Genesis 19:20 - See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape there (isn’t it a little one?), and my soul will live.”
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What does "Genesis 19:20" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Lot's escape from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis chapter 19. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: God, through angels, is about to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness. Lot and his family are being spared because Lot is considered righteous (by God's standards at that time). The angels are leading them out of Sodom with instructions to flee to the mountains.
"See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one..." Lot is speaking to the angel (or possibly to God through the angel, the text is not definitive). He sees a small town, Zoar, nearby. He considers it too close to the doomed cities and is trying to negotiate an alternative escape route. The emphasis on "little one" is important to his argument.
"...Oh let me escape there (isn’t it a little one?), and my soul will live.” This is the heart of Lot's plea. He asks permission to flee to Zoar instead of the mountains. He repeats the phrase "isn't it a little one?" to emphasize that the town is insignificant and unlikely to be targeted by the destruction. By escaping to Zoar, Lot believes his life (his "soul") will be spared. He wants an easy escape and doesn't want to go to the mountains.
In essence, Lot is saying:
"I don't want to go to the mountains; it's too far and difficult."
"There's a small town right here, Zoar."
"It's so small, surely it's not worth destroying. Let me go there."
"If I go there, I will survive."
Key Interpretations and Significance:
Lot's Hesitation: This verse reveals Lot's lack of complete faith and his reluctance to fully obey God's instructions. He is trying to find the easiest, most convenient way out.
God's Mercy: The fact that God grants Lot's request demonstrates God's mercy and compassion. God is willing to accommodate Lot's weakness, even though Lot is not perfectly obedient.
Zoar's Significance: Zoar, though a minor detail in the overall narrative, becomes a place of refuge granted by God's grace. It is spared because of Lot's plea.
Theme of Judgment and Salvation: The entire story is about God's judgment on sin and his salvation of the righteous. This verse highlights the tension between these two themes.
Overall, the verse illustrates Lot's struggle between faith and fear, obedience and convenience, and highlights God's surprising mercy even toward those who are hesitant in their faith.
Genesis 19:20 - See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape there (isn’t it a little one?), and my soul will live.”
What does "Genesis 19:20" mean?
This verse is part of the story of Lot's escape from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis chapter 19. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Context: God, through angels, is about to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their wickedness. Lot and his family are being spared because Lot is considered righteous (by God's standards at that time). The angels are leading them out of Sodom with instructions to flee to the mountains.
"See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one..." Lot is speaking to the angel (or possibly to God through the angel, the text is not definitive). He sees a small town, Zoar, nearby. He considers it too close to the doomed cities and is trying to negotiate an alternative escape route. The emphasis on "little one" is important to his argument.
"...Oh let me escape there (isn’t it a little one?), and my soul will live.” This is the heart of Lot's plea. He asks permission to flee to Zoar instead of the mountains. He repeats the phrase "isn't it a little one?" to emphasize that the town is insignificant and unlikely to be targeted by the destruction. By escaping to Zoar, Lot believes his life (his "soul") will be spared. He wants an easy escape and doesn't want to go to the mountains.
In essence, Lot is saying:
"I don't want to go to the mountains; it's too far and difficult."
"There's a small town right here, Zoar."
"It's so small, surely it's not worth destroying. Let me go there."
"If I go there, I will survive."
Key Interpretations and Significance:
Lot's Hesitation: This verse reveals Lot's lack of complete faith and his reluctance to fully obey God's instructions. He is trying to find the easiest, most convenient way out.
God's Mercy: The fact that God grants Lot's request demonstrates God's mercy and compassion. God is willing to accommodate Lot's weakness, even though Lot is not perfectly obedient.
Zoar's Significance: Zoar, though a minor detail in the overall narrative, becomes a place of refuge granted by God's grace. It is spared because of Lot's plea.
Theme of Judgment and Salvation: The entire story is about God's judgment on sin and his salvation of the righteous. This verse highlights the tension between these two themes.
Overall, the verse illustrates Lot's struggle between faith and fear, obedience and convenience, and highlights God's surprising mercy even toward those who are hesitant in their faith.