Wisdom of solomon 19:15 - And not only so, but God will visit the men of Sodom after another sort, Since they received as enemies those who were aliens;

Generated Verse: Wisdom of solomon 19:15

What does "Wisdom of solomon 19:15" mean?


Wisdom of Solomon 19:15 is a commentary on the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, drawing a theological lesson from their fate. Let's break down the verse:

"And not only so...": This indicates that the verse is building upon a previous point, likely related to the Egyptians' mistreatment of the Israelites.
"...but God will visit the men of Sodom after another sort...": "Visit" here means to punish or judge. The phrase "after another sort" implies that the Sodomites' punishment was different in nature from the Egyptians' punishment, or different from other punishments God might inflict. In the context of the whole book, it is likely a contrast with the plague-like punishments that befell the Egyptians.
"...Since they received as enemies those who were aliens;": This gives the reason for the Sodomites' unique punishment. Their sin was their hostile treatment of strangers or foreigners (aliens). It highlights the importance of hospitality and the ethical obligation to treat outsiders with kindness and respect.

In essence, the verse is saying:

God will punish the people of Sodom in a distinct and severe way because they treated strangers as enemies. This behavior was a profound violation of divine law and human decency.

Key themes and interpretations:

Xenophobia: The verse condemns xenophobia, the fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners. This is a recurring theme in the Hebrew Bible and is often connected to ethical responsibilities within a covenant relationship with God.
Hospitality: In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty. Travelers relied on the kindness of strangers for survival. Rejecting or mistreating guests was a grave offense.
Social Justice: The verse suggests a link between proper social conduct and divine judgment. How a society treats its most vulnerable members, including foreigners, reflects its moral standing.
Retribution: The verse illustrates the concept of divine retribution, where God punishes those who violate moral principles.

In the broader context of the Book of Wisdom:

The Book of Wisdom contrasts the wisdom of the righteous (often identified with the Israelites) with the folly of the wicked (often exemplified by Egyptians and other oppressive nations). This verse reinforces this contrast by presenting the Sodomites as another example of a nation whose wickedness led to its destruction. It serves as a warning against injustice and a call to embrace wisdom and righteousness.

Important note: This verse specifically condemns the Sodomites' treatment of aliens, not their sexual behavior. While the story of Sodom has become associated with condemnations of homosexuality, this verse focuses on the theme of inhospitality towards strangers.

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