Genesis 19:2 - and he said, “See now, my lords, please come into your servant’s house, stay all night, wash your feet, and you can rise up early, and go on your way.” They said, “No, but we will stay in the street all night.”
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What does "Genesis 19:2" mean?
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, specifically Lot's encounter with two angelic visitors disguised as men. Let's break it down:
"and he said, “See now, my lords, please come into your servant’s house...": Lot immediately recognizes the visitors as important and treats them with extreme hospitality. He refers to them as "my lords" showing them respect and offering them shelter. The ancient near east had strict laws and customs surrounding hospitality. The host was responsible for the safety and well being of their guests.
"...stay all night, wash your feet...": This highlights the offer of comfort and care. Washing feet was a common act of hospitality, removing the dust and grime of travel and offering refreshment. It was also an act of servitude, typically done by the lowest servants in a household.
"...and you can rise up early, and go on your way.”: Lot is trying to make their stay as convenient and unobtrusive as possible. He is offering them rest and safety before they continue their journey.
"They said, “No, but we will stay in the street all night.”: This is the crucial part. The angels initially refuse Lot's invitation. This refusal serves a few important purposes:
Testing Lot's Hospitality: It tests the sincerity and persistence of Lot's hospitality. It also may be a way of showing the reader just how wicked the people of Sodom are.
Heightening the Danger: Their willingness to stay in the street, exposed and vulnerable, emphasizes the pervasiveness of the wickedness in Sodom. It suggests the city is so dangerous that even divine messengers are cautious.
Creating Tension: This refusal creates suspense and anticipation. It makes the reader wonder why they are being so resistant and what will happen next.
In Summary:
The verse sets the stage for the events to come and highlights the contrast between Lot's righteous desire to offer hospitality and the pervasive wickedness of Sodom. The angels' initial refusal to accept shelter underscores the danger and moral corruption of the city, setting the scene for the events that follow. Their ultimate acceptance of Lot's invitation will lead to the confrontation with the men of Sodom and the eventual destruction of the city.
Genesis 19:2 - and he said, “See now, my lords, please come into your servant’s house, stay all night, wash your feet, and you can rise up early, and go on your way.” They said, “No, but we will stay in the street all night.”
What does "Genesis 19:2" mean?
This verse describes a pivotal moment in the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, specifically Lot's encounter with two angelic visitors disguised as men. Let's break it down:
"and he said, “See now, my lords, please come into your servant’s house...": Lot immediately recognizes the visitors as important and treats them with extreme hospitality. He refers to them as "my lords" showing them respect and offering them shelter. The ancient near east had strict laws and customs surrounding hospitality. The host was responsible for the safety and well being of their guests.
"...stay all night, wash your feet...": This highlights the offer of comfort and care. Washing feet was a common act of hospitality, removing the dust and grime of travel and offering refreshment. It was also an act of servitude, typically done by the lowest servants in a household.
"...and you can rise up early, and go on your way.”: Lot is trying to make their stay as convenient and unobtrusive as possible. He is offering them rest and safety before they continue their journey.
"They said, “No, but we will stay in the street all night.”: This is the crucial part. The angels initially refuse Lot's invitation. This refusal serves a few important purposes:
Testing Lot's Hospitality: It tests the sincerity and persistence of Lot's hospitality. It also may be a way of showing the reader just how wicked the people of Sodom are.
Heightening the Danger: Their willingness to stay in the street, exposed and vulnerable, emphasizes the pervasiveness of the wickedness in Sodom. It suggests the city is so dangerous that even divine messengers are cautious.
Creating Tension: This refusal creates suspense and anticipation. It makes the reader wonder why they are being so resistant and what will happen next.
In Summary:
The verse sets the stage for the events to come and highlights the contrast between Lot's righteous desire to offer hospitality and the pervasive wickedness of Sodom. The angels' initial refusal to accept shelter underscores the danger and moral corruption of the city, setting the scene for the events that follow. Their ultimate acceptance of Lot's invitation will lead to the confrontation with the men of Sodom and the eventual destruction of the city.