Sodom and Gomorrah

Sodom and Gomorrah are two of the most infamous cities mentioned in the Bible, known for their sinfulness and subsequent destruction by divine judgment. These cities are primarily referenced in the Book of Genesis. According to Genesis 13:13 , "But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD." The narrative of their destruction is detailed in Genesis 18 and 19, where the LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sins. Abraham intercedes for the cities, and the LORD agrees to spare them if ten righteous people can be found. However, the cities are ultimately destroyed by "brimstone and fire—from the LORD out of the heavens" (Genesis 19:24) after angels rescue Lot and his family, the only righteous inhabitants.

The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah are often associated with sexual immorality and pride, as indicated in Jude 1:7 : "In like manner, Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, who indulged in sexual immorality and pursued strange flesh, are on display as an example of those who sustain the punishment of eternal fire." The destruction of these cities serves as a powerful symbol of divine judgment against sin throughout the Scriptures.

Admah and Zeboiim

Admah and Zeboiim are lesser-known cities that, along with Sodom and Gomorrah, were part of the "cities of the plain" mentioned in Genesis 14:2 : "These kings went to war against Bera king of Sodom, Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar)." Like Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim were also destroyed due to their wickedness. Deuteronomy 29:23 references their destruction: "All its land will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unplanted and unproductive, no grass growing on it. It will be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger."

Lasha

Lasha is mentioned in Genesis 10:19 as part of the boundary of the Canaanites: "And the territory of the Canaanites extended from Sidon toward Gerar as far as Gaza, and then toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, as far as Lasha." Unlike the other cities, Lasha is not directly associated with the narrative of destruction and is not mentioned elsewhere in the biblical text. Its exact location remains uncertain, and it is not described in detail within the Scriptures.

These cities collectively illustrate the biblical theme of divine judgment against sin and serve as a warning to future generations. Their accounts are frequently referenced throughout the Bible as examples of God's righteousness and justice.