Destruction and Birth

Genesis 19-21 and Psalm 6

Sodom and Gomorrah Destroyed. Whether an enormous earthquake (the consensus of the references I found) or some unknown catastrophic event, the wicked people of Sodom and Gomorrah were ultimately punished. Lot, his wife and two daughters flee at the bidding of the angels disguised as men “grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them” (Genesis 19:16).

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” Genesis 19:26

Given the result, it seems fair to conclude that Lot’s wife didn’t just glance over her shoulder; rather, she was consumed by her desire for that which was left behind. When Jesus was teaching his disciples about the end times, he referenced this narrative: Luke 17:28-29, 17:32.

“Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it” Luke 17:32-33a

Once again we see the need to understand the Old Testament better to appreciate the references from the New Testament. It’s important to see what has happened to appreciate what will happen. Lord, increase my understanding!

Lot’s two daughters were apparently raised in such depravity that they conspired to get their father drunk and have sex with him in order to have children. Thus we have the beginning of the Moabites and the Ammonites from which battles will ensue in the coming generations.

Abraham and Abimelek — “She’s my sister” a second time. Abraham uses the same ploy a second time (and Sarah added ‘He is my brother.’ Abimelek has a dream that reveals the deception and has a meeting with Abraham where he explains the riddle,

Besides, she really is my sister, the daughter of my father though not of my mother; and she became my wife. And when God had me wander from my father’s household, I said to her, ‘This is how you can show your love to me: Everywhere we go, say of me, ‘He is my brother.'”Genesis 20:12-13

There is truth and there is the whole truth. Interesting. Abimelek gives Abraham lots of stuff and Abraham prays for him. Thus Abraham is again rewarded for this deception.

The Birth of Issac

Just as the angel said, Sarah became pregnant at the age of 90 (Abraham became the father of Issac at 100). Somehow they still have a sense of humor about the entire affair:

God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me. Genesis 21:6

Sarah must be filled with joy as she realizes that God allowed her to have a son, so much so that everyone will laugh with her. It’s a wonderful image. But once again, Sarah is extremely unhappy with Hagar and Ishmael, so Abraham sends them out. God provides for Hagar in the desert of Paran. They are now out of Sarah’s way!

God is the Lord of promises kept. As humans, we tend to make a mess of everything, but God works with us anyway! Praise God for his patience, his providence, his protection and relentless pursuit of his people.