The People of Gomorrah are primarily known from the biblical narrative found in the Book of Genesis, where Gomorrah is one of the five cities of the plain, along with Sodom, Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar (Genesis 10:19). Gomorrah, like its sister city Sodom, is infamous for its wickedness and the subsequent divine judgment that led to its destruction.

Biblical Account

The most detailed account of Gomorrah and its people is found in Genesis 18-19. The narrative describes how the LORD revealed to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah, "because their sin is so grievous" (Genesis 18:20). Abraham interceded for the cities, and the LORD agreed to spare them if ten righteous people could be found (Genesis 18:32).

Two angels visited Sodom, where they encountered Lot, Abraham's nephew. Lot extended hospitality to them, but the men of Sodom, described as wicked, surrounded Lot's house and demanded to have relations with the visitors (Genesis 19:4-5). This incident highlights the moral depravity of the people of Gomorrah and Sodom.

Divine Judgment

The angels warned Lot to flee with his family, as the LORD was about to destroy the city. Lot hesitated, but the angels urged him to escape to the mountains, eventually allowing him to flee to Zoar (Genesis 19:15-22). As Lot and his family fled, the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, obliterating the cities and their inhabitants (Genesis 19:24-25).

Symbol of Wickedness

Throughout the Bible, Gomorrah, along with Sodom, becomes a symbol of extreme wickedness and divine judgment. The prophets frequently reference these cities to illustrate the severity of sin and the certainty of God's judgment. Isaiah, for example, compares the leaders of Judah to the rulers of Sodom and Gomorrah, calling them to repentance (Isaiah 1:10). Similarly, Jeremiah and Ezekiel use the destruction of these cities as a warning to Israel and other nations (Jeremiah 23:14, Ezekiel 16:49-50).

New Testament References

In the New Testament, Gomorrah is mentioned as a warning against ungodliness. Jesus refers to the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah when warning the cities that rejected His message, stating that it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for those cities (Matthew 10:15). The apostle Peter and Jude also cite the destruction of these cities as an example of God's judgment against immorality and ungodliness (2 Peter 2:6, Jude 1:7).

Theological Implications

The narrative of Gomorrah serves as a powerful reminder of the holiness and justice of God. The destruction of Gomorrah underscores the seriousness with which God views sin and the inevitable consequences of persistent wickedness. It also highlights the mercy of God, as seen in His willingness to spare the city for the sake of a few righteous individuals and His deliverance of Lot and his family.

The account of Gomorrah continues to be a poignant illustration of the need for righteousness and the importance of heeding divine warnings. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the hope found in God's mercy and grace for those who turn to Him.