Genesis 19

Genesis 19:1

TWo Angels] Two of the three which were with Abraham, wherein we see Gods provident care in preserving his, albeit he reveale not himselfe to all alike; For Lot had but two Angels, Abraham three that appeared unto him, and were entertained by him; Gen. 18. vers. 2. of which three one was God or the sonne of God; Called an Angel, Malachi 3:1. though in the resemblance of man; who stayed with Abraham while the other two went toward Sodome, Chap. 18. vers. 22. to destroy it, vers. 13. of this Chapter.

i the gate] As Abraham at his Tent doore, Chap. 18. 5: 1. where he might best observe who were the meetest objects for charitable entertainment, especially strangers, who at this time of the day (that is, evening) were either to take up their lodgings, or to abide in the streets all night.

Genesis 19:3

pressed upon them] That is prayed them instantly.

turned in] In the precedent verse they said they would abide in the street all night, and they meant sincerely so to have done, if Lots importunitie had not pressed them to turne in to him; for a slight invitation may be seriously refused, and that which is serious and urgent accepted afterwards, and that without either hypocrisie in the one, or levitie in the other. See the like, Luke 24. vers. 28, 29.

eate] See the Annot. on Chap. 18. vers. 8.

Genesis 19:4

old and young] All the people; nothing is more dangerous, then to dwell where sinne reigneth, for it corrupteth all: see Exodus 16:2. Jeremiah 9:4. & Jeremiah 32:32. Ezekiel 14:5. Nahum. 3. 1. therefore better to stay all night in the streets as the Angels spake, vers. 2. then to take up a lodging with such lewd hosts as the Sodomites were: And here we see that communitie in consent is no good argument of a good cause, for the whole Citie is assembled for a most wicked purpose against godly Lot, and his heavenly guests.

Genesis 19:5

know them] The Scripture in this word knowing modestly intimateth a most immodest meaning, not fit to be mentioned in plaine termes: see Genesis 4:1. Numbers 31:17. Judg. 19. 22. This sinne is from these men (men in shape though worse then beasts in their lusts, as the Angels in humane appearance were better then men) called Sodomie (as the buying of spirituall things from Simon Magus his offer, Acts 8:18. is called Simonie) and it is an abuse of either sexe against nature: see Levit. Chap. 18. 22, &c. 20. 13. Rom. 1. 23, 24. wherein the Sodomites were most impudent, Isaiah 3:9. and to their impudence was added violence, as 〈◊〉 those sonnes of Belial, Judg. 19. 22.

Genesis 19:7

brethren] Not by bloud, or affinitie, nor by profession of Religion; but by communitie of nature, and vicinitie of dwelling. In this courteous compellation, and submissive supplication to those who were disposed to doe the foulest deeds that could be, he shewed his patience and his prudence; when many are vehemently bent against one, smooth words must serve in stead of rough resistance; this is according to the Apostles counsell, 2 Tim. 2. 25.

Genesis 19:8

daughters] He deserveth praise in defending his holy and honourable guests from dishonourable violence and violation of their puritie; but he is to be blamed for seeking unlawfull meanes; for we may not doe evill, that good may come thereof, Romans 3:8. and it was the more evill because his daughters were betrothed, and in a manner married, vers. 14. though yet virgins, vers. 8. and howsoever it had been more shame in the Sodomites to offer that abuse to his guests, it was more sinne in Lot to offer to prostitute his daughters to their brutish and boundlesse lusts. Some thinke he made this motion, making account that such an offer would qualifie them so, as to take them off from both; as if one should pacifie an enraged man against a third person by offering a dagger to kill himselfe to spare the other; or as Reuben, Chap. 42. 37.

for therefore] That I should preserve them from all injurie; that was Lots intent in his invitation, and thereto they yeelded their consent, as if they came of purpose to put themselves under his protection.

Genesis 19:9

Judge] When the godly doe but their dutie, the wicked impute unto them usurpation above right, Exodus 2:14. 2 Chron. 25. 16.

worse] The wicked become worse by that which should make them better, and from shamelesse impudence, proceede to fearlesse violence.

Genesis 19:11

with blindnesse] Which though it were universall as the sinne was, yet it was not totall, for it seemes they could discerne the house but not the doore, as the Aramites, who had but a dimme or confused sight when they followed the Prophet they knew not whither, 2 Kings 6:18. The same word that is here used for blindnesse, (or blindnesses in the plurall number, because of the number of those that were blind, or the extraordinarie manner of the blindnesse it selfe) is used but once more in the Scripture, that is, 2 Kings 6:18. for the blindnesse of the Aramites, who had such a glimmering of sight that they could follow the Prophet, though they did not distinctly discerne who he was, or the way they went, or the Citie where they were: see Mar. 8. 24. Luke 24:16. And this blindnesse might be occasioned by the Angels representation of the doore as a continued wall, or of another figure then appeared before, or by thickning and darkning the aire that it could not clearely convey the species to the eye, or by weakening the eye-sight, or troubling the common sense that it could not plainly distinguish of the objects presented unto it, which sometimes we may discerne in drunkards, who have their eyes open, and yet doe not distinctly discerne what is set before them. The Sodomites eyes being before (as Saint Peter speaketh) full of adultery, 2 Peter 2:14. that cannot cease from sinne, but still lustfully gazing after beautie without distinction of male or female, were justly and utably punished in this sort.

Genesis 19:12

sonnes in law, or sonnes] They mention these severall itles to note how gracious Lot was, that for his sake those that pertained to him under what relation soever shold be preserved, if they would be warned of the danger; but it seemeth Lot had no sonnes of his owne, else he would have spoken to them as well as to his sonnes in law, vers. 14. whether he had other daughters then those two whom he offered to the Sodomites as pure virgins, vers. 8. may be doubted; if he had not, these sonnes in law were yet but espoused to them, because they wee virgins and the word [married] vers. 14. may according to the Originall be rendred [taking his daughters] that is, about to take, as well as had taken them to wife, or should marry (as some Translations vary the reading) See Deut. 22. vers. 23, 24. & Genesis 38:11,14. & Matth. 1. vers. 18, 19, 20. & 25 and these espousals were usefull and commendable preparatives before the consummation of marriage.

Genesis 19:15

which are here] Which phrase doth not necessarily imply that Lot had other daughters elsewhere, for which are here, or found, is according to the Hebrew word no more then which.

iniquitie] Or, punishment. So neere of kinne are sinne and punishment, that the one followeth the other as the effect doth the cause, and that one name may serve to signifie both: see Genesis 4:7; Genesis 4:13.

Genesis 19:16

laid hold] The mercy of God striveth to overcome mans slownesse in following his calling. See John 6:44.

Genesis 19:17

he said] That is, neither of the other two Angels, but he who staid behind with Abraham, Chap. 18. 22. while they went toward Sodome, and now in their return met them, and made himselfe knowne to Lot, as the passage betwixt them in the ensuing verses shews.

looke not behind] (Luke 9:62. Matthew 24:18.) The words though particularly spoken to Lot, were (as the event sheweth, vers. 26.) directed to the rest, who were so farre to renounce the delights, and to detest the lewdnesse of Sodome, and to make so much hast from it, as not to vouchsafe a looke towards it.

escape lest] Humane meanes is not to be contemned, though the deliverance be of Divine grace. See vers. 12. & Revelation 18:4.

Genesis 19:18

not so] (Acts 10:14.) Lots infirmitie of faith, and fearefulnesse here appeares, which makes him speake as if he saw a better way of securitie to himselfe then God had shewed him.

Genesis 19:19

I cannot escape] See Annot. on vers. 22.

Genesis 19:20

a little one] A place for the smalnesse of it of no great importance, but to be made an example of vengeance. The name of the Citie, Zoar, or, Tsoar, vers. 22. signifieth little, and being so, it is like there was the lesse sinne, and the more safety; and it was but a little way off, and so Lot might be sooner there, then at the mountaine.

Genesis 19:22

I cannot] Because Gods commandement was to destroy the Citie, and save Lot; it was thus decreed by God, and thus it needs must come to passe; wherein appeares how much the wicked are beholding to the godly for their company, and how much the godly are bound to God for his benignitie. See Isaiah 65:8.

Zoar] Which before was call Bela, Chap. 14. 2.

Genesis 19:24

Sodome and Gomorrah] And the neighbour Cities, Jeremiah 49:18. to wit, Admah, and Zeboim, mentioned as examples of Gods wrath, Hosea 11:8. and all foure are named together, as partners in the same punishment, Deuteronomy 29:23.

brimstone and fire] A fit punishment for so horrible a sinne; the stinke of brimstone and the heat of fire answering to the noysomenesse and burning of such uncleannesse; a sinne so contrary to God and man, that nature seemes to be inverted to punish it, and the paines of hell to come downe from heaven, fire contrary to its nature descending, and raine contrary to its nature not quenching, but burning where it fell.

from the Lord] That is, from himselfe, after the Hebrew phrase, putting the Noune for the Pronoune, as Genesis 1:27. & 2 Chronicles 7:2. and this shewing that this fierce vengeance came not from any inferiour, but from the supreme cause, even God himselfe. They who understand this place so, that the Lord raining from the Lord, should be meant of God the Sonne raining from God the Father, shew an attentive mind to the doctrine of the Trinitie but hence to argue for that point against the Jews, or Anti-Trinitarians is not so proper, since they may alledge there is an Hebraisme in the phrase, whereby the Noune is used for the Pronoune, (as hath beene said and shewne out of Scripture:) therefore the Syrmian Councel which anathematizeth those that deny this place for a proofe of the Trinitie, was rather rash then truly religious. See Caranz: Sum. Concil. fol. 9. p. b. in duodecimo.

Genesis 19:25

and all the plaine] Which had five Cities in it, Sodome, and Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboim, and Zoar, whereof all but the last and the least were consumed by the miraculous judgement, vers. 21. see Deuteronomy 19:23. which made the Lake Asphaltites, called the dead Sea, because no living creature is nourished in it, or the salt Sea; see Annot. on Chap. 14. 3. which in breadth is about five or sixe miles, in length about foure or five dayes journey; of which memorable and horrible things are reported by Josephus de Bello Judaico lib. 5. cap. 5. & Adrich. Delph. Theatr. ter. Sanct. in the Tribe of Judah, p. 52. nu. 186. p. 44. nu. 66. and in particular he reporteth that there are trees bearing fruit, faire without, and but with a touch falling into ashes; the like is testified by Solinus, 100: 48. and by Josephus in the place forecited. So doth God turne a fruitfull land into barrennesse for the wickednesse of them that dwell therein, Psalms 107:34.

Genesis 19:26

looked back] As too much minding the wicked City, or too little heeding the prohibition of God, who was to be obeyed to a glance or looke of the eye, though that glance would have saved those Cities.

pillar of salt] That place is noted for Salt as well as for Brimstone, Genesis 14:3. & Deuteronomy 29:23. This change was made as touching her body onely; some thinke she was strooke dead with lightning, and that her body was hardened and fixed in the place where it stood, and that it was of a salt and brackish smel, & therefore was called a pillar of salt. But Josephus according to the letter of the Text, saith, she was turned into a pillar of salt, Antiq. lib. 1. cap. 12. and that he hath seene it, and that it remained unto the day wherein he writ the report of it: and Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 31. cap. 17. maketh mention of salt so hard as to serve for slate for the building of houses, and to hold out against all meanes of melting. Howsoever, this change was a notable monument of Gods vengeance (to all that passed that way) for perpetuall memory thereof; for salt preserveth things from perishing and putrefaction, therefore a perpetuall Covenant is called a covenant of salt, Numbers 18:19. 2 Chronicles 13:5. and we must keepe her judgement in memory, for a caveat against Apostasie in the least degree, by vertue of our Saviours memorandum, Luke 17:32.

Genesis 19:29

remembred Abraham] It is not unlike that Abraham made particular intercession for Lot, at least that he had him in his mind when he prayed for Sodome; the prayer of one faithfull person avails much for another, Philem. 22. And Lot had the more need of Abrahams prayer, because for his living among the wicked (when he might have done otherwise) he deserved to be made partaker of the temporall punishment.

Genesis 19:30

mountaine] He was bidden before, vers. 17. to fly to the mountaine, but refused, and made choice of Zoar as more safe; now he is afraid of Zoar, and flyeth for refuge to the mountaine. Want of faith in God, and obedience to God, makes us fickle, and unstable, as James 1:8.

feared to dwell in Zoar, and dwelt in a cave] His feare might be lest Zoar might be guilty of the same sinnes for which Sodome was consumed; or, that he as a noted opposite to the Sodomites, should be accused as some cause of their calamitie, for the wicked are very forward in criminall charges against the godly; witnesse the complaints of the Heathens against the ancient Christians, to whom was imputed whatsoever misery whether from the hand of God or man befell mankind. See 100: 19. 9.

Genesis 19:31

not a man] Meaning in the Countrey which the Lord had now destroyed; being shut up in a cave, they expected no accesse of others unto them; else from the mountaine they might discerne Zoar remaining, and might, (but that their minds were troubled) have thought of their uncle Abraham, and his numerous family, who lived out of the compasse of this terrible desolation, though not very farre from the places that were destroyed: see vers. 28.

Genesis 19:32

drinke] For he would never have done that abominable act, if he had not beene overcome with wine, which might make him forget what was become of his wife, and so cause him not to doubt but that she was in his bed.

Genesis 19:33

perceived not] Drunkennesse drownes both the understanding, sense, and conscience: See vers. 35.

Genesis 19:34

this night also] Lot offended against the chastitie of both his daughters, in offering them up unto the Sodomites, and they now conspire against his chastitie, so is he punished in the same kind, wherein he offended; which is just, as from God, though evill in them: see Judg. 1. 7. 1 Samuel 15:33. 1 Kin. 19. 21.

Genesis 19:36

with child] Thus God permitteth him to fall most horribly in the solitary mountaine, whom the wickednesse of Sodome could not overcome; God suffers such commixtions to take effect, while he makes more lawfull conjunction fruitlesse, for the greater shame of the fact.

Genesis 19:37

Moab] Signifieth of the father, or, according to the meaning, a sonne begotten by my father. See Annot. on vers. 38.

Moabites] Who, as they were borne of horrible incest, so were they and their posteritie vile, and wicked: see Numbers 21:29. & Chap. 25. vers. 1, 2, 3. yet of such came vertuous Ruth, Rth 3:11. and of her was our blessed Saviour lineally descended, Matthew 1:5. So can God out of the corruptest stock produce the most pleasant, and wholesome fruit.

Genesis 19:38

Ben-ammi] That is, sonne of my people: signifying by this, and the former name Moab, vers. 37. that they rather rejoyced in their sinne then repented for it: Or, rather in their fruitfulnesse then in their offence; for they minded not carnall pleasure so much as the propagation of posteritie, and to preserve seed of their religious father; in whose example we see many proofes of humane infirmitie, as in the inconsiderate offer of his daughters to the Sodomites, his feeble faith touching his safetie; first in the Mountaine, then in Zoar; his drunkennesse and incest, though without his knowledge, which are recorded for Caution against presumption; for in many things we sinne all, saith Saint James, James 8:2. and against indiscreet imitation of the examples of the best, which we must take but with limitation, 1 Corinthians 11:1. and for consolation of those that offend of frailty; for notwithstanding his distrust, and in part disobedience, his suit was accepted, vers. 21. and after the worst of all this the holy Spirit maketh honourable mention of him by Saint Peter, God delivered just Lot vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked, 2 Peter 2:7.