MPV Commentary

1. Two angels arrived in Sodom, likely sent by God to execute judgment against the city.

Lot was sitting at the city gate, a place of social interaction and commerce. It was a common gathering spot for locals and travelers alike.

2. Lot invited the angels to stay with him, offering them food and shelter just as he had done for Abraham's visitors (Genesis 18:2-8). However, they declined his offer and instead chose to spend the night in the street.

3. Lot initially lived outside of Sodom, but eventually settled within the city walls. He became connected to its people through marriage ties.

4. The men of Sodom surrounded Lot's house, demonstrating their wickedness. It is clear that evil influences had corrupted even those who were once good.

12-13. Lot asked if there were any other guests in his home, and the angels replied that they would destroy the city because of its great sin. Although Lot was considered a righteous man (2 Peter 2:8), he failed to act on his convictions and withdraw from the corrupting influence of Sodom.

15-17. The angels showed kindness to Lot by offering him deliverance, but he hesitated due to fear or paralysis. This delay would have been fatal if not for the urgent prompting of the angels.

18-19. Lot asked the angels to spare his sons-in-law and his daughters, but they refused. He then requested permission to flee to the mountains, but was told that it was too late.

21. The angel granted Lot's request, accepting him into a place of safety. This experience would have taught Lot the importance of following God's instructions without hesitation.

22. The angel instructed Lot to hurry and leave the city, as he could not act until Lot was safe. This demonstrates God's care for His people (Revelation 7:3) and His love for those who are weak but willing to follow Him.

24. God rained down fire and brimstone from heaven upon Sodom, destroying it completely. The exact nature of this event is not as important as the fact that it was a divine judgment against sinners (Genesis 18:20-21).

26. Lot's wife and two daughters accompanied him in his escape, but she looked back at the city despite being warned not to do so.

27. Abraham watched from a distance as Sodom was destroyed by fire and smoke. This event is often alluded to in Scripture as an example of God's judgment against sin (Deuteronomy 29:23; Isaiah 13:19; Jude 7).

29. When God destroyed the cities, He remembered Abraham's intercessions on their behalf. This should give us confidence that God will remember our prayers and act on our behalf in times of need.