(The Lord speaking is red text)
The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.
By the time Lot had come to Tzo'ar, the sun had risen over the land.
And by the time the sun had risen over the land, Lot had reached Zoar.
The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot came unto Zoar.
The sun{H8121} was risen{H3318} upon the earth{H776} when Lot{H3876} entered{H935} into Zoar{H6820}.
Genesis 19:23 is part of the narrative about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, two cities notorious for their wickedness. The historical context of this verse is situated within the broader account of God's judgment on these cities. Here are the key themes and historical context:
**Themes:**
1. **Judgment and Mercy:** The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is a stark example of God's judgment on sin. However, the verse also reflects the theme of mercy, as Lot, Abraham's nephew, is spared along with his family.
2. **Divine Intervention:** The verse underscores the theme of divine intervention, as the timing of the sunrise and Lot's arrival in Zoar are not coincidental but part of the divine plan to save him.
3. **Obedience and Faith:** Lot's ability to reach Zoar before the destruction begins is contingent on his obedience to the instructions of the angels who had warned him of the impending calamity. This highlights the importance of heeding divine guidance.
4. **The Consequences of Sin:** The fate of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a warning about the consequences of unchecked sinfulness and moral depravity.
**Historical Context:**
- **Time Period:** The events of Genesis 19 are set in the patriarchal era, which is the period when the ancestors of the Israelite people lived, including Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
- **Cultural Significance:** Sodom and Gomorrah were cities located in the region later known as the Dead Sea area. Their destruction by sulfur and fire is a motif that appears in various ancient Near Eastern texts, indicating a broader cultural understanding of divine retribution.
- **Literary Context:** This verse is part of a larger narrative that includes the hospitality of Abraham, the negotiation with God regarding the righteous inhabitants of Sodom, and the subsequent rescue of Lot and his family. It also sets the stage for the continuation of Lot's story and his descendants, who will play roles in the unfolding biblical narrative.
In summary, Genesis 19:23 encapsulates the themes of divine judgment, mercy, and the importance of obedience, against the backdrop of a narrative deeply rooted in the early history of the Israelites and their understanding of God's interaction with humanity.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)