Genesis 19:17 - It came to pass, when they had taken them out, that he said, “Escape for your life! Don’t look behind you, and don’t stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be consumed!”
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What does "Genesis 19:17" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, and it's a crucial instruction given by the angels to Lot and his family before God destroys the cities. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"It came to pass, when they had taken them out...": This refers to the angels physically pulling Lot, his wife, and his two daughters out of Sodom. They were hesitant to leave, highlighting their attachment to the city and the imminent danger they were in.
"...that he said, 'Escape for your life!'...": The priority is survival. The angel is emphasizing the urgency and severity of the situation. Their very lives are at stake, and they must act immediately to escape.
"...Don’t look behind you...": This is a critical instruction. Looking back represents longing for the past, dwelling on what they are leaving behind (possessions, familiar life), and a lack of faith in God's provision. Looking back signifies attachment to the world and a failure to fully commit to the new path. It's a test of obedience and trust.
"...and don’t stay anywhere in the plain...": The plain (also called the valley of Siddim) is the location of Sodom and Gomorrah, and it is about to be destroyed. Staying anywhere in the plain puts them in immediate danger of the cataclysm. There is no safe place there.
"...Escape to the mountains, lest you be consumed!'": The mountains represent a place of refuge and safety, a higher ground away from the impending destruction. The phrase "lest you be consumed" reinforces the danger and the certainty of death if they disobey.
In essence, the verse conveys:
Imminent danger: Lot and his family are in mortal peril and must flee immediately.
Complete separation: They must completely detach themselves from their old life in Sodom.
Obedience and faith: They must trust in God's instructions and follow them without hesitation.
A new beginning: The mountains represent a new, safe place where they can start over.
Symbolic interpretations:
Beyond the literal story, the verse can also be interpreted symbolically:
Sodom: Represents sin and corruption.
Looking back: Represents clinging to sinful habits or desires.
The plain: Represents the world and its temptations.
The mountains: Represents a relationship with God and a life of righteousness.
The instruction "Don't look back" is often used as a metaphor for moving forward in life, leaving behind negative influences, and focusing on the future. It serves as a warning against being trapped by the past and missing the opportunities for growth and redemption that lie ahead.
Genesis 19:17 - It came to pass, when they had taken them out, that he said, “Escape for your life! Don’t look behind you, and don’t stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be consumed!”
What does "Genesis 19:17" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, and it's a crucial instruction given by the angels to Lot and his family before God destroys the cities. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"It came to pass, when they had taken them out...": This refers to the angels physically pulling Lot, his wife, and his two daughters out of Sodom. They were hesitant to leave, highlighting their attachment to the city and the imminent danger they were in.
"...that he said, 'Escape for your life!'...": The priority is survival. The angel is emphasizing the urgency and severity of the situation. Their very lives are at stake, and they must act immediately to escape.
"...Don’t look behind you...": This is a critical instruction. Looking back represents longing for the past, dwelling on what they are leaving behind (possessions, familiar life), and a lack of faith in God's provision. Looking back signifies attachment to the world and a failure to fully commit to the new path. It's a test of obedience and trust.
"...and don’t stay anywhere in the plain...": The plain (also called the valley of Siddim) is the location of Sodom and Gomorrah, and it is about to be destroyed. Staying anywhere in the plain puts them in immediate danger of the cataclysm. There is no safe place there.
"...Escape to the mountains, lest you be consumed!'": The mountains represent a place of refuge and safety, a higher ground away from the impending destruction. The phrase "lest you be consumed" reinforces the danger and the certainty of death if they disobey.
In essence, the verse conveys:
Imminent danger: Lot and his family are in mortal peril and must flee immediately.
Complete separation: They must completely detach themselves from their old life in Sodom.
Obedience and faith: They must trust in God's instructions and follow them without hesitation.
A new beginning: The mountains represent a new, safe place where they can start over.
Symbolic interpretations:
Beyond the literal story, the verse can also be interpreted symbolically:
Sodom: Represents sin and corruption.
Looking back: Represents clinging to sinful habits or desires.
The plain: Represents the world and its temptations.
The mountains: Represents a relationship with God and a life of righteousness.
The instruction "Don't look back" is often used as a metaphor for moving forward in life, leaving behind negative influences, and focusing on the future. It serves as a warning against being trapped by the past and missing the opportunities for growth and redemption that lie ahead.