Genesis 19: Group Study Handout

Overview

Genesis chapter 19 recounts the dramatic and unsettling story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The chapter begins with two angels arriving in Sodom, where they are immediately welcomed by Lot, who insists they stay in his home. That night, the men of the city surround Lot's house, demanding that he bring out the visitors for them to abuse. Lot pleads with the men to spare his guests, even offering his daughters instead, highlighting the moral decay of the city. The angels eventually intervene, striking the assailants with blindness and rescuing Lot and his family. They warn them to flee the city and not look back as it is destined for destruction due to its great wickedness.

Key verse

“Then Yahweh rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky.”

Genesis 19:24 (WEB)

Outline

1. Genesis 19:1–3 Angels Arrive in Sodom
2. Genesis 19:4–11 Men of Sodom Demand Visitors
3. Genesis 19:12–14 Warning of Destruction
4. Genesis 19:15–22 Escape from Sodom
5. Genesis 19:23–26 Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah
6. Genesis 19:27–29 Abraham's Intercession Remembered
7. Genesis 19:30–38 Lot's Daughters' Deception

Discussion questions

1. In v2, what does Lot offer to the angels when they arrive?
2. What do the men of Sodom demand from Lot in v5?
3. Lot's offer of his daughters in v8: what does this say about his values?
4. Lot's lingering in v16: why does he hesitate to leave the city?
5. When have you felt pressured like Lot was in v7 to defend someone?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Genesis 19: Genesis 18, 2 Peter 2, Luke 17.

Before next time: read Genesis 20.