Genesis 19:1
The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While Lot's hospitality is evident, his bowing shows a deep respect for guests, not necessarily divine worship, as he didn't yet know these visitors were angels. This interaction highlights his ingrained sense of civility, even in the corrupt city of Sodom, likely stemming from his upbringing with Abraham.
Two divine messengers arrive in Sodom as evening falls, and Lot is sitting at the city gate. He immediately rises to greet them with the customary respect of the time, unaware of their true nature but perhaps sensing they are important travelers. This scene immediately sets the stage for the city's impending judgment and Lot's desperate role in it.
Why was Lot sitting in the gate of Sodom as evening fell? It wasn't just by chance.
The text tells us Lot was "sitting in the gate of Sodom." This wasn't merely a random spot; the city gate was a hub of activity – a place for business, justice, and social gathering. The commentators suggest Lot might have been there for several reasons:
Regardless of the specific reason, his action shows a deliberate engagement with the city, a conscious decision to be present and potentially intervene, even in a place so steeped in sin.
Lot bowed low to the strangers. But did he know who they truly were?
When Lot saw the two visitors, he "rose up to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth." This deep bow was a customary sign of respect in that culture. However, the text and commentaries suggest Lot didn't yet know these were angels.
His willingness to offer such respect to strangers, even before knowing their true identity, underscores the value placed on hospitality and honor in ancient Near Eastern cultures.
Understand the original words
mal’ak · Hebrew Noun
Supernatural messengers of God who act as agents of His will, often appearing in human form in the Old Testament to deliver messages or execute judgment.
Sedom · Hebrew Noun
An ancient city in the Jordan Valley, biblically synonymous with extreme wickedness, moral depravity, and subsequent divine judgment.
sha'ar · Hebrew Noun
In the Ancient Near East, the city gate was the administrative, judicial, and social center of a town where elders sat, business was transacted, and justice was dispensed.
chavah · Hebrew Verb
A gesture of profound respect, honor, or submission, often directed toward superiors, royalty, or, in a religious context, toward God.
c. 1900 BC
Lot Separates from Abraham
Lot chooses to live in the fertile Jordan plain, eventually settling in the wicked city of Sodom, while Abraham remains in Canaan.
c. 1900 BC
Invasion of the Eastern Kings
Kardorlaomer and his allies conquer Sodom and Gomorrah, taking captives, including Lot. Abraham rescues Lot and the spoils.
c. 1890 BC
Divine Promise to Abraham
God reaffirms His covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants and land, while also revealing His judgment is coming upon Sodom and Gomorrah.
c. 1890 BC
Angels Visit Abraham
Three heavenly visitors appear to Abraham near Hebron. Two angels proceed to Sodom, while the third, often understood as God Himself in human form, speaks further with Abraham.
c. 1890 BC— this verse
Angels Arrive in Sodom
The two angels arrive in Sodom in the evening. Lot, sitting at the city gate, sees them and offers them hospitality, unaware of their true nature.
This passage shows Abraham's hospitality toward the same visitors, highlighting the cultural significance of offering refuge and respect to strangers.
Hebrews 13:2This New Testament passage directly echoes the theme of receiving strangers, reminding believers that in doing so, they might unknowingly entertain angels.
Luke 17:28-29Jesus references the destruction of Sodom, emphasizing the suddenness and completeness of God's judgment upon wickedness, which serves as a stark contrast to Lot's attempted hospitality.
Jude 1:7This passage describes the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah as engaging in sexual immorality and unnatural lusts, providing the backdrop for the extreme wickedness the angels encountered.
clarkeGenesis 19:1: "And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;"
Two angels - The two referred to Genesis 18:22 . Sat in the gate - Probably, in order to prevent unwary travelers from being entrapped by his wicked townsmen, he waited at the gate of the city to bring the strangers he might meet with to his own house, as well as to transact his own business. Or, as the gate…
calvinGenesis 19:1-38: "And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;"
And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
Et dixit, Ecce, nunc domini mei, declinate obsecro ad domum ser…
While Lot's hospitality is evident, his bowing shows a deep respect for guests, not necessarily divine worship, as he didn't yet know these visitors were angels. This interaction highlights his ingrained sense of civility, even in the corrupt city of Sodom, likely stemming from his upbringing with Abraham.
Two divine messengers arrive in Sodom as evening falls, and Lot is sitting at the city gate. He immediately rises to greet them with the customary respect of the time, unaware of their true nature but perhaps sensing they are important travelers. This scene immediately sets the stage for the city's impending judgment and Lot's desperate role in it.
Two divine messengers arrive in Sodom as evening falls, and Lot is sitting at the city gate. He immediately rises to greet them with the customary respect of the time, unaware of their true nature but perhaps sensing they are important travelers. This scene immediately sets the stage for the city's impending judgment and Lot's desperate role in it.
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c. 1890 BC
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
The angels lead Lot and his family out of the cities before God rains down fire and brimstone, destroying Sodom, Gomorrah, and the surrounding plain.
"The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth" — While Lot's hospitality is evident, his bowing shows a deep respect for guests, not necessarily divine worship, as he didn't yet know these visitors were angels. This interaction highlights his ingra…
