Genesis 19:21Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The angel declared, I have heard your prayer and will grant your request; I will provide what you seek, and for your sake, I will protect that city.

When Lot implored for the salvation of Sihor so that he might find refuge there, being not far off, the angel responded, “Truly, I am amazed at your countenance and your request that the city not be destroyed. This will be granted to you for the shame of both your daughters. Yet, there were no inhabitants left in Sihor, for when the angel addressed Lot, saying, ‘I am astonished by your face and your request to spare the city,’ Sihor consumed its denizens, leaving their possessions behind. The city swallowed them to placate the Just One, whom they had offended through their actions; however, their belongings were preserved for righteous Lot, allowing him to find solace after the loss of all he owned in Sodom.

The Hebrew scripture indicates, 'Behold I have perceived thy face,' which signifies that I find solace in your prayers. Symmachus, offering a meaning-based translation, conveys it as: ὁράσει ἑδυσωπήθην τὸ πρόσωπόν σου.

As Lot journeyed towards the mountain, he prayed to be allowed to flee to a small city named Sihor, which lay conveniently along his path, and his request was granted. This city, which God had vowed to preserve despite being within the territory of Sodom and subject to the same impending judgment, was spared for the sake of the righteous. Lot hurried towards Sihor with his entire 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). This highlights the profound mercy of God towards His faithful servant, who, for his sake, sees divine retribution withheld temporarily from the wicked, to prevent fear from gripping the righteous during the time of punishment.

I will grant you this privilege. More accurately interpreted from the Hebrew: I will regard your presence in this matter. This phrase encompasses the concept of insincerity, which is fundamentally a judgment based on the traits of the individual being assessed rather than the merits of the situation. This can manifest in two ways: either extending compassion to one while violating another’s rights, or offering grace and elevating someone without causing offense to others. The former approach is not characteristic of God, as stated in Deuteronomy 10:17, and is prohibited by law for humanity, as mentioned in Deuteronomy 16:19. The latter approach is the prerogative of ultimate authority.