“Behold now, this city is near to flee unto, and it is a little one: Oh, let me escape thither, (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.”
This verse is a part of the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. To understand the context of Genesis 19:20, we need to look at the preceding events.
In Genesis 18, three visitors, who are later revealed to be angels, appear to Abraham near the oaks of Mamre. They inform him of God’s plan to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to the wickedness of their inhabitants.
Abraham, concerned for his nephew Lot who lived in Sodom, intercedes on behalf of the righteous people in the city. He asks if God would spare the city if fifty righteous people were found there. God agrees and Abraham gradually lowers the number, asking if God would spare the city for the sake of forty‑five, forty, thirty, twenty, and finally, ten righteous people. God agrees each time.
In Genesis 19, the two angels arrive in Sodom and are welcomed by Lot, who offers them hospitality. However, the wicked men of the city surround Lot’s house, demanding that he bring out the visitors so that they may have sexual relations with them. Lot, realizing the gravity of the situation, offers his own daughters to the men instead, which is a troubling and morally complex decision.
In Genesis 19:20, Lot is speaking to the angels after they have informed him that they will destroy the city of Sodom. Lot pleads with the angels, expressing his desire to flee to a nearby small city, Zoar. He refers to Zoar as a “little one” and asks for permission to escape there. He believes that Zoar is small enough to be spared from destruction and requests that his life be spared as well.
This verse showcases Lot’s desperation and concern for his own life. It also highlights the fact that Lot saw Zoar as a place of refuge and safety amidst the imminent destruction of Sodom.
It is important to note that while Lot’s concern for his own safety is understandable, his decision to offer his daughters to the wicked men of Sodom earlier in the chapter raises ethical questions.
Overall, Genesis 19:20 provides a glimpse into the mindset of Lot and the unfolding events leading up to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. It reminds us of the consequences of sin and the importance of seeking refuge in God’s mercy and grace.
