Ground. Thus shewing himself a true relation and imitator of Abraham.
Wherein we see God’s provident care in preserving his: albeit he revealeth not himself to all alike: for Lot had but two Angels, and Abraham three.
The contents of this chapter we have, 2 Pet 2 6-8, where we find that "God, turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, and delivered just Lot." It is the history of Sodom's ruin, and Lot's rescue from that ruin. We read (ch. 18) of God's coming to take a view of the present state of Sodom, what its wickedness was, and what righteous persons there were in it: now here we have the result of that enquiry. I. It was found, upon trial, that Lot was very good (ver 1-3), and it did not appear that there was any more of the same character. II. It was found that the Sodomites were very wicked and vile, ver 4-11. III. Special care was therefore taken for the securing of Lot and his family, in a place of safety, ver 12-23. IV. Mercy having rejoiced therein, justice shows itself in the ruin of Sodom and the death of Lot's wife (ver 24-26), with a general repetition of the story, ver 27-29. V. A foul sin that Lot was guilty of, in committing incest with his two daughters, ver 30, etc.
Verses 1-29 Lot was good, but there was not one more of the same character in the city. All the people of Sodom were very wicked and vile. Care was therefore taken for saving Lot and his family. Lot lingered; he trifled. Thus many who are under convictions about their spiritual state, and the necessity of a change, defer that needful work. The salvation of the most righteous men is of God's mercy, not by their own merit. We are saved by grace. God's power also must be acknowledged in bringing souls out of a sinful state If God had not been merciful to us, our lingering had been our ruin. Lot must flee for his life. He must not hanker after Sodom. Such commands as these are given to those who, through grace, are delivered out of a sinful state and condition. Return not to sin and Satan. Rest not in self and the world. Reach toward Christ and heaven, for that is escaping to the mountain, short of which we must not stop. Concerning this destruction, observe that it is a revelation of the wrath of God against sin and sinners of all ages. Let us learn from hence the evil of sin, and its hurtful nature; it leads to ruin.
Wherein we see God’s provident care in preserving his: albeit he revealeth not himself to all alike: for Lot had but two Angels, and Abraham three.
Wherein we see God’s provident care in preserving his: albeit he revealeth not himself to all alike: for Lot had but two Angels, and Abraham three.
My lords. He took them to be men. — No. They refuse at first, that he may have the merit of pressing them to accept the invitation. (Haydock)
1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; 2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night. 3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.