Genesis 19:1 The two angels arrived at Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gateway of the city. When he saw them, he got up to meet them and bowed down with his face to the ground.
Commentary says that the fact that Lot was by the city gate indicates that he is a city leader of some sort. The fact that he “insisted so strongly” that the visitors stay with him instead of in the square indicates that he understood what would happen to them if they slept in the square. The fact that Lot is a righteous man who holds some position of power in Sodom indicates the questionable choices he has made of late.
Genesis 19:2 “My lords,” he said, “please turn aside to your servant’s house. You can wash your feet and spend the night and then go on your way early in the morning.” “No,” they answered, “we will spend the night in the square.”
I wonder if Lot was fully aware of how far he had allowed his personal moral code to slip. He “insisted so strongly” that the visitors stay with him, which seems to indicate that he knew they would be accosted if they stayed in the town square. So why did Lot stay? Why did he become a city leader in a place that would accost strangers in the town square? Did he realize the choice he was making by not making other choices?
Genesis 19:3 But he insisted so strongly that they did go with him and entered his house. He prepared a meal for them, baking bread without yeast, and they ate.
Precious Savior, Thank You for this eye-opening look at Lot’s behavior. Help us to make intentional choices that draw us closer to You, that preserve the well-being and dignity of those around us, that lift others up instead of tearing them down. Help us, Lord. Amen.
Genesis 19:4 Before they had gone to bed, all the men from every part of the city of Sodom—both young and old—surrounded the house.
Have a blessed day.