God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, turning the cities into ashes as a judgment for their wickedness.
The two angels visited Sodom, witnessed the city's depravity, and Lot's attempted protection led to divine intervention. God condemned the cities and overthrew them, making them an example of judgment.
Genesis 19:24-25 — Directly records the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Sodom and Gomorrah were cities that became synonymous with wickedness. In Genesis 19, two angels came to Sodom in the evening as men, but the men of the city surrounded Lot's house, demanding to 'know' them, which was a demand for sexual relations. This blatant immorality revealed the city's deep depravity. The angels pulled Lot inside, blinded the assailants, and then escorted Lot and his family out. Then, 'the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities' (Genesis 19:24-25). Second Peter reiterates this judgment, stating they were 'turned into ashes' and 'condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly' (2 Peter 2:6).
Les emphasizes that the events in Sodom and Gomorrah were a trial orchestrated by God. The angels, appearing as mere men, were sent to the city to put the inhabitants to the test. Their reaction — demanding to sexually assault the visitors — proved their wickedness and justified their destruction. Les notes this was not an 'alternate lifestyle' but an 'abomination,' and God's destruction was a necessary judgment. The story serves as an example for all time that God has not changed and will judge ungodliness.
The two angels appeared as ordinary men. Les clarifies that although they were angels, the people of Sodom saw them simply as 'two men' with no indication of their supernatural nature. This is why the mob's demand to know them was expected by Lot, who realized the danger.
Lot, sitting at the city gate as a leader, anticipated the behavior of the Sodomites and knew that two strange men would be in danger. He urgently invited them into his house for their safety, showing his awareness of the city's immorality as well as his adherence to hospitality customs.
Les explains that the request to 'know them' is the scriptural term for intimate relations, and it plainly indicates the mob's sexual intentions towards the two visitors. This desire for sexual relations between men is identified as the scriptural root for the term 'sodomy' and is called an 'abomination' by God.
When the mob pressed against Lot's door, the angels pulled him inside and struck the attackers with blindness. The angels warned Lot to flee, and fire and brimstone rained from heaven, overthrowing the cities and everything in them, turning them into ashes. This destruction serves as an example for future generations, demonstrating that God will judge ungodliness.
The Angels' Arrival
Les explains that the two men who came to Sodom were actually angels, though they appeared purely as men to the city's inhabitants.
The Wickedness of Sodom
Les clarifies that the story of Sodom was not a mere narrative; it demonstrated the abomination of homosexuality, which is why God destroyed the city.
Lot's Leadership and Hospitality
Les notes that Lot was a city leader, sitting at the gate, and his hospitality in inviting the angels home was partly an anticipation of the mob's evil plans.
The Mob's Demand
Les explains that the men of Sodom gathered to demand sexual relations with the two visitors, showing the entire population's immersion in immorality.
Lot at the Gate
Les describes how Lot, as a city official, saw the angels approaching and recognized the danger they were in, prompting his urgent invitation.
The Mob Attacks
Les recounts how the mob rejected Lot's plea and turned on him, threatening his life, which forced the angels to intervene with blindness.
Lot's Hospitality
Les highlights Lot's hospitality in greeting the visitors and inviting them in, a custom of that time, and his awareness of the Sodomites' tendencies.
God's Example of Judgment
Les refers to 2 Peter 2:6 to stress that God's destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was a deliberate example for all future ungodly people, as God is unchanging.
Genesis 19:4-5: But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.
This shows the city's collective demand for sexual relations with the visiting angels, precipitating their judgment.
Genesis 19:24-25: Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.
This is the core account of the cities' destruction, leaving nothing but ash and ruin.
2 Peter 2:6: And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;
This confirms the destruction and explains its purpose as a warning to future generations.
The Bible presents their sin as rampant homosexuality, highlighted by the mob's demand to sexually assault the visiting angels. This act was an 'abomination' and prompted God's judgment.
The Bible records that the LORD rained fire and brimstone from heaven upon the cities, overthrowing all the plain and its inhabitants, turning them to ashes (Genesis 19:24-25).
In 2 Peter 2:6, their destruction is cited as an example to warn that God will judge ungodliness. The fate of these cities demonstrates that God has not changed and will act similarly against wickedness.
Watch the Teaching: What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality — Romans 1