Definition: And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing [them] rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 19:1. It's a really important story about God’s judgment and a bit about human behavior. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: God is Watching: The verse starts with God looking over the Earth, noticing something strange happening in Sodom (a city near Jerusalem). Two Angels Appear: Two angels – powerful figures of God – appear in Sodom. They are observing what’s going on. Lot is Sitting Outside: Lot, a man who was living in Sodom, is sitting outside the city gates. He's alone and looking at something that’s happening. Lot Reacts: He gets scared and rises up to meet them. He looks down at the ground with his face bowed – it’s a sign of fear and shame. What It Means (Simplified): This verse describes a moment of intense fear and shame for Lot. Here's what it suggests: God is Judging: The angels are showing God that something terrible is happening in Sodom. Lot’s Pride: Lot was proud and complacent, and he wasn’t listening to God’s warnings. He was focusing on himself and his comfort rather than obeying God's instructions. Fear and Shame: Lot’s reaction shows him the consequences of his actions – he’s humbled before God and ashamed of his pride. It’s a Warning: This story is a warning to us all: Pride can lead to trouble, and we should always listen to God's guidance, even when it's uncomfortable. Important Note: This verse isn’t about why Lot was in Sodom. It’s about the result of his pride – he was invited into a place where God would punish him. It’s a pivotal moment that sets up the entire story of Noah and the Flood! --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, we could: Discuss the symbolism of the angels. Talk about the context of the story in Genesis. Explore the meaning of "Pride" in relation to this verse?