The Strand Study Bible

GENESIS GENESIS in your life not only pleases God (Heb 11:1-6), it triggers the grace of God ( Eph 2:8a ) which leads to the deliverance of God (vs 16). 19:14b Because God’s people fail to live better than the world, the world “refuses to believe” ( But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law ) in a coming judgment. 19:15 According to the angels, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were cities of iniquity , which needed destroying. NOTE – Interestingly enough, had Lot been a spiritual man (Lk 17:28-30), Sodom and Gomorrah could have been “salvaged” (Mt 11:23). The fact that fewer than ten righteous people lived in Sodom (Gen 18:32) provides a sad commentary on the ineffectiveness of Lot’s witness. 19:16 This is the first time the word “mercy” is mentioned in the Bible. Whereas grace is defined as receiving what we don’t deserve (which is deliverance from Hell and/or human destruction – Gen 6:8 ), mercy is defined as not receiving what we do deserve (which is Hell and/or human destruction). Meaning: What we all deserve is Hell and destruction; and what we don’t deserve is deliverance from that destruction. Yet, because of the mercy and grace of God, we are delivered from what we deserve. NOTE – Whereas to experience the grace of God triggers gratefulness within us, to experience the mercy of God triggers humility. 19:18 This word ( Lord ) is the Hebrew word “ awdone .” Depending on the context, this name can refer to either a “human master; ruler” (Gen 18:12 and Num 11:28) or a “Divine Master” ( Gen 1:1 b ). This is the very first time awdone is used in the Scriptures in reference to a “Divine Master.” It is used in reference to the: FATHER - Isa 1:24 and Mic 4:13 SON - Gen 19:18, Josh 5:14, Jud 6:13, Psa 8:1 & 110:1, Zech 1:9 & 4:4,13 and Mal 3:1 19:22 The Lord could not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah until the “righteous” (the saved; Lot – II Pet 2:7-9) were delivered ( for I cannot do anything till thou be come thither – Lk 17:27-28). 19:24 The following references refer to “Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction:” Deut 29:23, Isa 1:9 & 13:19, Jere 20:16 & 23:14 & 49:18 & 50:40, Ezk 16:49-50, Hos 11:8, Amos 4:11, Mt 10:15, Mk 6:11, Lk 17:28-29, Rom 9:29, II Pet 2:6-9, Jude 7 and Rev 11:8. Jesus used Sodom and Gomorrah ( Gen 13:13 ) along with the Flood as illustrations of judgment (Lk 17:26-30). 19:26a The reason Lot’s wife looked back is because she missed her life in Sodom and had no problem whatsoever with the alternative lifestyle crowd. Whereas Lot tolerated them (even though he vexed his soul daily while living amongst them – II Pet 2:7-9), Lot’s wife embraced their lifestyle. One of the big reasons many women embrace the homosexual lifestyle is because homosexuals pose no threat to them. You rarely hear of a woman ever being raped and/or hurt by a homosexual. 19:26b Jesus used the incident of Lot’s wife being turned into a pillar of salt as a warning to future believers not to put too much stock in the things of this world ( Mt 16:24-26 and Lk 17: 26- 32-33 ). To do so is to enter Heaven with dishonor, having salt on you instead of in you ( Mk 9:50 ). NOTE - According to I John 2:15-17, our love for this world will profit us absolutely nothing. Not now, not in eternity. In the end, this world and our love for it will eventually pass away (II Pet 3:7,10-11). 111