Sodom and Gomorrah – Cities Destroyed by Divine Judgement
Sodom and Gomorrah stand in the Bible as a lasting warning: two prosperous cities whose wickedness brought God's fiery judgement, and whose names remain a byword for human depravity.
The Destruction of Two Cities
These two Old Testament cities, south of the Dead Sea, were destroyed by God with fire and brimstone because of the sexual wickedness of the people. Abraham's nephew Lot, his wife and two daughters were the only inhabitants of these grossly evil cities who fled and so didn't perish in this destruction. However Lot's wife disobeyed the angels' warning, about not looking back towards Sodom, and was turned into a pillar of salt (Gen 10:19, 13:13, 19:16-17,24,26).
Abraham himself interceded for the cities, asking whether God would spare them for the sake of even ten righteous people – yet not even ten could be found (Gen 18:20-33). Only Lot and his daughters escaped, and even then only by the angels' urgent hand (Gen 19:15-16).
The LORD rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulphur and fire – Genesis 19:24
A Scriptural Picture of Depravity and Judgement
Sodom and Gomorrah are mentioned several times throughout the Bible as an example of humanity's depravity and subsequent judgement and destruction (Isa 13:19; Mt 10:15; Jud 1:7). The word "sodomy" itself derives from the name of Sodom and refers to unnatural sexual intercourse, as in the men of Sodom who sought to abuse the two angelic visitors (Gen 19:4-5). Their downfall demonstrates that God is not indifferent to unrepented wickedness, however prosperous or advanced a society may appear.
During his time on earth Jesus said, some of the cities of Israel were far more resistant to the transforming power of God than these Old Testament cities (Mt 11:20-24). He also warned that the day of the Son of Man would arrive as unexpectedly as the judgement that fell on the cities of the plain.
A Warning for Today
Jesus pointed out that in the days of Lot life carried on as normal – eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, building – until judgement fell without warning (Lk 17:28-30). The people of Sodom were not judged during a moment of open rebellion, but amid the routine of everyday living: commerce, agriculture, family life and celebration all proceeded as though God would never intervene.
Instant judgment with no opportunity for change
The account therefore speaks not only of gross wickedness, but of spiritual complacency within ordinary life. Prosperity and busyness can lull people into a false sense of security, so that conscience is dulled, warnings are ignored, and the things of God are quietly crowded out – until, like the flood in the days of Noah, the appointed moment arrives and it is too late to change (Lk 17:26-27). The warning is clear: watchfulness and wholehearted devotion must characterise the believer's daily life, for the Son of Man will come at an hour when He is least expected.
Reflection and Application:
- Prosperity and routine are no guarantee of safety – judgement can fall while life seems ordinary.
- Lot dwelt in Sodom and was worn down by it; gradual compromise dulls spiritual alertness.
- Lot's wife looked back longingly – ask whether anything behind us still holds our heart.
- God mercifully rescued Lot before judgement fell; He still delivers all who take refuge in Him.
See also: sexual sins, sodomy.