Sodom and Gomorrah are two cities in the Bible known for their sin and destruction. Their story is one of judgment, mercy, and warning. Here are ten interesting facts about these ancient cities and their place in Scripture.
1. Sodom and Gomorrah Were Full of Wickedness
The Bible says the people of Sodom and Gomorrah were very sinful. Genesis 13:13 says, “But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.”
2. Abraham Pleaded for the Cities
Abraham asked God to spare the cities if even a few righteous people could be found. Genesis 18:32 says, “Let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.”
3. Lot Lived in Sodom
Lot, Abraham’s nephew, lived in Sodom. He chose the land near Sodom because it looked fruitful. Genesis 13:12 tells us, “Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.”
4. Angels Visited Sodom Before Its Destruction
Two angels came to Sodom to warn Lot. The men of the city wanted to harm them. Genesis 19:5 says, “Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.”
5. Lot Was Rescued Before the Cities Fell
The angels pulled Lot, his wife, and daughters out of the city. Genesis 19:16 says, “And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand... the Lord being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.”
6. Fire and Brimstone Destroyed the Cities
God rained fire and sulfur from heaven. Genesis 19:24 says, “Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven.”
7. Lot’s Wife Looked Back
Lot’s wife disobeyed the angel’s command not to look back. Genesis 19:26 says, “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.”
8. The Cities Became a Warning for All Time
Sodom and Gomorrah became a picture of God’s judgment. 2 Peter 2:6 says, “And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.”
9. Their Sin Was More Than Sexual Immorality
Though sexual sin was part of it, their sins included pride and neglect of the poor. Ezekiel 16:49 says, “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness... neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.”
10. Jesus Spoke of Sodom and Gomorrah
Jesus used the cities to show the seriousness of rejecting the gospel. Matthew 10:15 says, “Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.”
Summary Table
Fact | Description | Bible Reference |
---|---|---|
1 | Wickedness filled the cities | Genesis 13:13 |
2 | Abraham pleaded with God | Genesis 18:32 |
3 | Lot lived in Sodom | Genesis 13:12 |
4 | Angels visited Sodom | Genesis 19:5 |
5 | Lot was rescued | Genesis 19:16 |
6 | Fire from heaven fell | Genesis 19:24 |
7 | Lot’s wife turned to salt | Genesis 19:26 |
8 | The cities became a warning | 2 Peter 2:6 |
9 | Their sin included pride | Ezekiel 16:49 |
10 | Jesus referenced their judgment | Matthew 10:15 |