Genesis 19:16

And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the LORD being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

And while he lingered {H4102}, the men {H582} laid hold {H2388} upon his hand {H3027}, and upon the hand {H3027} of his wife {H802}, and upon the hand {H3027} of his two {H8147} daughters {H1323}; the LORD {H3068} being merciful {H2551} unto him: and they brought him forth {H3318}, and set him {H3240} without {H2351} the city {H5892}.

But he dallied, so the men took hold of his hand, his wife's hand and the hands of his two daughters -ADONAI was being merciful to him - and led them, leaving them outside the city.

But when Lot hesitated, the men grabbed his hand and the hands of his wife and his two daughters. And they led them safely out of the city, because of the LORDโ€™s compassion for them.

But he lingered; and the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters, Jehovah being merciful unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.

Commentary

Genesis 19:16 (KJV) describes a pivotal moment during the divine judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting God's persistent mercy despite human hesitation.

Context

This verse immediately precedes the fiery destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Two angels, sent by the Lord, had arrived in Sodom to rescue Lot and his family before the city's impending doom. They had warned Lot to flee and not look back. However, Lot, despite the clear and urgent divine command, hesitated to leave a place where he had established his life, even though it was steeped in wickedness. This lingering indicates a struggle between attachment to the world and obedience to God's saving instruction. The preceding verses detail Abraham's intercession for the cities and the angels' initial attempts to get Lot out, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Key Themes

  • Divine Mercy Amidst Judgment: The most prominent theme is God's profound mercy. Even when judgment is imminent and deserved, and even when the recipient of mercy hesitates, God's compassion prevails. The phrase "the LORD being merciful unto him" is a direct theological statement affirming God's character.
  • Human Hesitation and Worldly Attachment: Lot's "lingering" reveals the human tendency to be reluctant to abandon comfort zones or worldly possessions, even when faced with dire spiritual consequences. He had grown accustomed to the corrupt environment of Sodom (2 Peter 2:7-8 describes his vexed soul, yet he still struggled to depart).
  • Divine Urgency and Intervention: The angels' action of physically laying "hold upon his hand" demonstrates the urgent, active, and sometimes forceful nature of divine intervention when salvation is at stake. It was not Lot's readiness, but God's initiative, that secured their deliverance.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "lingered" is mahah (ืžึธื”ึทื”ึผ), which means to delay, hesitate, or tarry. It conveys a sense of indecision or reluctance, not merely being slow. This emphasizes Lot's internal struggle and lack of urgency. The phrase "the LORD being merciful unto him" uses a form of the Hebrew root chamal (ื—ึธืžึทืœ), which denotes pity, compassion, or sparing. It underscores that Lot's rescue was not due to his merit or promptness, but entirely to God's unmerited favor and compassion.

Practical Application

Genesis 19:16 serves as a powerful reminder that God's grace often extends to us even when we are slow to obey or reluctant to leave behind what is detrimental to our spiritual well-being. It challenges believers to examine what "Sodom" they might be lingering in, whether it be sinful habits, worldly attachments, or unhealthy relationships, and to respond with urgency to God's calls. The verse also assures us of God's active involvement in our salvation; sometimes, His hand must "lay hold" on us to lead us to safety, demonstrating His steadfast love and commitment to our deliverance. This passage can be a comfort, knowing that God's mercy can overcome our weaknesses, but also a call to prompt obedience, lest we risk the fate of Lot's wife, who looked back.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Romans 9:15 (4 votes)

    For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.

  • Romans 9:16 (4 votes)

    So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

  • Psalms 106:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for [he is] good: for his mercy [endureth] for ever.

  • Luke 6:35 (2 votes)

    But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

  • Luke 6:36 (2 votes)

    Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

  • Psalms 106:8 (2 votes)

    Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known.

  • Psalms 103:8 (2 votes)

    The LORD [is] merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.