Genesis 19: The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

Lot Welcomes the Angels: Two angels arrive in Sodom in the evening, where Lot, Abraham's nephew, is living. Lot urges them to stay with him for the night, but they initially refuse, preferring to spend the night in the city square. However, Lot insists, and they agree to stay at his home.

The Sin of Sodom: The men of Sodom, both young and old, surround Lot's house, demanding to have sexual relations with the visitors. Lot tries to protect the angels by offering his daughters instead, but the crowd is not deterred.

Angels Intervene: The angels rescue Lot, striking the men at the door with blindness, preventing them from finding the door. They then reveal their mission to destroy the city due to its wickedness.

Escape from Sodom: The angels urge Lot to gather his family to flee the city. Lot warns his sons-in-law, but they think he's joking. At dawn, the angels take Lot, his wife, and his two daughters by the hand, leading them out of the city, instructing them not to look back or stop anywhere in the valley.

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: Once Lot and his family are safely out, the Lord rains down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, destroying them completely. Lot's wife looks back and turns into a pillar of salt.

Aftermath: Lot and his daughters escape to Zoar but later settle in a cave. His daughters, believing they are the last people on earth, get their father drunk to preserve their lineage, resulting in the birth of Moab and Ammon, ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites.

This chapter is often cited in discussions about divine judgment, hospitality, and moral decay. It's a dramatic narrative illustrating the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience to divine warnings.