The "Rulers of Sodom" are mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which are often cited as examples of extreme wickedness and divine judgment. The rulers of Sodom, though not named individually in the biblical texts, are representative of the leadership and governance of a city that became synonymous with sin and moral decay.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 14:1-24: The earliest mention of Sodom's rulers occurs in the account of the War of the Kings. In this narrative, the king of Sodom is involved in a coalition of five kings who rebel against Chedorlaomer, king of Elam. The text states, "Now it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, that they made war with Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah..." (Genesis 14:1-2). This passage highlights the political alliances and conflicts of the time, with the king of Sodom playing a significant role.

2. Genesis 19:1-29: The moral and spiritual state of Sodom under its rulers is further illustrated in the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The city's leadership is implicitly criticized through the narrative of Lot, Abraham's nephew, who resides in Sodom. The city's depravity is evident when two angels visit Lot, and the men of Sodom demand to have relations with them. This incident underscores the extent of the city's corruption, which ultimately leads to its destruction by divine judgment.

3. Isaiah 1:10: The prophet Isaiah uses the rulers of Sodom as a metaphor for the leaders of Judah, condemning their moral and spiritual failures. "Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!" (Isaiah 1:10). This comparison serves as a stark warning to the people of Judah, emphasizing the severity of their sins by likening them to the infamous rulers of Sodom.

4. Ezekiel 16:49-50: The prophet Ezekiel provides further insight into the sins of Sodom, which reflect on its leadership. "Now this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food, and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before Me. Therefore I removed them, as you have seen" (Ezekiel 16:49-50). This passage highlights the social injustices and pride that characterized Sodom's rulers and people, leading to their downfall.

Theological Implications:

The rulers of Sodom serve as a powerful symbol of the consequences of moral and spiritual corruption. Their account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, injustice, and immorality. The biblical narrative consistently portrays them as leaders who failed to uphold righteousness and justice, leading their city to destruction. This theme is echoed throughout Scripture, serving as a warning to all leaders about the importance of godly governance and the perils of turning away from divine principles.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Sodom, along with Gomorrah, was located in the region of the Jordan Valley, near the Dead Sea. The cities were known for their prosperity and strategic location, which contributed to their wealth and influence. However, their affluence also led to moral decay, as evidenced by the biblical accounts. The rulers of Sodom, as depicted in Scripture, were unable or unwilling to curb the city's descent into sin, ultimately resulting in divine retribution.

The account of Sodom and its rulers has had a lasting impact on Judeo-Christian thought, often serving as a reference point for discussions on morality, justice, and divine judgment. The narrative underscores the belief that leadership carries significant responsibility and that rulers are accountable to God for their actions and the moral state of their people.