trates were themselves aiding and abetting. Note, When the disease of sin is become epidemical, it is fatal to any place, Isa. 1. 5..7.
II. That they were arrived at the highest pitch of wickedness; they were sinners before the Lord exceedingly, ch. 13. 13, for,
1. It was the most unnatural and abominable wickedness that they were now set upon, a sin that still bears their name, and is called Sodomy. They were carried headlong by those vile affections, (Rom. 1. 26, 27.) which are worse than brutish, and the eternal reproach of the human nature, and which cannot be thought of without horror, by those that have the least spark of virtue, and any remains of natural light and conscience. Note, Those that allow themselves in unnatural uncleanness, are marked for the vengeance of eternal fire. See Jude 7.
2. They were not ashamed to own it, and to prosecute their design by force and arms. The practice had been bad enough, if it had been carried on by intrigue and wheedling; but they proclaim war with virtue, and bid open defiance to it. Hence daring sinners are said to declare their sin as Sodom, Isa. 3. 9. Note, Those that are become impudent in sin, generally prove impenitent in sin; and it will be their ruin. Those have hard hearts indeed, that sin with a high hand, Jer. 6. 15.
3. When Lot interposed, with all the mildness imaginable, to check the rage and fury of their lust, they were most insolently rude and abusive to him. He ventured himself among them, v. 6. He spoke civilly to them, called them brethren, v. 7, and begged of them not to do so wickedly; and, being greatly disturbed at their vile attempt, unadvisedly and unjustifiably offered to prostitute his two daughters to them, v. 8. It is true, of two evils we must choose the less; but of two sins we must choose neither, nor ever do evil, that good may come of it. He reasoned with them, pleaded the laws of hospitality, and the protection of his house which his guests were entitled to; but you had as good offer reason to a roaring lion and a raging bear, as to these headstrong sinners, who were governed only by lust and passion. Lot's arguing with them, does but exasperate them; and, to complete their wickedness, and fill up the measure of it, they fall foul upon him. (1.) They ridicule him, charge him with the absurdity of pretending to be a magistrate, when he was not so much as a free-man of their city, v. 9. Note, It is common for reprovers to be unjustly upbraided as usurpers; and while offering the kindness of a friend, to be charged with assuming the authority of a judge: as if a man might not speak reason, without taking too much upon him. (2.) They threaten him, and lay violent hands upon him; and the good man is in danger of being pulled in pieces by this outrageous rabble. Note, [1.] Those that hate to be reformed, hate those that reprove them, though with ever so much tenderness. Presumptuous sinners do by their consciences as the Sodomites did by Lot, baffle their checks, stifle their accusations, press hard upon them, till they have seared them and quite stopped their mouths, and so made themselves ripe for ruin. [2.] Abuses offered to God's messengers and to faithful reprovers, soon fill the measure of a people's wickedness, and bring destruction without remedy. See Prov. 29. 1. and 2. Chron. 36. 16. If reproofs remedy not, there is no remedy. See 2 Chron. 25. 16.
III. That nothing less than the power of an angel could save a good man out of their wicked hands. It was now past dispute what Sodom's character was, and what course must be taken with it; and therefore the angels immediately give a specimen of what they further intended.
1. They rescue Lot, v. 10. Note, (l.) He that watereth, shall be watered also himself. Lot was solicitous to protect them, and now they take effectual care for his safety, in return for his kindness. (2.) Angels are employed for the special preservation of those that expose themselves to danger by well-doing. The saints, at death, are pulled like Lot into a house of perfect safety, and the door shut for ever against those that pursue them.
2. They chastise the insolence of the Sodomites, v. 11, They smote them with blindness. This was designed, (1.) To put an end to their attempt, and disable them to pursue it. Justly were they struck blind, who had been deaf to reason. Violent persecutors are often infatuated, so that they cannot push on their malicious designs against God's messengers. Job. 5. 14, 15. Yet these Sodomites, after they were struck blind, continued seeking the door, to break it down, till they were tired. No judgments will, of themselves, change the corrupt natures and purposes of wicked men. If their minds had not been blinded as well as their bodies, they would have said, as the magicians, This is the finger of God, and would have submitted. (2.) It was to be an earnest of their utter ruin the next day. When God, in a way of righteous judgment, blinds men, their condition is already desperate, Rom. 11. 8, 9.
12. And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? Son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: 13. For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. 14. And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city: but he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.
We have here the preparation for Lot's deliverance.
I. Notice is given him of the approach of Sodom's ruin, v. 13, We will destroy this place. Note, The holy angels are ministers of God's wrath for the destruction of sinners, as well as of his mercy for the preservation and deliverance of his people. In this sense, the good angels become evil angels, Ps. 78. 49.
II. He is directed to give notice to his friends and relations, that they, if they would, might be saved with him, v. 12, "Hast thou here any besides, that thou art concerned for? If thou hast, go tell them what is coming." Now this implies, 1. The command of a great duty, which was, to do all he could for the salvation of those about him, to snatch them as brands out of the fire. Note, Those who through grace are themselves delivered out of a sinful state, should do what they can for the deliverance of others, especially their relations. 2. The offer of great favour. They do not ask whether he knew any righteous ones in the city fit to be spared; no, they knew there were none; but they ask what relations he had there; that, whether righteous or unrighteous, they might be saved with him. Note, Bad people often fare the better in this world for the sake of their good relations. It is good being akin to a godly man.
III. He applies himself accordingly to his sons in law, v. 14. Observe, 1. The fair warning that Lot gave them. Up, get you out of this place. The manner of expression is startling and quickening.
