Genesis 19:29

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.

And it came to pass, when God {H430} destroyed {H7843} the cities {H5892} of the plain {H3603}, that God {H430} remembered {H2142} Abraham {H85}, and sent {H7971} Lot {H3876} out of the midst {H8432} of the overthrow {H2018}, when he overthrew {H2015} the cities {H5892} in the which {H2004} Lot {H3876} dwelt {H3427}.

But when God destroyed the cities of the plain, he remembered Avraham and sent Lot out, away from the destruction, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot lived.

So when God destroyed the cities of the plain, He remembered Abraham, and He brought Lot out of the catastrophe that destroyed the cities where he had lived.

And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the Plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in which Lot dwelt.

Commentary

Genesis 19:29 describes a pivotal moment immediately following the catastrophic destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, highlighting God's faithfulness and the impact of one man's relationship with Him.

Context

This verse serves as a concluding summary to the dramatic events of Genesis chapter 19. The "cities of the plain," primarily Sodom and Gomorrah, were utterly destroyed by fire and brimstone due to their pervasive wickedness and grievous sin, as described in Genesis 18:20-21. Prior to this judgment, God had revealed His plan to Abraham, who then engaged in bold intercession for the righteous within Sodom. Though not enough righteous people were found to spare the cities entirely, Abraham's nephew, Lot, and his two daughters were miraculously delivered by angels just before the cataclysm, as detailed in Genesis 19:15-26. Verse 29 clarifies the underlying reason for Lot's escape amidst such widespread destruction.

Key Themes

  • Divine Remembrance and Faithfulness: The phrase "God remembered Abraham" is central. In biblical terms, "remembering" (Hebrew: zakhar - ื–ึธื›ึทืจ) is not merely recalling a past event, but an active, purposeful act of God based on His covenant or promise. It signifies God's faithfulness to His relationship with Abraham, acting on His knowledge of Abraham's intercession and His overall plan for Abraham's lineage. This demonstrates God's unwavering commitment to those He has chosen and to His promises, a theme echoed throughout scripture (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:9).
  • The Power of Intercessory Prayer: While Abraham's prayer didn't save Sodom, it directly influenced Lot's deliverance. This highlights the profound impact of a righteous person's prayer and relationship with God, even in the face of inevitable judgment.
  • Divine Justice and Mercy: The verse powerfully illustrates God's dual nature: His righteous judgment against sin (the destruction of the cities) and His compassionate mercy in sparing the few, particularly in response to Abraham's plea. Lot's rescue is a testament to God's selective grace amidst universal condemnation.
  • Separation from Sin: Lot's removal from the "midst of the overthrow" emphasizes the divine principle of separating the righteous from the wicked before judgment falls, protecting those who, however imperfectly, belong to God.

Linguistic Insight

The Hebrew word for "remembered" (ื–ึธื›ึทืจ - zakhar) is crucial here. It doesn't imply that God had forgotten Abraham and suddenly recalled him. Instead, it conveys the idea of God acting on His covenant relationship and previous consideration for Abraham. It's an active, purposeful act of divine attention and intervention, demonstrating His commitment to His promises and His servants.

Practical Application

Genesis 19:29 offers several timeless lessons:

  • God's Faithfulness Endures: Even in times of severe judgment, God remains faithful to His people and His promises. We can trust that He "remembers" us and acts on our behalf according to His perfect will.
  • The Impact of Prayer: This verse underscores the significance of intercessory prayer. Our prayers for others, even if they don't fully avert a situation, can still have a profound impact on individuals, leading to divine intervention and deliverance.
  • God's Justice and Mercy Coexist: It reminds us that God is both perfectly just in punishing sin and infinitely merciful in offering salvation and protection to those connected to His covenant. This should inspire both reverence and hope.
  • The Call to Separation: Lot's rescue from the corrupt cities serves as a metaphor for the believer's call to live distinctly from the world's pervasive sin, trusting God to deliver us from its destructive consequences (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:17).
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 8:1

    ยถ And God remembered Noah, and every living thing, and all the cattle that [was] with him in the ark: and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters asswaged;

  • Deuteronomy 9:5

    Not for thy righteousness, or for the uprightness of thine heart, dost thou go to possess their land: but for the wickedness of these nations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee, and that he may perform the word which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

  • Genesis 18:23

    ยถ And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?

  • Genesis 18:33

    And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.

  • Psalms 25:7

    Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

  • Psalms 105:42

    For he remembered his holy promise, [and] Abraham his servant.

  • Psalms 145:20

    The LORD preserveth all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.