THEOSISDimitri of Rostov
Regarding the kings who united for battle, as recorded in the 14th chapter of the Book of Genesis, it is important to clarify that they were not sovereigns ruling over vast territories but rather rulers presiding over individual cities. They resembled kings and princes, yet collectively they were under the supremacy of the Assyrian monarchy. Therefore, the Jewish historian Josephus refers to the conflict that befell the inhabitants of Sodom as an Assyrian war. Prior to the total annihilation of the Sodomites, the Lord permitted their enemies to invade and capture them, providing an opportunity for them to turn away from their sinful actions and seek repentance.
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The compassionate God, who does not desire the demise of sinners despite their deserving of eternal judgment, refrains from immediate retribution. Instead, He allows preliminary afflictions, such as invasions, strife, famine, disease, or other calamities, intending for them to awaken and find healing. Should they continue unrepentant despite these measures, then He ultimately surrenders them to total destruction. This scenario unfolded with the Sodomites: initially, they faced punishments through various scourges, and when they failed to repent, they were consumed by fire, as will be detailed later. This illustrates that God disciplines the wicked by means of other wicked individuals; in His hands, evil people serve as instruments of correction for those who have sinned against Him. He chastised the Jews with the Chaldeans, the Chaldeans with the Persians, the Persians with the Greeks, the Greeks with the Romans, the Romans with the Goths, and presently, He disciplines Christians through the Hagarians, as evident in places like Greece.