Analyzing the story of lot (part 2)

Four parts & post dates
Sept. 7th Intro - Before
Sept. 14th During (this one)
Sept. 21st After
Sept. 28th Summary

DURING: 

Chapter 19 (destruction of Sodom) verses 1 – 26 & 27-29 about Abraham
Chapter 19: Re-enter Lot (whom has not been spoken of since chapter 14).  Verse 1 tells us Lot was sitting at the gate, which some suggests can mean one of two things, either Sodom was so evil he could not stomach it during the day or he was an elder sitting at the gate of the city.  Right after Lot brought these angels to his house the city mob of both young and old men who tried to break down and demanded to have the angels (4 and 5), Lot offered his daughters (8) – an action that is unthinkable, however some suggest the custom was to protect guests at some cost but others have also suggested that he did this knowing they wouldn’t accept them. When Lot refused to give up the men they used the classic reply of “don’t judge me” although worded different (9). This refusal caused a reaction in the men who challenged Lot saying they would do worse to him, and almost broke down the door! Men of Sodom were then blinded by the angels (11).  The angels did tell Lot they are going to destroy the city (13). Angels then proceeded to ask lot about any family members, asking about sons-in-law (v 12) but when Lot went to them to warn them they laughed at him (14).  It is interesting that Lot lingered, and had to be essentially pushed out of the city (16 and 17). The angels tell Lot to head to the mountains; however he goes to Zoar which causes it to be spared (19-23). It is interesting that Sodom was not destroyed until Lot entered Zoar (22)!! Destruction of Sodom finally happens in verse 24, and he levels the city (25).  Lot’s wife is never named and will forever be known as the lady that was turned into salt(26), however she just did not look behind her, but lingered behind her not wanting to leave Sodom and all she had there when this happened she ended up being encrusted into salt.

Chapter 19: 1-26 Nuggets:

• Lot was at the gate of the city, denoting a position in the city (Deut 21 suggests the elders sit at the gate of the city)
• The famous offering his daughters to protect the angels in his house, it was accustom to protect the guests at all cost, however some suggest that Lot knew the city mob was past the point of wanting a woman
• Men of Sodom told Lot he was judging them for telling them to not to be wicked.
• When Lot did this they became violent! 
•  Lot’s daughters it is implied they were married but still virgins.
• Lot had to be forced out of the city (16 & 17)
• Zoar was spared because Lot went to it instead of the mountains like he was originally told! 
• Sodom was not destroyed until after Lot was in Zoar (22)! 
• Lot’s wife was looking back longing for the days; it was not a mere glance

Chapter 19:27-29 Nuggets about Abraham

- it is clear through these scriptures Abraham’s prayers is the main reason God changed his plan concerning these cities.