biblical history, serving as both a place of refuge and a symbol of oppression. It is first mentioned in Genesis 12:10 when Abram (later Abraham) goes down to Egypt to escape a famine. Egypt is often depicted as a land of abundance, but also as a place of idolatry and paganism.

The most notable biblical narrative involving Egypt is the account of the Israelites' enslavement and subsequent exodus. The Israelites, descendants of Jacob, initially settled in Egypt during a famine, as recounted in Genesis 46. Over time, they became enslaved by a Pharaoh who did not remember Joseph, who had risen to power in Egypt and saved the nation from famine (Exodus 1:8-14).

The book of Exodus details the oppression of the Israelites and God's deliverance through Moses. God sends ten plagues upon Egypt to compel Pharaoh to release the Israelites, culminating in the death of the firstborn (Exodus 12:29-30). The Israelites' escape from Egypt, known as the Exodus, is a foundational event in Jewish and Christian theology, symbolizing redemption and God's faithfulness.

Egypt is also mentioned in the prophetic books as a symbol of worldly power and opposition to God's people. In Isaiah 31:1, the prophet warns against relying on Egypt for military aid instead of trusting in the Lord. In the New Testament, Egypt serves as a place of refuge for the Holy Family when Joseph, Mary, and Jesus flee from King Herod's massacre (Matthew 2:13-15).

Throughout the Bible, Egypt is portrayed as a land of both refuge and bondage, a place where God's people experience both provision and persecution. Its role in biblical history underscores themes of deliverance, judgment, and the sovereignty of God over nations.