Genesis 19:24
Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The repetition of "the LORD" in this verse ("Then the LORD rained... from the LORD") isn't just for emphasis; it strongly suggests the involvement of more than one divine person in this act of judgment, hinting at the unified action of the Godhead. This event wasn't merely a natural disaster but a direct, intentional outpouring of divine wrath.
As Lot and his family escape the doomed city, the Lord unleashes His judgment. A terrifying downpour of sulfur and fire descends from the heavens, utterly consuming Sodom and Gomorrah, and all the inhabitants of the plain. This catastrophic event serves as a stark, unforgettable demonstration of God's wrath against sin.
What does it mean that fire and brimstone rained 'from the LORD out of heaven'?
This verse describes a cataclysmic event where God unleashes destruction upon Sodom and Gomorrah. The imagery of 'sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven' is powerful and intentionally terrifying.
Why does the verse mention 'the LORD' twice, seemingly referring to two distinct Lords?
The verse states, 'Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven.' The repetition of God's name, Yahweh, is significant and has been a point of theological discussion.
Understand the original words
gophrith · Hebrew Noun
In Scripture, sulfur is frequently associated with divine judgment, particularly the fire and brimstone used to execute justice upon wicked cities. It symbolizes the consuming and terrifying nature of God’s holiness when confronted by unrepentant sin.
esh · Hebrew Noun
Fire is a multifaceted biblical symbol representing God's presence, purification, zeal, and, as seen here, His righteous judgment against sin. It serves as an instrument of destruction for those who reject His covenant or persist in egregious evil.
Yahweh · Hebrew Proper Noun
The personal name of the self-existent God of Israel, the covenant-keeping Lord who is merciful yet righteous. He is the active agent in both creation and judgment, revealing Himself as the Holy One who cannot ignore human iniquity.
This event is a pivotal example of God's judgment against sin, referenced throughout Scripture and understood by many scholars as possibly involving natural phenomena like volcanic activity, intensified by divine intervention.
c. 2000 BC
Abraham encounters God
Abraham pleads with God for Sodom, and angels are sent to investigate the city's wickedness and to rescue Lot.
c. 2000 BC— this verse
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
God rains sulfur and fire from heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah, utterly destroying them and the surrounding plain.
c. 1400 BC
Deuteronomy References Catastrophe
The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is cited as a historical example of God's judgment in the plains of Moab.
c. 587 BC
Jeremiah Mentions Destruction
The prophet Jeremiah uses the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as an illustration of divine judgment.
c. 450 BC
This passage directly references the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah with sulfur, salt, and desolation, serving as a warning for future disobedience.
Jeremiah 49:18Jeremiah prophesies that Edom will become a desolate place, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting this event as a benchmark of divine judgment.
Luke 17:29Jesus Himself uses the destruction of Sodom as an example of sudden judgment, reminding his followers to remain ready and not become attached to earthly possessions.
2 Peter 2:6Peter explicitly points to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of God's judgment on godless people, showing its enduring relevance as a warning against unrighteousness.
Jude 1:7Jude also references Sodom and Gomorrah, linking their unnatural desires and punishment to a warning against those who follow similar paths of sexual immorality and rebellion.
clarkeGenesis 19:24: "Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;"
The Lord rained - brimstone and fire from the Lord - As all judgment is committed to the Son of God, many of the primitive fathers and several modern divines have supposed that the words ויהוה vaihovah and מאת יהוה meeth Yehovah imply, Jehovah the Son raining brimstone and fire from Jehovah the Father; and that this place affords no mean proof of the proper Divinity of our blesse…
gillGenesis 19:24: "Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;"
Then the Lord rained upon Sodom, and upon Gomorrah, brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven. And not upon those two cities only, but upon Admah and Zeboiim also, see Deuteronomy 29:23 ; this was not a common storm of thunder and lightning, with which often there is a smell of sulphur or brimstone; but this was a continued shower of sulphurous fire, or of burning flaming brim…
The repetition of "the LORD" in this verse ("Then the LORD rained... from the LORD") isn't just for emphasis; it strongly suggests the involvement of more than one divine person in this act of judgment, hinting at the unified action of the Godhead. This event wasn't merely a natural disaster but a direct, intentional outpouring of divine wrath.
As Lot and his family escape the doomed city, the Lord unleashes His judgment. A terrifying downpour of sulfur and fire descends from the heavens, utterly consuming Sodom and Gomorrah, and all the inhabitants of the plain. This catastrophic event serves as a stark, unforgettable demonstration of God's wrath against sin.
As Lot and his family escape the doomed city, the Lord unleashes His judgment. A terrifying downpour of sulfur and fire descends from the heavens, utterly consuming Sodom and Gomorrah, and all the inhabitants of the plain. This catastrophic event serves as a stark, unforgettable demonstration of God's wrath against sin.
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shamayim · Hebrew Noun
The celestial realm where God dwells, representing His majesty, authority, and the source of His power over the physical creation. When God acts 'out of heaven,' it signifies a sovereign intervention from His divine perspective into human history.
Amos References Catastrophe
Amos refers to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah when speaking of God's judgment.
c. AD 30
Jesus References Sodom
Jesus speaks of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, comparing it to future judgment.
c. AD 60-64
Peter References Sodom
Peter uses the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as an example of God's judgment on the ungodly.
"Then the LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the LORD out of heaven." — The repetition of "the LORD" in this verse ("Then the LORD rained... from the LORD") isn't just for emphasis; it strongly suggests the involvement of more than one divine person in this act o…
