Genesis 19:15 - When the morning came, then the angels hurried Lot, saying, “Get up! Take your wife, and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 19:15

What does "Genesis 19:15" mean?


This verse, Genesis 19:15, is a pivotal moment in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"When the morning came...": This sets the scene. The night of Lot's angelic visitors has passed, and the time for judgment has arrived. The urgency is about to escalate.

"...then the angels hurried Lot...": The angels actively intervene. They don't just advise; they hurry Lot. This emphasizes the imminent danger. It suggests Lot was perhaps hesitant or slow to act, maybe still processing the events of the night.

"...saying, 'Get up! Take your wife, and your two daughters who are here, lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city.'": This is the core message.
"Get up!": A direct command, again highlighting the urgency.
"Take your wife, and your two daughters who are here": The angels specify who Lot needs to take with him. This indicates that only those within Lot's immediate family and physically present with him are eligible for salvation.
"Lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city": This is the reason for the urgency. The city's wickedness is so profound that it's about to be punished. "Consumed" suggests total destruction. They will be killed with everyone else if they don't leave. The term "iniquity" describes the great sin that has permeated the city, which the narrative has demonstrated throughout the previous encounter with the men of the city.

Overall Meaning and Significance:

Imminent Judgment: The verse clearly establishes that Sodom is about to face divine judgment for its wickedness. The angels' urgency underscores the severity and imminence of the destruction.
Divine Mercy (with Limits): God, through the angels, is offering Lot and his immediate family a chance to escape the impending doom. This displays a form of mercy toward Lot, likely due to his righteousness, as previously stated by Abraham to God in Genesis 18:23-33. However, the mercy is limited. It only extends to those physically with Lot.
Importance of Obedience: The verse implies the importance of obedience to God's instructions. Delay or hesitation could have dire consequences. The urgency to "get up" and "take" his family emphasizes that immediate action is needed.
Thematic Contrast: The verse contrasts the righteousness of Lot (however flawed, as the story later reveals) with the wickedness of Sodom. Lot and his family are given a chance to escape, while the rest of the city faces destruction.

In essence, Genesis 19:15 serves as a critical turning point in the story, marking the transition from warning to immediate action in the face of impending divine judgment. It highlights the themes of sin, judgment, mercy, and the importance of obedience.

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