The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, infamous for their destruction due to rampant wickedness, were part of the ancient region known as the "Cities of the Plain" (Genesis 13:12). This area, located in the Jordan Valley near the Dead Sea, included several other cities that are often considered the neighbors of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities are typically identified as Admah, Zeboiim, and Zoar (also known as Bela).

Admah and Zeboiim

Admah and Zeboiim are mentioned alongside Sodom and Gomorrah in the context of divine judgment. In Genesis 14:2, these cities are listed as part of the coalition of five cities that rebelled against Chedorlaomer, king of Elam. The rebellion led to a battle in the Valley of Siddim, where the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah were defeated. The fate of Admah and Zeboiim is sealed in the narrative of divine judgment found in Deuteronomy 29:23, which states, "All its land will be a burning waste of sulfur and salt, unplanted and unproductive, and no grass will grow on it. It will be like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the LORD overthrew in His fierce anger."

Zoar (Bela)

Zoar, originally known as Bela, is another city associated with Sodom and Gomorrah. Unlike the other cities, Zoar was spared from destruction. In Genesis 19:20-22, Lot pleads with the angels to allow him to flee to Zoar instead of the mountains, saying, "Look, this town is close enough for me to flee to, and it is small. Let me flee there—is it not a small place? Then my life will be saved." The angels grant his request, and Zoar becomes a place of refuge for Lot and his daughters.

Geographical and Historical Context

The Cities of the Plain were situated in a fertile region, described in Genesis 13:10 as "well-watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt." This lush environment made the area attractive for settlement, yet it also became a setting for moral decay. The proximity of these cities to each other suggests a shared culture and economy, which may have contributed to their collective downfall.

Moral and Theological Implications

The narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah, along with their neighboring cities, serves as a powerful illustration of divine judgment against sin. The destruction of these cities is frequently referenced in Scripture as a warning against ungodliness and a call to righteousness. Jude 1:7 states, "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 account of these cities underscores the biblical theme of God's justice and mercy. While Sodom and Gomorrah faced total destruction, Zoar's preservation highlights God's willingness to spare the righteous, as seen in His response to Abraham's intercession in Genesis 18:23-32. This narrative continues to resonate as a testament to the consequences of sin and the hope of redemption for those who seek refuge in the Lord.