About Genesis

Genesis is the book of beginnings, recording the creation of the world, the origin of humanity, the entrance of sin, and the beginning of God's plan of redemption through the family of Abraham.

Author: MosesWritten: c. 1445-1405 BCReading time: ~5 minVerses: 38
CreationFall of ManCovenantFaithProvidenceRedemption

King James Version

Genesis 19

38 verses with commentary

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them ro...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

XIX. (1) **And there came two angels.**—Heb., *And the two angels came. *It is a continuation of the preceding narrative, and takes up the history from Genesis 18:22. **Lot sat in the gate of Sodom.**—He had therefore become a citizen of Sodom, probably after the deliverance from the Elamite invasion, when, as a relative of Abraham, he would be treated with great honour. This personal respect had ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all nig...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(2) **In the street.**—That is, the broad open space of the city. (Comp. Judges 19:15; Judges 19:20.) In a warm climate there is little hardship in passing the night in the open air; and as at this early date there were no caravanserais, travellers had to lodge in this way unless they found some hospitable entertainer.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he ma...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(3) **He pressed upon them greatly.**—This he did as knowing the licentiousness of the people; but the angels do not readily accept his hospitality, as they had done that of Abraham, because his character had deteriorated. **Unleavened bread.**—Heb., *thin cakes, *like those now eaten by the Jews at the Passover. They took little time in preparation, for which reason we find them also used by the ...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, bot...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(4) **From every quarter.**—Heb., *from the end. *This may mean, either, “to the last man.” or “from the very end of the town.” In either case it shows that there were not in Sodom the ten righteous men who would have availed to save it (Genesis 18:32).

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ge 18:16-22. Disclosure of Sodom's Doom. **16. the men rose ... Abraham went with them--**It is customary for a host to escort his guests a little way.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bri...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**17. the Lord said, Shall I hide--**The chief stranger, no other than the Lord, disclosed to Abraham the awful doom about to be inflicted on Sodom and the cities of the plain for their enormous wickedness.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central the...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes include God's...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes: only unto these men do nothing ; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto y...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(8) **I have two daughters.**—It is plain from Judges 19:24 that this proposal was not viewed in old time with the horror which it seems to deserve. Granting with St. Ambrose that it was the substitution of a smaller for a greater sin, and with St. Chrysostom that Lot was bound by the laws of hospitality to do his utmost to protect his guests, yet he was also bound as a father equally to protect h...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will need...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **This one fellow came in to sojourn.**—Heb. *the one came to sojourn, *as if an extraordinary concession had been made in Lot’s favour in allowing him to dwell within their walls. In ancient times the rights of citizenship were most jealously guarded, and the position of a sojourner made very bitter. **He will needs be a judge.**—Heb., *is ever acting as a judge. *This suggests that Lot had p...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**21. I will go down ... and see--**language used after the manner of men. These cities were to be made examples to all future ages of God's severity; and therefore ample proof given that the judgment was neither rash nor excessive (Eze 18:23; Jr 18:7).

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfi...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so t...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(11) **Blindness.**—This word occurs elsewhere only in 2Kings 6:18, and in both cases it is plain that actual blindness is not meant. Had the men here been struck with blindness they would not have wearied themselves with trying to find the door, but would either have gone away in terror at the visitation, or, if too hardened for that, would have groped about till they found it. So, if the Syrian ...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

Ge 18:23-33. Abraham's Intercession. **23. Abraham drew near, and said, &amp;c.--**The scene described is full of interest and instruction--showing in an unmistakable manner the efficacy of prayer and intercession. (See also Pr 15:8; Jas 5:16). Abraham reasoned justly as to the rectitude of the divine procedure (Ro 3:5, 6), and many guilty cities and nations have been spared on account of God's p...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And the men said unto Lot, 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:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
Read full commentary →

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

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(14) **Which married his daughters.**—Heb., *the takers of his daughters*—a present participle, for which reason Ewald, Tuch, and others translate “who were to marry his daughters.” The traditional view is that given in our Version, and is confirmed by Genesis 19:15, where the words—“thy two daughters which are here,” Heb., *which are found*—certainly suggest the idea that Lot had other daughters,...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city. are here: Heb. are found iniquity: or, punishment

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **When the morning arose.**—Lot had thus the night for making his preparations, but part of this he spent in his visits to his sons-in-law. **Consumed.**—Heb., *swept away; *and so in Genesis 19:17. See Genesis 18:23-24, where it is rendered “destroy.”

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **And while he lingered.**—Heb., *and he lingered. *Lot still clung to his wealth, and could not make up his mind to leave it, and so at length the angels took him by the hand and compelled him to quit the doomed city. **The Lord being merciful unto him.**—Heb., *in Jehovah’s pity for him. *(Comp. Isaiah 63:9.)

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; loo...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(17) **Abroad.**—Heb., *outside*—that is, of the city. **Look not behind thee.**—This was not merely to prevent delay, but also showed that God demanded of them a total abandonment in heart and will of the condemned cities, and hence the severity with which the violation of the command was visited. **Plain.**—The Ciccar or circle of Jordan. So also in Genesis 19:25; Genesis 19:28-29; see Note on G...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my Lord:...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes include God's uncond...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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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:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(19) **Lest some evil.**—Heb., *lest the evil, *lest the threatened calamity overtake me and I die.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, ( is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is i...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
Read full commentary →

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. thee: Heb. thy face

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he said unto him, See, I have accepted thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthro...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(21) **I have accepted thee.**—Heb., *I have lifted up thy face. *(See Note on Genesis 4:6-7.)

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**33. the Lord ... left communing ... and Abraham returned unto his place--**Why did Abraham cease to carry his intercessions farther? Either because he fondly thought that he was now sure of the cities being preserved (Lu 13:9), or because the Lord restrained his mind from further intercession (Jr 7:16; 11:14). But there were not ten "righteous persons." There was only one, and he might without i...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar. Zoar: that is, Little

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither. Therefore the name ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(22) **Zoar.**—This town is identified by Dr. Tristram (*Land of Moab, *p. 330) with Zi’ara, at the northern end of the Dead Sea. It is described as lying upon the borders of the Moabite territory, in Isaiah 15:5; Jeremiah 48:34. Eusebius says that a Roman garrison was posted there, but he probably accepted the current tradition which placed the five cities at the southern extremity of the lake.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. risen: Heb. gone forth

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes incl...
Read full commentary →

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(23) **The sun was risen.**—As Lot started at dawn, he had thus had about an hour for his flight.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 19 Ge 19:1-38. Lot's Entertainment. **1. there came two angels--**most probably two of those that had been with Abraham, commissioned to execute the divine judgment against Sodom. **Lot sat in the gate of Sodom--**In Eastern cities it is the market, the seat of justice, of social intercourse and amusement, especially a favorite lounge in the evenings, the arched roof affording a pleasan...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fu...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(24) **The Lord (Jehovah)** **rained . . . from the Lord (from Jehovah).**—Many commentators, following the Council of Sirmium, see in this repetition of the name of Jehovah an indication of the Holy Trinity, as though God the Son rained down fire from God the Father. More correctly Calvin takes it as an emphatic reiteration of its being Jehovah’s act. Jehovah had mysteriously manifested Himself u...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**2. turn in, I pray you ... tarry all night--**offer of the same generous hospitalities as described in Ge 18:2-8, and which are still spontaneously practised in the small towns. **And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night--**Where there are no inns and no acquaintance, it is not uncommon for travellers to sleep in the street wrapped up in their cloaks.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that wh...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(25) **Overthrew.**—This does not mean *submerged, *and the agent in the destruction was fire and not water. “The plain” (Heb., *the Ciccar*) still existed, and when Abraham saw it, was wrapped in smoke.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**3. entered into his house--**On removing to the plain, Lot intended at first to live in his tent apart from the people [Ge 13:12]. But he was gradually drawn in, dwelt in the city, and he and his family were connected with the citizens by marriage ties.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Centr...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(26) **His wife looked back from behind him.**—In Oriental countries it is still the rule for the wife to walk behind her husband. As regards the method of her transformation, some think that she was stifled by sulphureous vapours, and her body subsequently encrusted with salt. More probably, the earthquake heaped up a mighty mass of the rock-salt, which lies in solid strata round the Dead Sea, an...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**4. men of Sodom, compassed the house--**Appalling proofs are here given of their wickedness. It is evident that evil communications had corrupted good manners; otherwise Lot would never have acted as he did.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Abraham gat up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the LORD:...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(27) **Abraham gat up early in the morning.**—This was necessary, because he had a walk of some miles before he reached “the place where he stood before Jehovah” on the previous evening; and probably the mighty forces which overthrew the cities had been some hours at work when he reached the head of the ravine through which the terrible scene became visible. Naturally his anxiety to know the resul...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(28) **Lo, the smoke of the country (really, *land**) went up as the smoke of a furnace.*—The substitution of the word *country *for *land *is confusing. It was the *land of the Ciccar, *just mentioned, which was in flames. As Abraham could see the Ciccar, it must have been at the northern end of the Dead Sea (see Note on Genesis 18:16); and as a violent conflagration was raging throughout it, the...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and se...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Chapter 19 Chapter Outline The destruction of Sodom, and the deliverance of Lot.(1-29) The sin and disgrace of Lot.(30-38) **Verses 1-29** Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under conviction...
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Lot and His Daughters

And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feare...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(30) **He feared to dwell in Zoar.**—Though this little place had been granted him for an asylum, yet, terrified at the sight of the smoking valley, and remembering that he had been originally commanded to go to the mountains, he summons up his courage and proceeds thither. The limestone regions of Palestine are full of caverns; and the patriarch, whose wealth had been so great that he and Abraham...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-38** See the peril of security. Lot, who kept chaste in Sodom, and was a mourner for the wickedness of the place, and a witness against it, when in the mountain, alone, and, as he thought, out of the way of temptation, is shamefully overtaken. Let him that thinks he stands high, and stands firm, take heed lest he fall. See the peril of drunkenness; it is not only a great sin itself...
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And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the earth:

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to c...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(31) **The firstborn said unto the Younger.**—Several modern commentators see in this recital a mark of Jewish hatred towards the Moabites and Ammonites, and an attempt to brand their origin with shame. Really we find in Deuteronomy 2:9-19, no trace of the existence of this hostility, but, on the contrary, the relationship of these two nations to Israel is used as a ground for kindly feelings; and...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-38** See the peril of security. Lot, who kept chaste in Sodom, and was a mourner for the wickedness of the place, and a witness against it, when in the mountain, alone, and, as he thought, out of the way of temptation, is shamefully overtaken. Let him that thinks he stands high, and stands firm, take heed lest he fall. See the peril of drunkenness; it is not only a great sin itself...
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Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(32) **That we may preserve seed of our father.**—This was a very strong feeling in ancient times, and affords the sole excuse for the revolting conduct of these women. The utter degradation of Lot and his family is the most painful part of his story, which thus ends in his intense shame.

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-38** See the peril of security. Lot, who kept chaste in Sodom, and was a mourner for the wickedness of the place, and a witness against it, when in the mountain, alone, and, as he thought, out of the way of temptation, is shamefully overtaken. Let him that thinks he stands high, and stands firm, take heed lest he fall. See the peril of drunkenness; it is not only a great sin itself...
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And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they made their father drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-38** See the peril of security. Lot, who kept chaste in Sodom, and was a mourner for the wickedness of the place, and a witness against it, when in the mountain, alone, and, as he thought, out of the way of temptation, is shamefully overtaken. Let him that thinks he stands high, and stands firm, take heed lest he fall. See the peril of drunkenness; it is not only a great sin itself...
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And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn 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.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the younger, Behold, I lay yesternig...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-13. Hast thou here any besides? ... we will destroy this place--**Apostolic authority has declared Lot was "a righteous man" (2Pe 2:8), at bottom good, though he contented himself with lamenting the sins that he saw, instead of acting on his own convictions, and withdrawing himself and family from such a sink of corruption. But favor was shown him: and even his bad relatives had, for his sake...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-38** See the peril of security. Lot, who kept chaste in Sodom, and was a mourner for the wickedness of the place, and a witness against it, when in the mountain, alone, and, as he thought, out of the way of temptation, is shamefully overtaken. Let him that thinks he stands high, and stands firm, take heed lest he fall. See the peril of drunkenness; it is not only a great sin itself...
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And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And they made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger arose, and lay with him; and ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

**12-13. Hast thou here any besides? ... we will destroy this place--**Apostolic authority has declared Lot was "a righteous man" (2Pe 2:8), at bottom good, though he contented himself with lamenting the sins that he saw, instead of acting on his own convictions, and withdrawing himself and family from such a sink of corruption. But favor was shown him: and even his bad relatives had, for his sake...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-38** See the peril of security. Lot, who kept chaste in Sodom, and was a mourner for the wickedness of the place, and a witness against it, when in the mountain, alone, and, as he thought, out of the way of temptation, is shamefully overtaken. Let him that thinks he stands high, and stands firm, take heed lest he fall. See the peril of drunkenness; it is not only a great sin itself...
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Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes i...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-38** See the peril of security. Lot, who kept chaste in Sodom, and was a mourner for the wickedness of the place, and a witness against it, when in the mountain, alone, and, as he thought, out of the way of temptation, is shamefully overtaken. Let him that thinks he stands high, and stands firm, take heed lest he fall. See the peril of drunkenness; it is not only a great sin itself...
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And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto this day.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the firstborn bare a son, and called his name Moab: the same is the father of the Moabites unto ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
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Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(37, 38) **Moab . . . Ben-ammi.**—Both these names suggest an incestuous origin, but the latter in a less repulsive way. “Son of my people” means one born of intercourse with her own kin and family. It is a striking proof of the vigour of the race of Terah, that from this lone cavern, and after the loss of all the wealth possessed by Lot, these two children were able to reduce to obedience the abo...
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Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15-17. The kindly interest the angels took in the preservation of Lot is beautifully displayed. But he "lingered." Was it from sorrow at the prospect of losing all his property, the acquisition of many years? Or was it that his benevolent heart was paralyzed by thoughts of the awful crisis? This is the charitable way of accounting for a delay that would have been fatal but for the friendly urgency...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-38** See the peril of security. Lot, who kept chaste in Sodom, and was a mourner for the wickedness of the place, and a witness against it, when in the mountain, alone, and, as he thought, out of the way of temptation, is shamefully overtaken. Let him that thinks he stands high, and stands firm, take heed lest he fall. See the peril of drunkenness; it is not only a great sin itself...
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And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Benammi: the same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day.

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KJV Study Commentary

<strong>And the younger, she also bare a son, and called his name Ben-ammi: the same is the father of the ch...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

15-17. The kindly interest the angels took in the preservation of Lot is beautifully displayed. But he "lingered." Was it from sorrow at the prospect of losing all his property, the acquisition of many years? Or was it that his benevolent heart was paralyzed by thoughts of the awful crisis? This is the charitable way of accounting for a delay that would have been fatal but for the friendly urgency...
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Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

**Verses 30-38** See the peril of security. Lot, who kept chaste in Sodom, and was a mourner for the wickedness of the place, and a witness against it, when in the mountain, alone, and, as he thought, out of the way of temptation, is shamefully overtaken. Let him that thinks he stands high, and stands firm, take heed lest he fall. See the peril of drunkenness; it is not only a great sin itself...
Read full commentary →

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