And by the time the sun had risen over the landThis phrase marks a significant moment in the narrative, indicating the transition from night to day. In biblical symbolism, the rising sun often represents new beginnings or divine intervention. The timing here is crucial, as it signifies the completion of God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, which occurs as the sun rises. The sun rising can also be seen as a metaphor for God's righteousness and justice being revealed. In the broader biblical context, light often symbolizes God's presence and truth (
John 8:12).
Lot had reached Zoar
Lot's arrival in Zoar is significant for several reasons. Zoar, meaning "small" or "insignificant," was one of the five cities of the plain, including Sodom and Gomorrah. It was spared from destruction at Lot's request (Genesis 19:20-22). This highlights God's mercy and willingness to listen to the pleas of the righteous, even when judgment is imminent. Geographically, Zoar is believed to have been located near the southeastern edge of the Dead Sea. The city's preservation serves as a testament to God's grace and the importance of obedience and faith. Lot's journey to Zoar also underscores the theme of refuge and salvation, prefiguring the ultimate refuge found in Jesus Christ, who offers salvation to those who seek Him (Hebrews 6:18).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
LotNephew of Abraham, Lot is a central figure in this passage. He is fleeing from Sodom as God prepares to destroy the city due to its wickedness. Lot's journey to Zoar represents a physical and spiritual escape from sin and judgment.
2.
ZoarA small town near the Dead Sea, Zoar becomes Lot's refuge. Its name means "small" or "insignificant," highlighting the humility and safety found in God's provision, even in seemingly insignificant places.
3.
SodomA city known for its sinfulness, Sodom is about to face divine judgment. Its destruction serves as a warning against immorality and disobedience to God.
4.
SunriseThe rising sun symbolizes a new beginning and the light of God's mercy, as Lot escapes the impending doom of Sodom.
5.
Divine JudgmentThe event of Sodom's destruction underscores God's righteousness and justice, as well as His mercy in sparing Lot and his family.
Teaching Points
God's Mercy and JudgmentGod's mercy is evident in Lot's escape, yet His judgment on Sodom is a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin.
The Importance of ObedienceLot's journey to Zoar highlights the importance of obeying God's instructions, even when they lead to unexpected or humble places.
New BeginningsThe sunrise as Lot reaches Zoar symbolizes hope and new beginnings, encouraging believers to seek God's light in times of darkness.
The Role of IntercessionAbraham's intercession for Sodom reminds us of the power and importance of praying for others, especially those in spiritual danger.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 19:23?
2.How does Genesis 19:23 illustrate God's timing in delivering Lot from danger?
3.What lessons can we learn from Lot's obedience in Genesis 19:23?
4.How does Genesis 19:23 connect with God's judgment elsewhere in Scripture?
5.How can we apply the urgency of Genesis 19:23 to our spiritual lives?
6.What does "the sun had risen over the land" symbolize in this context?
7.What historical evidence supports the events described in Genesis 19:23?
8.How does Genesis 19:23 align with archaeological findings in the region?
9.What is the theological significance of the timing mentioned in Genesis 19:23?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 19?
11.What is Zoar's significance in the Bible?
12.What is Zoar's significance in the Bible?
13.Numbers 23:19: How do we reconcile 'God is not a man...that he should repent' with passages elsewhere depicting God changing His mind (e.g., Genesis 6:6)?
14.If Genesis 19:8 is taken at face value, why would Lot offer his daughters to the mob instead of protecting them?What Does Genesis 19:23 Mean
And by the time• The wording signals urgency. Lot’s escape begins before dawn (Genesis 19:15), and the phrasing reminds us that God’s timetable for judgment and rescue is precise (Exodus 12:41).
• Scripture often pairs “time” with divine appointments—God never delays nor rushes (Ecclesiastes 3:1;Galatians 4:4).
• The note of exact timing underscores that the angels’ warning “Hurry!” (Genesis 19:22) was no exaggeration; lives literally hinged on minutes (Hebrews 2:3).
the sun had risen over the land• Dawn marks a turning point: judgment on Sodom is imminent, yet Lot experiences new light and life (Psalm 30:5).
• Sunrise frequently pictures both mercy and wrath.Malachi 4:1-2 describes the same sunrise bringing blazing judgment for the wicked and healing rays for the righteous.
• At daybreak Jericho’s walls fell while Israel marched in victory (Joshua 6:15-20); here, daybreak will witness Sodom’s downfall while Lot stands delivered.
•Luke 1:78-79 celebrates Messiah as the “sunrise from on high” guiding us out of darkness—another echo that dawn can herald salvation.
Lot had reached Zoar• Zoar, once slated for destruction, is spared because Lot pleaded for it (Genesis 19:20-22). God honors the request, showing His readiness to extend mercy when asked (Psalm 34:15;James 4:2b).
• The name “Zoar” means “small,” highlighting that even a modest refuge is enough when God provides it (Proverbs 18:10).
• By arriving inside the city limits, Lot steps under divine protection; the angels could now unleash judgment without harming him (2 Peter 2:7-9).
• Zoar sits in the Jordan Valley (Deuteronomy 34:3). Though geographically close to Sodom, its fate contrasts sharply, illustrating that salvation and destruction can stand side by side depending on one’s response to God (Luke 17:28-32).
summaryGenesis 19:23 captures a moment packed with meaning: every second counts, dawn divides judgment from deliverance, and a “small” place becomes a great refuge because God ordained it. The verse assures us that when we act on God’s warnings and trust His provision, we arrive safely even as the world around us faces His righteous judgment.
(23)
The sun was risen.--As Lot started at dawn, he had thus had about an hour for his flight.
Verse 23. -
The sun was risen upon the earth - literally,
the sun went forth, i.e. it was now above the horizon. Lot had left Sodom with the first streak of dawn; but, having lingered, it was clear morning -
when Lot entered into Zoar - or "went towards Zoar,"
i.e. when the angel left him (Keil).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
When the sunהַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ(haš·še·meš)Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121:The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlementhad risenיָצָ֣א(yā·ṣā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proximoverעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe land,הָאָ֑רֶץ(hā·’ā·reṣ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, landLotוְל֖וֹט(wə·lō·wṭ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3876:Lot -- Abraham's nephewhad reachedבָּ֥א(bā)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, goZoar.צֹֽעֲרָה׃(ṣō·‘ă·rāh)Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 6820:Zoar -- 'insignificance', a city at the southeastern end of the Dead Sea
Links
Genesis 19:23 NIVGenesis 19:23 NLTGenesis 19:23 ESVGenesis 19:23 NASBGenesis 19:23 KJV
Genesis 19:23 BibleApps.comGenesis 19:23 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 19:23 Chinese BibleGenesis 19:23 French BibleGenesis 19:23 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 19:23 The sun had risen on the earth (Gen. Ge Gn)