The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah Bible Story

“The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous that I will go down and see if what they have done is as bad as the outcry that has reached me.” – Genesis 18:20–21

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is one of the Bible’s most sobering and powerful stories. These two ancient cities, known for their extreme wickedness, were utterly destroyed by God in a moment of divine judgment. The story, found in Genesis 18:16–33 and Genesis 19:1–29, serves as a powerful reminder of God’s justice, His mercy, and the consequences of unrepentant sin.

🏙️ The Sin of Sodom and Gomorrah

Sodom and Gomorrah were notorious for their wickedness. The cities were known for their sexual immorality, violence, and depravity. In Genesis 18, God hears the cries of the oppressed and decides to investigate the extent of their sin.

“The Lord said, ‘The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous…’” – Genesis 18:20

Abraham, who had a close relationship with God, interceded on behalf of the cities, pleading with God to spare them if even ten righteous people could be found. But God, knowing the hearts of the people, declared that judgment was inevitable.

🙏 Abraham’s Intercession for Sodom

In a remarkable display of God’s mercy and Abraham’s faith, Abraham pleaded for the cities, asking God to spare them for the sake of the righteous. Beginning with fifty righteous people, Abraham negotiated with God, lowering the number to ten, but ultimately, God could not find even ten righteous people in the cities.

“Then Abraham spoke up again: ‘Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes…’” – Genesis 18:27

This moment shows how God listens to our prayers and values the faithful intercession of His people. It also highlights that, despite God’s mercy, there are consequences for rejecting His ways.

🚶‍♂️ The Visit of the Angels

Two angels were sent to Sodom to rescue Lot, Abraham’s nephew, and his family before the cities’ destruction. They arrived at Lot’s house in Genesis 19:1–3, where he welcomed them, though the people of the city quickly surrounded his home. The men of the city, in their depravity, demanded that Lot send the angels out to them.

“Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.” – Genesis 19:5

Lot, in a desperate attempt to protect his guests, offered his two daughters, but the men of the city refused. This moment highlights the extreme wickedness of Sodom, which is later cited as an example of God’s judgment on unrepentant sin.

⚡ Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

As the angels warned Lot, they instructed him to flee the city with his family and not look back. Genesis 19:24–25 tells us that God rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah, completely destroying the cities and all who lived there.

“Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens.” – Genesis 19:24

Lot and his family escaped, but Lot’s wife looked back at the destruction and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). This act of disobedience demonstrated a lingering attachment to the sin of the cities.

✨ Lessons from the Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning against unrepentant sin, pride, and rebellion. These cities were given every opportunity to turn from their evil ways, but they chose to persist in their wickedness. The Bible often uses Sodom as a symbol of judgment for nations or peoples who reject God.

1. God’s justice is inevitable: While God is full of mercy, He is also just. He will not allow sin to go unpunished forever.
2. The importance of repentance: Just as Abraham pleaded for Sodom and Lot was rescued, God offers grace to those who turn away from sin and seek Him.
3. Obedience is key: Lot’s wife’s disobedience in looking back teaches us that partial obedience is still disobedience. Following God means leaving the past behind.

✝️ The New Testament References

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah also appears in the New Testament. This is where Jesus and the apostles refer to them as a warning for people who refuse to repent.

“But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all.” – Luke 17:29

In 2 Peter 2:6, Peter warns that God condemned the cities to destruction. This makes them an example of what will happen to the ungodly.

📖 Full Passage to Read:

Genesis 18:16–33, Genesis 19:1–29

Ask a Question

Do you have a question you want answered? Let me know! Leave a question on the YouTube or Ask a Question and God bless you!