Sodom and Gomorrah were two cities located in the plain of Jordan, known for their extreme wickedness and immorality. Genesis 13:13 says, “But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinful against the Lord.” Their sin was so grievous that God determined to destroy the cities as an act of divine judgment.
When Abraham interceded for the cities, God agreed not to destroy them if even ten righteous people could be found there (Genesis 18:32). However, their depravity was so great that not even that number was present. The Lord sent two angels to warn Lot and bring him and his family out before the judgment.
The wickedness of Sodom was demonstrated when the men of the city surrounded Lot’s house and demanded to have relations with the angelic visitors (Genesis 19:5), showing the depth of their moral corruption. Because of this, God rained down brimstone and fire from heaven, and the cities were completely destroyed (Genesis 19:24-25).
Lot’s wife looked back despite the angel’s warning, and she became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26), serving as a warning not to long for what God has condemned.
Sodom and Gomorrah became a lasting example of divine judgment against sin. 2 Peter 2:6 says God turned the cities “into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly.” Jude 7 adds that they are “set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.”
Their story stands as a solemn warning of God’s holiness, His hatred of sin, and His mercy in delivering the righteous before judgment falls.
