Story by Stars Insider
©Getty Images
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah holds considerable weight in the Bible, and grabs the attention of many. These cities were completely annihilated as a consequence of sin. With the exception of one man and his family, everyone and everything was destroyed. But why did Sodom and Gomorrah face the wrath of God? And what exactly were the sins committed by their residents?
Click through and lean more about this notorious biblical tale.
Cities of the Plain ©Getty Images
The banks of the Jordan River was home not only to Sodom and Gomorrah, but three other cities. These five were collectively referred to as the Cities of the Plain.
Are these cities talked about in the Bible too?©Getty Images
Admah and Zeboim are mentioned in Deuteronomy 29:22-23, while Genesis 19:23 identifies the third city as Zoar.
Did God destroy these other cities?©Getty Images
Admah and Zeboim, like Sodom and Gomorrah, were also deemed sinful and were destroyed. It’s just that these cities weren’t as well known or as popular.
What about the third city?©Getty Images
Zoar, however, escaped God’s punishment due to Lot (Abraham’s nephew) seeking shelter within its walls.
Homosexuality may not be at fault©Getty Images
For centuries, homosexuality has been blamed for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. However, an alternate interpretation suggests that the cities fell because of their residents’ lack of hospitality towards strangers.
Or perhaps it was©Getty Images
The explanation for homosexuality is based on Genesis 19:5, where a group of men from Sodom asked Lot: “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them.
It doesn’t stop there©Getty Images
The account is further reinforced in Jude 7, which states: “Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding towns gave themselves up to sexual immorality and perversion.”
But then again, perhaps it wasn’t©Getty Images
In the past, to act in an unwelcome manner was a significant issue. According to Matthew 10:14-15, “If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet. Truly I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that town.”
What was the sin in the end?©Getty Images
The situation is quite complex. Unfortunately, even the Bible fails to provide clarity on the matter. So, let’s dig deeper into this confusing topic, shall we? Ezekiel 16:49 reads: “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom: She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy”. This description paints a picture of a city consumed by sin and self-centeredness.
Add a dash of adultery to enhance the situation©Getty Images
Jeremiah 23:14 contributes to the discussion by stating, “And among the prophets of Jerusalem. I have seen something horrible: They commit adultery and live a lie. […] They are all like Sodom to me; the people of Jerusalem are like Gomorrah.”
Those cities were pretty unruly… but one man deserved a chance to escape©Getty Images
According to 2 Peter 2:6-9, Lot was spared by God as he was deemed a righteous man. With his daughters, Lot successfully escaped and remained unharmed. Unfortunately, Lot’s wife succumbed as she disobeyed God’s command not to look back, resulting in her transformation into a pillar of salt.
Family relations©Getty Images
It’s revealed that the Messiah was predicted to descend from Lot’s lineage. Therefore, Lot and his daughters were merely fulfilling God’s will…
Lot’s children©Getty Images
Lot and his daughters were responsible for the establishment of the dynasties referred to as the Moabites and the Ammonites.
The Romans had their own version©Getty Images
The story of Baucis and Philemon, a fable blending Greek and Roman mythology, was documented by the Roman writer Ovid. It is worth noting that this is not the only biblical story with alternate versions.
Baucis and Philemon©Getty Images
Zeus and Hermes, known as Jupiter and Mercury, journey to a town in human form and discover its inhabitants to be unwelcoming, except for Philemon and his wife, Baucis. The couple offer their guests food and a place to stay.
Islam’s interpretation of the tale©Getty Images
According to Genesis 19:26, Lot’s wife defied God’s command by glancing back at the city’s destruction, resulting in her transformation into a pillar of salt. Surah Hud 11:81 in the Quran, however, presents an even more perplexing account.
Islam’s interpretation of the tale©Getty Images
The text states, “So travel with your family in the dark of night, and do not let any of you look back, except your wife. She will certainly suffer the fate of the others.” Lot was aware that his wife would be punished, which begs the question: why?
The Cities of the Plain had a turbulent history©Getty Images
Prior to the apocalyptic event, Sodom and Gomorrah were ravaged by warfare. The cities fell victim to an assault led by Kedorlaomer, also known as Chedorlaomer, ruler of Elam. He ruthlessly slaughtered the inhabitants and plundered their wealth and provisions.
The Cities of the Plain had a turbulent history©Getty Images
Perhaps these individuals had a justification for deviating from God’s will and adopting impoliteness and indulgence. However, the consequences they ultimately faced were exceedingly severe.
Where Sodom was located©Shutterstock
In 2005, archaeologists made a significant find in Jordan called Tall el-Hammam. Could this possibly be Sodom?
Is Sodom finally discovered?©Shutterstock
Archaeologist Steven Collins, an evangelical Christian on a mission, led the excavation, which raised doubt among some individuals about his findings due to his religious beliefs.
Large rocks were being thrown by God©Getty Images
It is believed that a meteor may have exploded over the Dead Sea, resulting in the potential destruction of Tall el-Hammam. And witnessing such an event could easily be interpreted as God being seriously displeased.
What about the city that survived?©Shutterstock
Yes, Zoar was indeed found by us! It came to be called Zoara and has been mentioned extensively throughout history, spanning from the Romans to Islam.
Large rocks were being thrown by God©Getty Images
It is believed that a meteor may have exploded over the Dead Sea, resulting in the potential destruction of Tall el-Hammam. And witnessing such an event could easily be interpreted as God being seriously displeased.
Zoar©Shutterstock
Excavations were conducted in the area during the 1980s and ’90s, resulting in several findings, including the cave believed to have been used by Lot as a sanctuary.
Sources: (Grunge) The truth behind Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction
See also: Science confirms these parts of the Bible are true