Genesis 19:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

"Speedily go and reside there to find deliverance. I will take no action until you arrive, for He mentions that I am unable to perform any deeds until you are present. He expresses His concern for your salvation and will patiently await your arrival so that He may carry out justice upon the Sodomites."

The majesty of God's embodiment! The All-Powerful declares, "I cannot accomplish the task until you arrive." He acknowledges the frailty of His servant and patiently endures his delays.

The verdict was declared against the unrighteous; destruction was poised to descend upon their cities; the angels awaited the command of their Lord to carry out the sentence. Yet the Creator instructed the celestial beings to refrain from unleashing the impending devastation until His faithful ones were delivered from the midst of the wicked. Did not the expressions of the angels reflect their astonishment at this patience of the Savior? Who would not tremble before this Just Judge? Who would not cherish the kindest Lord? Just as a father shows kindness to his offspring, so too does the Lord extend His generosity to those who revere Him.

As Lot journeyed towards the mountain, he earnestly prayed to be directed to a nearby town named Sihor, which was along his path, and this request was granted. This town had been promised by the Lord to remain intact, even though it lay within the realm of Sodom and was subject to the same fate as Sodom. Yet, it was spared for the sake of the righteous. Lot hurriedly approached Sihor with all his family, and the Lord instructed him, “Make haste to escape there; for I cannot bring destruction upon the city until you have arrived in Sihor” (Genesis 19:22). How splendid is the mercy of God toward His servant, whose presence delays His judgment upon the wicked, so that the righteous may not be overwhelmed with fear when the day of reckoning arrives!