NOTES for Gen 19:1-38
The destruction of the two cities happened not because laws of hospitality, sacred for many ancient peoples, had been violated. Sodom and Gomorrah gave their name to what is now called homosexuality. This historical episode is interpreted in every possible way, with political correctness being treated as more important than what is written. Nevertheless, the fact remains the fact. Guests came to Lot, and not merely guests, as we read in the previous chapter, but God Himself. The inhabitants of the city for whose pardon Abraham had pleaded tried to break into the house, saying: "...bring them out to us; we will know them." Defending his guests, Lot risked himself and his family. But as a result he was led out of the city and saved.
Was it frightening for him to leave the place where he had settled? Certainly. Was it painful to leave his home and take on the journey only what was most necessary? Of course. But the only condition of salvation was to leave the city and not look back. Whatever may happen, the Lord is ready to lead us out of captivity to sin, to protect us, and to give us another land. But we cannot look back, returning in memory to the way we lived before. Because we risk turning into a pillar of salt while watching Him burn away sin.