What was Sodom and Gomorrah's wickedness?

      The story of Sodom and Gomorrah begins in Genesis 13, where Lot, Abraham’s nephew, chooses to settle near Sodom due to its fertile land. However, even at that time, the Bible describes the inhabitants as "wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly" (Genesis 13:13, KJV).

A. Abraham’s Intercession (Genesis 18:16-33)

      Before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, God informs Abraham of His plan, saying, "The outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is so great and their sin so grievous" (Genesis 18:20, NIV). Abraham, concerned for any righteous individuals in the city, pleads with God to spare it if righteous people can be found. He starts with 50 and negotiates down to 10, but ultimately, not even 10 righteous individuals are found, sealing the city’s fate.

B. The Arrival of the Angels (Genesis 19:1-11)

      Two angels, disguised as men, arrive in Sodom and are welcomed by Lot, who insists they stay in his home. This hospitality is in stark contrast to what follows. That night, the men of Sodom gather outside Lot’s house and demand to have intimacy with the visitors.

      This incident highlights several aspects of Sodom’s depravity:

1. Extreme Inhospitality – In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a sacred duty. The city’s demand to violate guests was a severe breach of this moral code.

2. Violence and Exploitation – The mob’s intent was not consensual relationships but violent sexual assault, showing a society that had normalized brutality.

3. Moral Blindness – Even after being struck with blindness by the angels, the men continue trying to force their way in, illustrating their deep-rooted evil.

C. The Destruction of the Cities (Genesis 19:12-29)

      The angels warn Lot to flee, as God is about to destroy the city. Lot’s hesitation and the reluctance of his family to leave further reflect how ingrained they had become in Sodom’s corrupt culture. Eventually, fire and brimstone rain down, obliterating Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot’s wife, looking back longingly, turns into a pillar of salt—symbolizing the consequences of attachment to a sinful lifestyle.

Understanding Sodom and Gomorrah in a Broader Context

A. The Cultural and Historical Context

      Ancient Near Eastern cultures placed a high value on hospitality, justice, and social order. The behavior of Sodom’s people—especially their inhospitality and sexual violence—would have been seen as the height of moral corruption.

B. Scriptural Themes in the Story

● God’s Justice and Mercy – God was willing to spare the city for just ten righteous people, showing His patience and mercy. However, the ultimate destruction reveals that divine justice cannot ignore persistent wickedness.

● The Consequences of Sin – Sodom’s fate serves as a warning throughout the Bible that unchecked sin leads to destruction.

● A Call to Righteousness – The contrast between Abraham’s righteousness and Sodom’s wickedness highlights the importance of faithfulness to God’s commands.

C. Modern Lessons from Sodom and Gomorrah

      The story of Sodom and Gomorrah continues to be relevant today in discussions about morality, justice, and divine judgment. Some key lessons include:

1. Hospitality and Compassion Matter – The Bible repeatedly emphasizes caring for strangers and the needy (Hebrews 13:2, Matthew 25:35-40).

2. Pride and Selfishness Lead to Ruin – Societies that prioritize greed over justice often face severe consequences.

3. God’s Patience Has Limits – While God is merciful, persistent wickedness will eventually lead to judgment.

      Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction was not due to a single sin but a combination of extreme inhospitality, violence, social injustice, pride, and sexual immorality. The biblical narrative presents these cities as a symbol of total moral decay, where evil was so ingrained that not even ten righteous people could be found. Their fate serves as a lasting warning about the consequences of unchecked sin and rebellion against God.

      The story continues to be a powerful reminder that righteousness and justice are foundational to a thriving society. Whether viewed through a historical, or moral lens, Sodom and Gomorrah remain a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance, greed, cruelty, and defiance against God’s ways.