But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD. But the men of SodomThe phrase "the men of Sodom" refers to the inhabitants of the ancient city of Sodom, which, along with Gomorrah, is infamous for its destruction due to sinfulness. The Hebrew word for "men" here is "אֲנָשִׁים" (anashim), which can mean men or people, indicating the collective moral state of the city's population. Archaeological evidence suggests that Sodom was located near the Dead Sea, an area known for its fertile plains, which attracted Lot, Abraham's nephew. Historically, Sodom is often associated with extreme moral depravity, serving as a cautionary tale throughout Scripture. were wicked
The Hebrew word for "wicked" is "רָעִים" (ra'im), which conveys a sense of evil or moral corruption. This term is used throughout the Old Testament to describe actions or behaviors that are contrary to God's will. In the context of Sodom, it highlights the pervasive nature of their sinfulness. From a conservative Christian perspective, this wickedness is seen as a direct rebellion against God's established order and moral law, emphasizing the need for righteousness and holiness in the lives of believers. sinning greatly
The phrase "sinning greatly" is translated from the Hebrew "חַטָּאִים לַיהוָה מְאֹד" (chatta'im laYHWH me'od). "חַטָּאִים" (chatta'im) means "sinners" or "those who miss the mark," indicating a habitual state of sin. The addition of "מְאֹד" (me'od) intensifies the degree of their sin, suggesting that their actions were exceedingly offensive. This phrase underscores the gravity of their transgressions, which were not merely occasional lapses but a lifestyle of persistent disobedience. It serves as a warning of the consequences of living in continuous sin. against the LORD
The term "against the LORD" is significant, as it identifies the ultimate object of their sin. The Hebrew name for God used here is "יְהוָה" (YHWH), the covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with humanity and His holiness. The sins of Sodom were not just social or moral failures but were direct affronts to God's character and authority. This highlights the biblical principle that all sin is ultimately against God, reinforcing the need for repentance and the pursuit of a life that honors Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. SodomAn ancient city located in the region of the Jordan Valley, known for its extreme wickedness and eventual destruction by God due to its inhabitants' sinful behavior. 2. Men of SodomThe inhabitants of Sodom, characterized by their wickedness and sinful actions, which were offensive to God. 3. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is the ultimate judge of human actions and the one against whom the men of Sodom sinned. Teaching Points The Nature of SinThe wickedness of Sodom serves as a stark reminder of the nature of sin and its consequences. Sin is not just a personal failing but an offense against a holy God. God's Justice and MercyWhile God is just and will not tolerate sin indefinitely, He is also merciful, as seen in His willingness to spare the righteous and His rescue of Lot. The Importance of Righteous LivingThe account of Sodom challenges believers to live righteously and to be a light in a world that often mirrors the moral decay of Sodom. Intercession for the LostAbraham's intercession for Sodom encourages believers to pray for those who are lost and to seek God's mercy on their behalf. The Consequences of Ignoring GodThe destruction of Sodom is a sobering reminder of the consequences of ignoring God's commands and living in persistent sin. Bible Study Questions 1. What specific sins are mentioned in Ezekiel 16:49-50 that contributed to the downfall of Sodom, and how do they relate to the description in Genesis 13:13? 2. How does Abraham's intercession for Sodom in Genesis 18 demonstrate the importance of prayer and concern for others? 3. In what ways can the account of Sodom serve as a warning for contemporary society, and how can Christians respond to similar moral challenges today? 4. How does the New Testament reference to Sodom in Jude 1:7 reinforce the message of Genesis 13:13, and what lessons can we draw from it? 5. Reflect on a time when you have seen the consequences of sin in your own life or in the world around you. How can the account of Sodom motivate you to pursue righteousness and intercede for others? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 18-19These chapters provide further context on the wickedness of Sodom and the eventual judgment that God brings upon the city. The intercession of Abraham and the rescue of Lot highlight God's justice and mercy. Ezekiel 16:49-50This passage offers insight into the specific sins of Sodom, including pride, gluttony, and neglect of the poor, which contributed to their downfall. Jude 1:7This New Testament reference to Sodom serves as a warning about the consequences of immorality and the eternal judgment that awaits those who live ungodly lives. People Abram, Canaanites, Lot, Mamre, Perizzites, ZoarPlaces Ai, Bethel, Betonim, Canaan, Egypt, Gomorrah, Hebron, Jordan River, Negeb, Sodom, ZoarTopics Evil, Exceedingly, Greatly, Sinners, Sinning, Sodom, WickedDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 13:13 6021 sin, nature of Genesis 13:10-13 4275 Sodom and Gomorrah Library July 21. "Look from the Place Where Thou Art" (Gen. xiii. 14).
"Look from the place where thou art" (Gen. xiii. 14). Let us now see the blessedness of faith. Our own littleness and nothingness sometimes becomes bondage. We are so small in our own eyes we dare not claim God's mighty promises. We say: "If I could be sure I was in God's way I could trust." This is all wrong. Self-consciousness is a great barrier to faith. Get your eyes on Him and Him alone; not on your faith, but on the Author of your faith; not a half look, but a steadfast, prolonged look, with …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth August 11. "All the Land which Thou Seest" (Gen. xiii. 15).
"All the land which thou seest" (Gen. xiii. 15). The actual provisions of His grace come from the inner vision. He who puts the instinct in the bosom of yonder bird to cross the continent in search of summer sunshine in yonder Southern clime is too good to deceive it, and just as surely as He has put the instinct in its breast, so has He also put the balmy breezes and the vernal sunshine yonder to meet it when it arrives. He who gave to Abraham the vision of the Land of Promise, also said in infinite …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Importance of a Choice
'And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hal; Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Land of Promise
"All the Land which thou seest, to thee will I give it."--Gen. xiii. 15. Gertrude of Hellfde, 1330. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 It was as if upon His breast He laid His piercèd hand, And said "To thee, beloved and blest, I give this goodly land." O Land of fountains and of deeps, Of God's exhaustless store-- O blessed Land, where he who reaps Shall never hunger more-- O summer Land, for ever fair With God's unfading flowers; O Land, where spices fill the air, And songs the golden towers-- …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 13:13 NIVGenesis 13:13 NLTGenesis 13:13 ESVGenesis 13:13 NASBGenesis 13:13 KJV
Genesis 13:13 Commentaries
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