For we will destroy this place, because the crie of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD: and the LORD hath sent vs to destroy it. Genesis 19:13 (KJV)
This passage is part of the account of the events surrounding the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Prior to the events described in Genesis 19, two angels, disguised as men, arrived in Sodom and were hosted by Lot, the nephew of Abraham.
The men of the city, both young and old, surrounded Lot’s house and demanded that the visitors be brought out to them so that they could have sexual relations with them.
The situation had reached a point of great wickedness and depravity in the eyes of the Lord.
In Genesis 19:13, the angels who were sent to rescue Lot and his family inform Lot that the Lord has determined to destroy the cities because of the widespread wickedness that had reached His attention.
This verse provides important insights into the character of God and His response to sin. It reveals that God is aware of the evil committed by people and that He takes it seriously.
The “cry” mentioned refers to the collective outcry over the cities’ wickedness, which tradition understands as including the suffering of the vulnerable.
It is worth noting that the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah went beyond the sin of attempted homosexual rape. According to Ezekiel 16:49‑50, the cities were characterized by a multitude of sins, including arrogance, inhospitality, greed, and disregard for the poor and needy.
The outcry of these sins reached God, and He determined to bring judgment upon the cities.
This verse serves as a reminder of God’s justice and His intolerance of sin. It shows that God is not indifferent to the suffering caused by human wickedness and that He will ultimately hold people accountable for their actions.
It also highlights the importance of righteousness and the consequences of turning away from God’s ways.
Overall, Genesis 19:13 underscores the importance of living a life that is pleasing to God and serves as a reminder that God’s justice will ultimately prevail.
