THE RESCUE OF LOT FROM SODOM AND HIS DOWNWARD SPIRAL

Genesis 19:1-38

Q.1. What sin in Sodom brought God’s judgment? What did they think of Lot’s intervention? (Gen.19:1-11)

It is obvious that Lot was aware of the homosexual abuses that blighted Sodom. For that reason, he strongly urged the two angels not to stay in the public square, but to come home to the safety of his home (see Gen.19:1-3). Before the men retired for bed, both the young and older men of the city demanded that Lot hand them over to be sexually abused (see Gen.19:4-6).  Lot offered his virgin daughters instead, but they reacted angrily and accused him of acting as their judge. They tried to break down the door, but were struck with blindness by the angels, so were unable to achieve their evil intent (see Gen.19:8-11). 

Q.2. How did the men betrothed to Lot’s daughters respond to the warnings of judgment? How far had the exposure to evil made Lot and his wife indifferent to the dangers of sin?  (Gen.19:12-22)

The angels made a valiant effort to save all of Lot’s future family from the pending destruction. The two men betrothed to Lot’s daughters would not believe Lot, when he told them that the city was about to be destroyed (see Gen.19:12-14). Despite the pleading from the angels, Lot hesitated, thus requiring the angels to take him forcibly out of Sodom (see Gen.19:15-16). Once outside the city, the angels urged Lot to escape to the hills, lest his family would be caught up in the destruction. Lot pleaded that he be allowed to settle in the nearby town of Zoar. His request was granted (see Gen.19:17-22). Lot had lost his moral compass, by living in Sodom.

Q.3. What happened to Sodom and Gomorrah, and Lot’s wife? What difference did Abraham make? (Gen.19:23-29)

The cities of the Jordan Valley were all destroyed by fire from the Lord out of Heaven. It would turn from a virtual Garden of Eden to become a barren wasteland. Lot’s wife looked back at Sodom in disobedience, so was turned into a pillar of salt (see Gen.19:23-26). However, Lot’s family connection with Abraham undoubtedly saved his life, as God remembered His servant (see Gen.19:29). 

Q.4. How did Lot’s addiction to the ease of city living lead his family in a downward spiral? What does this story teach us about living in an ungodly society? (Gen.19:30-38)

Abraham was going from strength to strength in his life, and in his relationship with God. By contrast, Lot had learned almost nothing. He ended up in a cave with his daughters.  They made him drunk, and in the incestuous union, Lot became the father of the Moabites and the Ammonites (see Gen.19:30-38). The Moabites and the Ammonites would become the enemies of God’s people. However, Ruth who married into the family tree of the Messiah, was a Moabitess (see Ruth 1:4; 4:13, 17). There is little doubt that the culture we live in can have a significant influence on our value system and moral conscience. The benefits of this modern society may easily become a curse. The New Testament warns us that the Last Days will be times of moral decline and lawlessness (see Mt.24:10-13; 2 Tim.3:1-7; Jude 17-19).