Genesis 19

1 two angels. Literally, “the two angels,” resuming the narrative from xviii. 22.—the gate. This term, which is often used, means an open place at the entrance of the town, which was then, as it still is in some parts of the East, the public resort for business or amusement, and the place where the king or the judges sat to administer justice (Deut. xvii. 5; xxv. 7; Ruth iv. 1-12; 2 Sam. xv. 2; 2 Kings vii. 1; Job xxix. 7).

8 my roof. Lot’s proposal proved his abhorrence of the wickedness of the Sodomites, and his anxiety to preserve the rights of hospitality, then and now, in Asiatic countries, a most sacred obligation (see Lev. xix. 33, 34; Judges xix., xx.; and cp. Rom. xii. 13; Heb. xiii. 2; 1 Pet. iv. 9). Lot’s error was in supposing “that a man may commit a smaller sin lest others should commit a greater.”

11. Blindness. Cp. Elisha’s prayer (2 Kings vi. 18), and the punishment of Elymas (Acts xiii. 11).

15 iniquity. Or, “punishment” (R.V. marg.).

20 a little one. Zoar, being so small, would contain but few sinners, and therefore Lot hopes it might be spared.

22 come thither. Abraham’s intercession, so far as regards Lot, is answered (ver. 29); though not in Abraham’s own way.

24 out of heaven. Probably a volcanic eruption, in which the ignited sulphur descending kindled the bituminous soil. Bitumen, sulphur, and salt, with volcanic products, still abound in the neighbourhood. This judgement is often referred to (Deut. xxix. 23; Isa. iii. 9; xiii. 19; Jer. xlix. 18; Amos iv. 11; Zeph. ii. 9); and is used as a warning to the ungodly (Matt. x. 15; Rom. ix. 29; 2 Pet. ii. 6; Jude 7).

26 salt. Lot’s wife was guilty of both disobedience and worldliness; see Luke xvii. 32, 33, and note. She was probably suddenly struck dead, and her form became incrustated with salt (or bituminous ash).

37. Moab. Moabites and Ammonites were in after ages neighbours, and often enemies, of Israel. Moab, “from [my] father”: Ben-ammi, “son of my people.” From the Moabite race, so disgraced in its origin, came an ancestress of the Messiah (Ruth i., iv.).