Bible Stories: Bible Stories-Classic Bible Story Two

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in the book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 18:16-19:29. It tells the account of two cities, Sodom and Gomorrah, and their destruction as a result of their extreme wickedness.

The story begins with three visitors who arrive near Abraham's tent. These visitors turn out to be angelic beings sent by God. As they converse with Abraham, they reveal that their purpose is to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah due to their great sinfulness.

Abraham, concerned for his nephew Lot who lived in Sodom, pleads with the visitors to spare the city if even a few righteous people can be found there. The angels agree that if they find ten righteous individuals, they will not destroy the city.

As the angels enter Sodom, Lot demonstrates hospitality by welcoming them into his home. However, the men of the city, both young and old, gather outside Lot's house, demanding to have sexual relations with the visitors. Recognizing the wickedness of the crowd, Lot offers his own daughters instead, an action which reveals the depravity of the city.

At dawn, the angels urge Lot and his family to flee the city before its impending destruction. As Lot, his wife, and their two daughters leave, they are warned not to look back. Unfortunately, Lot's wife disobeys and turns her gaze towards the city, instantly turning into a pillar of salt.

God rains down burning sulfur upon Sodom and Gomorrah, obliterating both cities and the surrounding plain. The destruction is complete, and nothing is left but ruins.

The significance of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah can be understood in several ways:

1. Judgment on extreme wickedness: The story highlights God's response to unrepentant sin and evil. The sinfulness and depravity of Sodom and Gomorrah reached such an extreme level that God's judgment was enacted upon them. It serves as a warning against the consequences of persistent immorality and rebellion against God.

2. God's justice and mercy: While destruction is ultimately brought upon Sodom and Gomorrah, the story also reveals God's justice and mercy. God allows Abraham to intercede for the cities, displaying his willingness to show mercy if righteous individuals were found. This emphasizes the importance of righteousness and the potential impact of even a few righteous individuals in communities.

3. Sexual immorality and hospitality: The story highlights the prevalence of sexual sin and the complete disregard for hospitality in Sodom. Lot's offering of his daughters showcases the moral decay and distorted values within the city. Conversely, the angels' visit to Abraham demonstrates the importance of hospitality found in a righteous person.

4. Warning against complacency: The story serves as a warning to believers about the dangers of becoming comfortable in sinful environments or communities. Like Lot, believers are called to be distinct from the world, not compromising their values or being swayed by prevailing immorality.

5. Lessons on obedience: Lot's wife's disobedience and subsequent transformation into a pillar of salt serve as a lesson on the importance of obedience and trust in God's instructions. It reminds believers to heed God's warnings and to remain focused on him rather than being drawn back towards a life of sin.

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a powerful reminder of God's judgment against wickedness, the importance of righteousness, the consequences of persistent sin, and the need for obedience and fidelity to God's commands. It also demonstrates God's justice and mercy, reminding believers of the importance of living lives distinct from the prevailing culture and the need to extend hospitality and righteousness in their communities.