This verse, Genesis 19:13, is part of the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Let's break down what it means:
"for we will destroy this place": The "we" refers to the two angels who have arrived in Sodom disguised as men. They are speaking to Lot, Abraham's nephew, who has offered them hospitality. The phrase makes it clear their purpose is to utterly obliterate the city.
"because the outcry against them has grown so great before Yahweh": "Them" refers to the inhabitants of Sodom. The "outcry" signifies the intense wickedness and sinfulness that permeated the city. This wickedness was so pervasive and grievous that it reached the attention of God ("Yahweh"). The phrase "grown so great before Yahweh" emphasizes that God's justice and holiness are offended by the extreme depravity of the people.
"that Yahweh has sent us to destroy it": This confirms that the angels are acting under the direct authority and command of God. Their mission is not of their own volition, but a divine mandate to carry out judgment on Sodom.
In essence, the verse means:
The angels are about to destroy Sodom because the city's wickedness has reached a point where it is an intolerable offense to God. God has heard the cries of those oppressed by this wickedness and has sent the angels to execute divine judgment by destroying the city.
Key Takeaways:
Sin has consequences: The story highlights the idea that extreme wickedness will eventually face divine judgment.
God's justice: God is not indifferent to evil; He takes action against it.
Divine authority: The angels act as agents of God, carrying out His will.
Lot's righteousness: By being warned and given a chance to escape, Lot's relative righteousness is underscored in contrast to the overwhelming wickedness of Sodom. This also points to the concept of God's mercy, even within the context of judgment.
This verse, Genesis 19:13, is part of the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Let's break down what it means:
"for we will destroy this place": The "we" refers to the two angels who have arrived in Sodom disguised as men. They are speaking to Lot, Abraham's nephew, who has offered them hospitality. The phrase makes it clear their purpose is to utterly obliterate the city.
"because the outcry against them has grown so great before Yahweh": "Them" refers to the inhabitants of Sodom. The "outcry" signifies the intense wickedness and sinfulness that permeated the city. This wickedness was so pervasive and grievous that it reached the attention of God ("Yahweh"). The phrase "grown so great before Yahweh" emphasizes that God's justice and holiness are offended by the extreme depravity of the people.
"that Yahweh has sent us to destroy it": This confirms that the angels are acting under the direct authority and command of God. Their mission is not of their own volition, but a divine mandate to carry out judgment on Sodom.
In essence, the verse means:
The angels are about to destroy Sodom because the city's wickedness has reached a point where it is an intolerable offense to God. God has heard the cries of those oppressed by this wickedness and has sent the angels to execute divine judgment by destroying the city.
Key Takeaways:
Sin has consequences: The story highlights the idea that extreme wickedness will eventually face divine judgment.
God's justice: God is not indifferent to evil; He takes action against it.
Divine authority: The angels act as agents of God, carrying out His will.
Lot's righteousness: By being warned and given a chance to escape, Lot's relative righteousness is underscored in contrast to the overwhelming wickedness of Sodom. This also points to the concept of God's mercy, even within the context of judgment.