Topical Bible: Pillars: Lot's Wife Became a Pillar of Salt

◄ Pillars: Lot's Wife Became a Pillar of Salt ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The account of Lot's wife turning into a pillar of salt is one of the more striking narratives found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis. This event occurs during the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities notorious for their wickedness and sinfulness. The account is a powerful testament to the consequences of disobedience and the importance of heeding divine warnings.

Biblical Account

The narrative is found in Genesis 19. God, having determined to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sins, sends two angels to rescue Lot and his family from the impending judgment. The angels instruct Lot to take his wife and daughters and flee the city without looking back. Genesis 19:17 records the angels' command: "Flee for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!"

As Lot and his family flee, the Lord rains down sulfur and fire upon the cities, obliterating them. However, in Genesis 19:26 , it is written, "But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt." This transformation serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience to God's explicit commands.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, the account of Lot's wife is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about the dangers of longing for a sinful past and the importance of complete obedience to God. Her transformation into a pillar of salt is seen as a divine judgment for her reluctance to fully separate from the sinful environment of Sodom and Gomorrah. Her backward glance is symbolic of a divided heart, one that is not fully committed to God's will.

The narrative also underscores the theme of divine judgment and mercy. While God is just in His destruction of the wicked cities, He also provides a means of escape for Lot and his family, illustrating His mercy towards those who are righteous or who are associated with the righteous.

Cultural and Historical Context

In the ancient Near Eastern context, salt was a valuable commodity, often used for preservation and purification. The transformation of Lot's wife into a pillar of salt may carry symbolic meaning, suggesting that her fate serves as a lasting reminder of the consequences of disobedience. The geographical region around the Dead Sea, where Sodom and Gomorrah were located, is known for its high salt content, which may have influenced the narrative's imagery.

New Testament References

The account of Lot's wife is referenced in the New Testament as well. In Luke 17:32 , Jesus warns His disciples, "Remember Lot’s wife!" This admonition is given in the context of a discussion about the coming of the Kingdom of God and serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and not to cling to worldly attachments when faced with divine intervention.

Interpretations and Lessons

Throughout Christian history, the account of Lot's wife has been interpreted as a moral lesson on the dangers of disobedience and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. It serves as a reminder to believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to avoid the temptation to return to former ways of sin. The narrative encourages a forward-looking faith, one that trusts in God's provision and guidance without hesitation or regret.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 19:26
But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Five Catechetical Lectures the Same Author,
... the old history which tells us of Lot and his ... he had gained the mountain, while his
wife became a pillar ... 11.remarks that the region abounds in pillars of salt ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/five catechetical lectures the same.htm

Book 1 Footnotes:
... of its waters, especially since the like pillars of the ... proper wicked intention in
these daughters of Lot, when in ... ch.4. sect.2. Samson's wife, and Ruth, when ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 1 footnotes .htm

Mr. Bunyan's Last Sermon:
... Now, he had not ran far from his own door, but his wife and children perceiving
it ... point; I intend to go along with this good man, and to cast in my lot with him ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/mr bunyans last sermon .htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... and wheat, and wine, and oil, and salt, for their ... her fornications, gave her their
troth, and became her husbands ... is; yea, they are the very pillars and sinews ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

part i
... some power to the very window from which I was looking, looked round at the window,
seeking to find a human face in it; whilst others became confused, suddenly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part i.htm