Genesis 19:23 - The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar.

Generated Verse: Genesis 19:23

What does "Genesis 19:23" mean?


The verse "The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar" (Genesis 19:23) is a simple statement of timing. Here's a breakdown of what it signifies:

The sun had risen: This establishes a clear time marker. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah happened at night, and Lot's escape occurred before dawn. This verse indicates that Lot reached the relative safety of Zoar after sunrise.
On the earth: This emphasizes that it was daytime on earth
When Lot came to Zoar: This links the sunrise directly to Lot's arrival in the city of Zoar. He was granted a safe haven in this small city.

Significance:

Divine Timing: Some interpret the sunrise as a sign of God's grace and mercy. Lot and his daughters escaped the destruction, and the sun's rising could symbolize a new beginning for them.
Literal Timing: It simply marks the end of their flight and the beginning of their new life in Zoar, however temporary.
Emphasis on the Destruction: By mentioning the sunrise so soon after the description of the fiery destruction, it highlights the contrast between the normalcy of a new day elsewhere in the world and the utter devastation that had befallen Sodom and Gomorrah.

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