Genesis 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. I. She was made A NOTARIZE AND CONSPICUOUS EXAMPLE OF JUDICIAL INFLICTION; SO as to "justify the ways of God to men." Why was she overtaken by so signal a doom? She was probably not different from others, her fellow-townswomen — the votaries of fashion and the slaves of custom. We possess some intimation of the habits which then existed, and the tastes which then prevailed. "The iniquity of Sodom " was " pride, fulness of bread; and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters" (Ezekiel 16:49). No encomium is pronounced on her; but how differently is her partner regarded! (2 Peter 2:4, 7, and 8.) Probably she was frivolous, light, and careless in her conduct; her character made up of negations, rather than of positive vices; and her faults probably originated in the unfavourable influence of the society in which she mingled. "She that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth" (1 Timothy 5:6). We see a judicial infliction overtaking her conduct, which was marked by the following features. 1. Disobedience. It is the business of principle to obey the right and the rule. It does not matter what the law prescribes, for the majesty which invests the government of God descends on all the acts of His legislation; and it is not for us to question their greater or less magnitude, or their superior or subordinate authority. He shows us what He wills, and it is our part to obey. In the case before us there was to be no idolatry of home — no favourite objects to preserve and bring away. They were to come out quickly and unburdened. The general command was to disregard all; and even the particular precept could not be more distinct: "Escape for thy life! Look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain! Escape thou to the mountain, lest thou be consumed" (Genesis 19:17)! Then commenced a struggle in her mind. Here was her disobedience. Only obey the voice of God, and it shall be well; but if thou disobey, ruin will be the result. 2. Ingratitude. It was not ordinary kindness, but particular and pre-eminent that was shown to her husband, herself, and her household. "Haste thee, escape thither; for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither" (Genesis 19:22). As if His fury were stayed till the complete deliverance of these, His favourite charge. 3. Reluctance. Hers was an averted countenance. Are we surprised at this? Think of the awe — the panic — the agitation! Think of the natural instinct which attached her to home. Was it that her heart grudged to leave behind some favourite whose misery excited her pity and commiseration? None of these feelings are manifested. But there is a wistful and hankering look. Her eye seems enamoured of what she must abandon; the objects of vanity — her companionships — whatever she coveted — her pursuits — her friends — her abode — her flocks — all that she was leaving; and though she saved what was of greater value, her heart went after her covetousness (Ezekiel 33:31); and it was all concentrated in that look. 4. Distrust. Might it not be a false alarm? Might it not be well to pause and examine? 5. Indecision. This paralyzes all, and is unaccountable in such a case as hers. See how the waves threaten to surround her! Yet she wavers, instead of hastening her retreat. II. Why are we to "Remember Lot's wife," but that there was SOMETHING IN HER CONDUCT TO REBUKE AND INSTRUCT US? 1. How small a thing may prevent our salvation! Lot's wife may have been gay and volatile — nothing more. 2. The increased misery of perishing within the reach of recovering mercy. Lot's wife was in the track of safety. All was promise and hope. 3. The evil of a careless state of mind. Lot's wife was not fully possessed of the fear proper to her situation. Led by the example of those among whom she dwelt, she had no just view of the evil of sin. Left by her companions, she thought to return; but the resolve was too late! Advance was as helpless as retreat! 4. The misery of apostasy. Many have a disposition to what is right; but there is nothing fixed — no true change. How many have been thus hindered in their course! They were almost persuaded to be Christians (Acts 26:28), but they "looked back"; and our Lord indicates that this disposition leads to condemnation (Luke 9:62). 5. The fearful state of mind when God leaves the sinner and abandons him to his own will. In the case of Lot's wife, God could do no more, and the angels went on. The last desire for deliverance left her. She "looked back" — stopped — and stood still for ever! (R. W. Hamilton, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.WEB: But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt. |
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