Topical Bible: The Anger of God: Exemplified Against: Cities of the Plain

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The biblical narrative of the Cities of the Plain, primarily Sodom and Gomorrah, serves as a profound illustration of the anger of God against sin and unrighteousness. These cities are mentioned in the Book of Genesis and are emblematic of divine judgment due to their grievous sins.

Biblical Account:

The account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is found in Genesis 18 and 19. The cities were located in the region of the Jordan Valley, a fertile area that was compared to the garden of the LORD (Genesis 13:10). Despite their prosperous setting, the inhabitants of these cities were notorious for their wickedness.

In Genesis 18, the LORD reveals to Abraham His intention to investigate the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah. The LORD says, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great. Their sin is so grievous" (Genesis 18:20). Abraham intercedes for the cities, negotiating with God to spare them if righteous individuals can be found. However, the lack of even ten righteous people leads to the cities' ultimate destruction.

Divine Judgment:

Genesis 19 details the arrival of two angels in Sodom, where they are met by Lot, Abraham's nephew. The depravity of the city's inhabitants is immediately evident as they demand to abuse the visitors. The angels warn Lot of the impending destruction and urge him to flee with his family. As Lot and his family escape, the LORD rains down sulfur and fire from heaven, obliterating Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding cities of the plain (Genesis 19:24-25).

Moral and Theological Implications:

The destruction of the Cities of the Plain is a stark demonstration of God's holiness and justice. The narrative underscores the severity of sin and the certainty of divine retribution. The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah, often associated with sexual immorality and inhospitality, are seen as offenses that provoke God's righteous anger.

The Apostle Peter references this event in the New Testament, highlighting it as a warning for future generations: "He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to destruction, reducing them to ashes as an example of what is coming on the ungodly" (2 Peter 2:6). Similarly, Jude 1:7 states, "Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion. They serve as an example of those who suffer the punishment of eternal fire" .

Symbolism and Legacy:

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah has become a symbol of divine judgment against sin throughout biblical literature and Christian theology. The term "Sodom" is often used metaphorically to describe extreme wickedness and moral decay. The narrative serves as a cautionary tale, reminding believers of the importance of righteousness and the consequences of turning away from God's commandments.

The account of the Cities of the Plain is a powerful testament to the anger of God against sin, illustrating the balance between His mercy and justice. It calls believers to reflect on their own lives, urging them to pursue holiness and to heed the warnings of Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 19:24,25
Then the LORD rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Threefold Repentance
... their sins, and God's turning from His anger and purpose ... of the blessedness of true
penitence, whether exemplified in the ... and finding mercy from the God of the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/threefold repentance.htm

2 Cor. xii. 1
... And one may see this exemplified in the men who ... riches, of beauty [992] , boastfulness,
pride, anger; and the ... when we declare that this is God's greatest gift ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxvi 2 cor xii.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... and this more from the implacable anger than the ... that nothing of the kind was
exemplified in what ... Execrations being manifestly insulting to God, are unworthy ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

From the Conference of 1773 to the Commencement of the War in 1776
... These suspicions, however, though not yet exemplified in any open ... a bearing upon
the work of God, foreseeing the ... let there be no bitterness or anger, but no ...
/.../chapter 1 from the conference.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... Anger, not to be retained, [69]19; absurdity of, [70]20 ... 891]98; in Christ is faith
in God, [892]104; need of, [893]115; without a sign, exemplified in the ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

Spoken in Antioch in the Old Church, as it was Called...
... Emperor should not be provoked, or in anger, although he ... hands towards heaven, and
to call upon God, and this ... This however may also be seen exemplified at the ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily ii spoken in antioch.htm

St. Malachy's Apostolic Labours, Praises and Miracles.
... also a woman whom a spirit of anger and fury ... By the will of God it happened that
Malachy arrived ... be appointed, according to prevalent custom, exemplified in the ...
/.../chapter vi st malachys apostolic.htm

Of Civil Government.
... they are enjoined not to provoke to anger, and by ... duty, this ought especially to
be exemplified in the ... and inclinations of kingdoms.65 [691] "God standeth in ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of civil government.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... faith but prophecy as well is exemplified in this ... little while, until my wrath and
anger pass, and I ... heart in the way those rebels against God's servant Moses ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... its cure, [1056]316; the fear of God best quenches it ... than love of money, [1061]389;
or anger, [1062]389 ... therefore excusable but to be watched against, [1064]389 ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm