Knowing The Word in Genesis 19:1-11, God Rescues Lot

1 The two angels [see 18:22; who are they?] came to Sodom in the evening [having traveled 25 miles from Mamre], and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom [a place for respected elders, but why only Lot?]. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant's house and spend the night and wash your feet. [Whom does Lot reflect?] Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” 3 But he pressed them strongly [twisted their arm]; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread [first mention of unleavened bread (made in a hurry) in Scripture], and they ate. [What was Lot’s concern? Why did they want to spend the evening outside?]

4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. [There are no righteous men in Sodom except for Lot.] 5 And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” [Now we know why Lot twisted their arms to get them inside his house, and we also know why the angels were reluctant since this kind of gang rape appears to be typical Sodomite hospitality.] 6 Lot went out to the men at the entrance, shut the door after him [Lot’s intent is to protect his visitors, even putting himself at danger by cutting off his own escape], 7 and said, “I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly. 8 Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. [This is a shocking proposal to all, but shows how far he will go to protect his guests.] Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.” 9 But they said, “Stand back!” And they said, “This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge! [They reject his surprising proposal based on his immigrant status and his moral superiority.] Now we will deal worse with you than with them.” Then they pressed hard against the man Lot, and drew near to break the door down. 10 But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house [reflects Noah bringing the dove into the ark] with them and shut the door. 11 And they struck with blindness the men who were at the entrance of the house, both small and great, so that they wore themselves out groping for the door. [The angels reveal their true identity when all seems lost. Can angels cause blindness? Notice that no one repented when blinded by God’s judgment but kept trying to enter the house.]