Genesis 19:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The just man, apprehensive about his ability to arrive at the designated spot set by the angels and ascend the mountain, responds, ‘No, Master!’

After departing from Sodom, they appear to converse not just with angels, but with God directly. When an individual distances himself from a life of sin, he discovers God engaging with him and feels emboldened to make his requests known.

As Lot had a considerable distance to travel to reach the mountain, he earnestly prayed for permission to take refuge in a nearby small town named Sihor. This request was granted to him. The Lord had vowed to preserve this town, even though it lay within the region of Sodom and was subject to the same fate. It was spared for the sake of the faithful man. Lot hastened to Sihor with his family, and the Lord instructed him, “Endeavour that thou mayest be saved there; for I cannot bring execution upon the people of Sodom until thou art come into Sihor” (Genesis 19:22). What immense mercy God showed to His servant, delaying His judgment upon the wicked so that some fear might not overwhelm the righteous when the sinners faced their punishment!