This verse is part of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19. Let's break down what it means:
"He" refers to God. Throughout this passage, "the Lord" (often understood as God) is in communication with Abraham and then with Lot through angels.
"He said to him" refers to God speaking to Lot. Lot has been pleading with the angels to allow him to flee to a nearby smaller city instead of escaping all the way to the mountains, fearing he won't make it.
"Behold, I have granted your request concerning this thing also..." This means God is agreeing to Lot's request. He's saying, "Yes, I will do what you asked."
"...that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken." The "city of which you have spoken" is Zoar (mentioned earlier in the chapter). Lot asked to be allowed to flee there, and God is promising not to destroy Zoar. He's sparing it because of Lot's request.
In essence, the verse signifies God's mercy and responsiveness to prayer. Lot asked for a specific small mercy – that a particular city be spared – and God granted it.
Here's the broader context and significance:
Judgment and Mercy: God is about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness. However, he is also showing mercy to Lot, who is considered a righteous man (though flawed).
Intercession: This passage highlights the power of intercession. While Abraham had previously interceded for Sodom (asking God to spare it if righteous people were found), Lot is now interceding for Zoar.
God's Sovereignty: God is sovereign, meaning he has the ultimate authority. However, he also chooses to respond to the prayers and pleas of his people.
So, Genesis 19:21 is a significant verse showing God's willingness to hear and answer prayers, even amidst judgment. It highlights his simultaneous justice and mercy.
This verse is part of the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19. Let's break down what it means:
"He" refers to God. Throughout this passage, "the Lord" (often understood as God) is in communication with Abraham and then with Lot through angels.
"He said to him" refers to God speaking to Lot. Lot has been pleading with the angels to allow him to flee to a nearby smaller city instead of escaping all the way to the mountains, fearing he won't make it.
"Behold, I have granted your request concerning this thing also..." This means God is agreeing to Lot's request. He's saying, "Yes, I will do what you asked."
"...that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken." The "city of which you have spoken" is Zoar (mentioned earlier in the chapter). Lot asked to be allowed to flee there, and God is promising not to destroy Zoar. He's sparing it because of Lot's request.
In essence, the verse signifies God's mercy and responsiveness to prayer. Lot asked for a specific small mercy – that a particular city be spared – and God granted it.
Here's the broader context and significance:
Judgment and Mercy: God is about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their wickedness. However, he is also showing mercy to Lot, who is considered a righteous man (though flawed).
Intercession: This passage highlights the power of intercession. While Abraham had previously interceded for Sodom (asking God to spare it if righteous people were found), Lot is now interceding for Zoar.
God's Sovereignty: God is sovereign, meaning he has the ultimate authority. However, he also chooses to respond to the prayers and pleas of his people.
So, Genesis 19:21 is a significant verse showing God's willingness to hear and answer prayers, even amidst judgment. It highlights his simultaneous justice and mercy.