b

17 And the LORD said, Shall I hide || said, P Wilt thou also destroy the rightfrom Abraham that thing which I do; eous with the wicked?

с

18 Seeing that Abraham shall surely e become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?

24 Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?

19 For I know him, that he will 25 That be far from thee to do after e command his children and his house- this manner, to slay the righteous with hold after him, and they shall keep the the wicked: and that the righteous should way of the LORD, to do justice and judg-be as the wicked, that be far from thee: ment: that the LORD may bring upon " Shall not the Judge of all the earth do Abraham that which he hath spoken of right?

him.

u

26 And the LORD said, If I find in 20 And the LORD said, Because the Sodom fifty righteous within the city, cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, then I will spare all the place for their and because their sin is very griev-sakes.

ous;

21 I will i go down k and now, see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.

22 And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.

[Practical Observations.]

23 ¶ And Abraham drew near,

b 2 Kings 4:27. Ps. 25:14. Am. 3:7. John 15:15. Jam. 2:23.

e See on 12:2,3.-22:17,18. Ps. 72:17. Acts 3:25,26. Gal. 3:8, 14. Eph. 1:3.

31.

g 4:10. 19:13. Jam. 5:4.
h 13:13.

and

11:5,7. Ex. 3:8. 33:5. Mic. 1:3.
John 6:38. 1 Thes. 4:16.

d 2 Sam. 7:20. Ps. 1:6. John 21: k Jer. 17:1. Zeph. 1:12. Heb. 17. 2 Tim. 2:19.

4:13.

weakness, and was exceedingly faulty; yet the rebuke was very gentle, and connected with a renewal of the promise!

28 Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And He said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.

29 And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be

p 20:4. Num. 16:22. 2 Sam. 24: | x John 5:22-27. 2 Cor. 5:10. 17. Ps. 11:4-7. Rom. 3:5,6. y ls. 65:8. Ez. 22:30. Matt. 24:

V. 17. The Lord would not conceal from V. 22. The two, whom we suppose to have "Abraham his friend," his intention of destroy-been created angels, departed at this time; ing the cities of the plain; for he was concern- and accordingly two entered Sodom at evening: ed in the event, both on account of Lot, and as while the One, called JEHOVAH throughout the inheritance of the adjacent countries was the chapter, continued with Abraham, who covenanted to his posterity. God would also "stood yet before the LORD;" before the same give his servant an opportunity to intercede Person with whom he had hitherto been comfor the criminals; and shew him the reasons of muning. his conduct, that he might approve of it, and glorify him on that account. (Note, John 15: 12-16.)

V. 23-26. When Abraham "engaged his heart" to intercede for the devoted cities. (Note, Jer. 30:19-22, v. 22.) he assumed it as V. 18, 19. The promises to Abraham and an unquestionable truth, that "the Judge of his posterity, and, through Christ, to the na- all the earth would do right." But, knowing how tions of the earth, were absolute; yet Abraham's "the righteous LORD delighteth in mercy," he conduct was an essential part of the gracious not only pleaded that the pious remnant might plan. The Lord also approved his servant's in-be preserved, but likewise that the rest might be tegrity, piety, and zeal; and knew that he would perseveringly instruct his family, set them a good example, and pray for them; and use his authority in restraining evil, and promoting justice and godliness among them. Of this he had just before given a remarkable proof, by obeying the Lord's command in circumcising himself and family. He would also train up Isaac in the same pious manner; and thus the way would be prepared, for the promised blessings to be conferred on his posterity.

spared for their sakes.He does not plead, that
'the wicked may be spared for their own sakes.
'or because it would be too severe to destroy
them.-This would have been siding with sin-
'ners against God!-Thus Christ makes inter-
'cession for sinners; not by arraigning the di-
vine law, not by alleging aught in extenuation
of human guilt; but by pleading his own obe-
'dience unto death.' Fuller.

V. 27, 28. While Abraham, with magnanimous philanthropy, pleaded for the guilty cities; V. 20, 21. The just judge does not pronounce he did not forget that he himself was but "dust sentence on mere rumor; but ascertains the and ashes," a poor, sinful, dying man. His arcriminal's guilt, before he executes ven-gument also was very ingenious: he had obtain geance. Thus the Lord declared, that he led from the divine condescension an assurance,

forty found there. And He said, I will not do it for forty's sake.

30 And he said unto him, "Oh, let not the LORD be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And He said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.

31 And he said, Behold now I have taken upon me to speak unto the LORD: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And He said, I will not destroy it for twenty's sake.

d 44:18. Judg. 6-39. Esth. 4:11 | e 27. Luke 11:8. 18:1. Eph. 6:
-16. Is. 55:8,9.
18. Heb. 4:16.

that Sodom should be saved, if fifty righteous persons could be found in it; and would the merciful God destroy the whole city for the want of only five of that number?

V. 32. Ten.] It is probable, that Abraham thought that he had now got within the limits of Lot's family; if, however, there were not that small number in Sodom and its dependencies, he must allow the justice of the sentence.-Not "a soul seems to have been won over, by Lot's residence in the place, to the worship of the 'true God.' Fuller.

V. 33. Surely this is calculated to convey to us the idea of a visible appearance and a personal conference! But "no man hath seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him:" and thence we infer, that this was an anticipation of the future incarnation of the Son of God.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS.

V. 1-15.

scrutiny is, the more numerous and atrocious abominations are generally detected and exposed.-"The secret of the LORD is with them that fear him:" and whether he does, or does not, discover to his people what he is about to do, he will eventually satisfy them of his wisdom and justice in his most awful judgments on the wicked; so that the whole will animate their admiring adorations and praises.-He graciously notices our attention to family-religion: and when we use our authority, and ability, in governing and instructing our households, it is not only an acceptable service, and conducive to the diffusion and continuance of piety in the world; but is also the means of entailing spiritual advantages on our posterity. while the neglect of it is often visited by sore judgments on them, as in the case of Lot, of Eli, and of Jehoshaphat.

V. 23-33.

And

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much:" and the ungodly are little aware how deeply they are indebted, as to temWe should not "be forgetful to entertain poral comforts, and that long-suffering, which strangers; for thereby some have entertained frequently makes way for their conversion and angels unawares;" nay, the Lord of angels him- salvation, to the prayers of the very persons self; as indeed we always do, when for his sake whom they despise and injure; nay, a number we entertain one of the least of his brethren.- in any nation or city, who stand in the gap by Cheerful liberality, and an obliging manner in their intercessions and exertions, are a strongshewing kindness, are great ornaments to true er defence, than armies, navies, or fortificapiety: and wealth, used to pious and beneficent tions. It is our duty and privilege thus to stand purposes, becomes indeed a blessing to the pos- before the Lord, not only in behalf of our relasessor and to many others.-Though our con- tives, friends, brethren, and country, but likedescending Lord does not vouchsafe to us his wise of all on whom we apprehend the wrath personal visits, yet still, by his word and Spirit, of God is about to be poured; and to fill our he "stands at the door and knocks;" and when mouth with arguments, and order our cause bewe are inclined to open, he deigns to enter; fore him in the best manner we can. and by his gracious consolations provides a rich though our unworthiness and vileness, comparentertainment, on which "he sups with us, and ed with his majesty and holiness, must frequentwe with him." (Note, Rev. 3:20-22.)-Evenly excite a consciousness, how unmeet we are, the strongest believers need repeated confirmations of their faith, and in trying circumstances sometimes "stagger through unbelief."One sin is commonly the introduction to another: and it is hardly to be expected that we should strictly adhere to truth, when we allow our-ate, and fervent petitions: for they are "spiritselves to question the divine veracity: but those "whom the Lord loves, he rebukes," silences, and brings to repentance, when they sin against him. The same action may in some cases be either good, or bad, as it springs from opposite internal principles.—Our discouragements also would be greatly removed, and our temptations prevented, did we more fully realize the almighty power of God, as engaged to fulfil his largest promises.

V. 16-22.

The righteous Lord exactly determines the degree of criminality, both of individuals and nations, and proportions his punishments to their sins; but, alas! the more particular the

thus "to engage our hearts to approach unto God;" yet, coming through our great and merciful High Priest to a throne of Grace, we, sinful dust and ashes, need not fear, that the Lord will be angry at our humble, compassion

ual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." We shall always find him more ready to hear, than we to ask; and shall commonly discontinue our requests, before he ceases to grant them. Yet in many cases we must be satisfied with the assurance, that our "prayers will return into our own bosom."-In pray ing for sinners, we should be careful not to impeach the justice of God in their condemnation: for we could not desire, that the destruction of the finally impenitent should be prevented.-The Lord will by no means deal alike with the righteous and the wicked. "That be far from him: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" Yet the best of men are sinners, and may

justly be involved in public calamities; especially this he imitated Abraham.-Two angels appearwhen they have not decidedly protested against ed to Lot, and He who spake as JEHOVAH was prevailing impiety, and separated from the wick-not sensibly present. Lot must be delivered ed: but God will make a more exact discrimina-as "a righteous man," and in regard to Abration in a future world. He delighteth, however, in mercy; and for the sake of a few who really serve him, he often prolongs the tranquillity and preserves the lives of multitudes; so that believers are not only blessed, but a blessing wherever they live. The good Lord be pleased to increase the number of them in our land, and in every part of the world!

u

blindness, they wea

12 ¶ And the men said unto Lot, t Hast thou here any besides? " son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place.

13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD, and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.

14 And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons-in-law, which married his daughters, and said, "Up, get ye out of this place; for the LORD will destroy this city: but he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law.

neighbors. (1 Cor. 15:33.) He thus, however, gave them occasion, by violently resenting so gentle and feeble an admonition, to manifest their excessive depravity, in the most striking manner imaginable.

f

17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.

18 And Lot said unto them, "Oh, not so, my Lord.

19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewed unto me in saving my life: and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die.

k

21 And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city, for the which thou hast spoken.

22 Haste thee, escape thither: P for l cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

23 The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.

r

24 Then the LORD rained upon Sod

f1 Sam. 19:11. 1 Kings 19:3. |
Matt. 3:7. 24:16-18. Heb.
2:3.

g 26. Luke 17:31,32.

h2 Kings 5:11,12. John 13:6-
8. Acts 9:13. 10:14.
i1 Tim. 1:14-16.

k 12:12,13. 1 Sam. 27:1. Ps.
77:7-11. 116:11. Matt. 8:25,
26. Mark 9:19. Rom. 8:31.
1 30. Prov. 3:5-7.

m 12:13. Ps. 119:175.

n Ps. 102:17. 145:19. Matt. 12:
20. Heb. 2:17. 4:15,16.

cape.

Heb. thy face.

o 12:2. 18:24.

p 32:26-28. Ex. 32:16. Deut. 9:14. Mark 6:5. 2 Tim. 2:13. Tit. 1:2.

q 13:10. 14:2. Is. 15.5. Jer. 48: 34.

Heb. gone forth.

r Deut. 29:23. Job 18:15. Ps. 11:6. Is. 13:19. Jer. 49:18 50: 40. Lam. 4:6. Ez. 16:49,50. Hos. 11:8. Am. 4:11. Zeph. 2:9. Matt. 11:23,24. Luke 17: 28,29. 2 Pet. 2:6. Jude 7.

And at last, through unbelief and undue valuation of worldly things, he was unwilling entirely to quit the plain and flee to the mountain: yet mercy prevailed; and Zoar, a small city, was spared in condescension to his infirV. 11. The persons, thus smitten with blind- mity, and in answer to his request! Zoar signess, seem not to have been aware of their real nifies Little: it was before called Bela; but condition: but, supposing they saw objects being spared because it was a little city, it af which indeed they did not see, they were en- terwards retained the name of Zoar.-Lot adtirely bewildered, and wearied themselves with dressed himself especially to the angel, who seeking the door, while incapable of perceiv-led him out of Sodom, and was answered by ing where it really was. (Notes, 2 Kings 6:18 --20.) V. 13. We will destroy... the Lord hath sent This is the language of servants obeying orders; and very different from that employed in the preceding chapter. (Marg. Ref.) V. 14, 15. Probably the sons-in-law, here mentioned, had married other daughters of Lot; who either were dead, or they perished in the ruin of the city. (Note, Rev. 18:4-8.)

us.7

V. 16-22. Lot was forbidden to look behind him; as this would indicate great reluctance to leave his property in Sodom, and to quit the fertile plain which had so long ensnared him. Indeed, his attachment was so strong to Solom, and his lingering so criminal, that it was an instance of special indulgence, that he was not left to loiter till it was too late to es

him; yet the other seems to have continued with his family. Many indeed suppose, that he, who appeared and spake to Abraham as JEHOVAH, had now joined them; but there is no decided proof of it. The angels might have a commission to spare Zoar at Lot's request; and he might express his gratitude to the instru ment of his preservation, when visibly present. in the language here used, without ascribing to him the honor due to God alone.-Lot must arrive at a place of safety, before vengeance could be inflicted on Sodom: this implied a rebuke of his unbelieving fears, as well as a most condescending assurance of the Lord's merciful care of him.

V. 23. The rising sun promised a cheerful day; but how speedily and awfully was the prospect changed!

om and upon Gomorrah, brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven.

d

32 Come, let us make our father & drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of 33 And they made their father drink the cities, and that which grew upon the wine that night: and the first-born went ground. in, and lay with her father; and he per26 But his wife looked back from be-ceived not when she lay down, nor when hind him," and she became a pillar of salt. she arose. 27 ¶ And Abraham gat up early in the morning, to the place where he stood

before the LORD.

28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.

29 And it came to pass, when God

34 And it came to pass on the morrow, that the first-born said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

h

35 And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger destroyed the cities of the plain, that arose, and lay with him; and he perceivGod remembered Abraham, and sented not when she lay down, nor when she Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, || arose. when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

V 24, 25. The language here is remarkable; "JEHOVAH rained... from JEHOVAH out of heaven:" and it is supposed by many expositors to confirm the opinion, that He, who appeared and spake to Abraham as JEHOVAH, was visibly present at Sodom, immediately commanding the fire and brimstone from heaven to destroy|| the city. The judgment came, however, "as a destruction from the Almighty;" and we need not inquire how he effected it. But the cities and all the inhabitants were totally destroyed; and the whole plain was converted into a great lake, called the Salt Sea, or Dead Sea; which exhibits an appearance, in many respects extraordinary, and dissimilar to that of all other seas or lakes.

V. 26. This unhappy woman, contrary to God's express command, in unbelief and love to Sodom and its riches, regretting what was left behind, and probably purposing to return, "looked back;" and as some think, actually attempted to return; and our Lord's words, "Let him not return back; remember Lot's wife," favor this supposition. She was therefore instantaneously struck dead and petrified, and thus remained to after-ages a visible monument of the divine displeasure; being punished as a warning to others through successive generations.-Perhaps she was a native of Sodon, as nothing is said of Lot having a wife, when with Abraham.--Above twenty years had passed, from the time that Lot went to Sodom.

||

36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.

37 And the first-born bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day.

38 And the younger she also bare a son, and called his name Ben-ammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

d 921. Prov. 23:31-33. Hab.

2:15,16.

e Lev. 18:6,7. Mark 12:19.
f Prov. 20:1.23:29-35.

g Is. 3:9. Jer. 3:3, 6:15. 8:12.
h Ps. 8:4. Ec. 7:26. Luke 21:
34. 1 Cor. 10:11,12 1 Pet.

4:7.

1

i 8. Judg. 1:7. 1 Sam. 15:33. k Num. 22:-24: Deut. 2:9, 23: 8. 2 Sam. 8: 2 Kings 3:

1 Deut. 2:19. Judg. 11: 1 Sam. 11: 2 Sam. 10: Neh. 13:1-3, 23-28. Ps. 83:4-8.

V. 27-29. Abraham rose early to inquire after the success of his prayers, and probably to renew them: but the awful scene which he witnessed effectually precluded further intercession for those cities. Yet God remembered Abraham, and rescued Lot, more in answer to Abraham's prayers, than as approving Lot's behavior.

V. 30. Lot retired from the place which he had chosen, perhaps finding it as wicked as Sodom: and that consideration, joined to the inundating of the neighboring plain by the obstructed waters of Jordan, might excite apprehensions for his safety. He went, therefore, to reside in a cave, probably on the very mountain, to which he was at first commanded to flee. But what hindered his return to Abraham? Doubtless Abraham would have received him, though stript of all, and a wretched outcast. We cannot but attribute his conduct to stoutness of spirit, and fear of contempt, if he should appear so degraded among those, whe had known him in more prosperous days Whatever were his reasons, he forsook his ow mercies.-No doubt his herdmen, as well as nu herds, perished in the overthrow of Soda How different was his family from that o Abraham!

V 31-38. Many conjectures have beer formed concerning the motives, which induced Lot's daughters to this most atrocious conduct and many excuses have been attempted. It is not indeed improbable that the desire of hav