The Arrival of the Angels in Sodom is a significant event recorded in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 19:1-29. This narrative is pivotal in understanding the themes of divine judgment, hospitality, and the moral state of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Context and Background

The account unfolds after the Lord and two angels visit Abraham in Genesis 18. Abraham intercedes for Sodom, concerned for his nephew Lot, who resides there. The Lord agrees to spare the city if ten righteous people can be found. The two angels then proceed to Sodom to assess the situation.

The Arrival

Genesis 19:1 states, "Now the two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When Lot saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed with his face to the ground." Lot's position at the city gate suggests he held a place of some prominence or responsibility within the community. His immediate recognition of the visitors' importance and his gesture of bowing indicate his respect and awareness of their divine nature.

Hospitality and Protection

Lot extends hospitality to the angels, urging them to stay at his house rather than in the city square. Genesis 19:2-3 records Lot's insistence: "My lords, please turn aside into the house of your servant; wash your feet, and spend the night. Then you can rise early and go on your way." Initially, the angels decline, preferring to stay in the square, but Lot's persistence prevails, and they accept his offer.

Lot's actions reflect the ancient Near Eastern custom of hospitality, which was a sacred duty. His insistence also suggests his awareness of the city's moral depravity and his desire to protect the visitors from harm.

The Wickedness of Sodom

The narrative quickly reveals the extent of Sodom's wickedness. Genesis 19:4-5 describes how the men of Sodom, both young and old, surround Lot's house, demanding that he bring out the visitors so they might "know them." This euphemism indicates their intent to commit sexual violence, highlighting the city's moral corruption.

Lot's response, offering his daughters instead, is a controversial and troubling aspect of the account. It underscores the gravity of the situation and the cultural context in which Lot operated, where the protection of guests was paramount.

Divine Intervention

The angels intervene to protect Lot and his family. Genesis 19:10-11 recounts, "But the men inside reached out, pulled Lot into the house with them, and shut the door. And they struck with blindness the men at the entrance, both young and old, so that they wearied themselves trying to find the door." This miraculous act not only saves Lot but also demonstrates the angels' divine power and authority.

Judgment and Salvation

The angels reveal their mission to Lot, instructing him to gather his family and flee the city, for its destruction is imminent. Genesis 19:12-13 states, "Do you have anyone else here—a son-in-law, your sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, because we are about to destroy this place."

Lot's sons-in-law dismiss the warning as a jest, illustrating the pervasive disbelief and moral blindness of Sodom's inhabitants. Ultimately, only Lot, his wife, and two daughters heed the warning and escape, though Lot's wife famously looks back and becomes a pillar of salt, as recorded in Genesis 19:26 .

Theological Implications

The Arrival of the Angels in Sodom serves as a profound illustration of God's justice and mercy. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is a testament to divine judgment against sin, while the rescue of Lot and his family exemplifies God's mercy towards the righteous. This narrative has been referenced throughout Scripture as a warning against immorality and a call to righteousness, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God.