THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
Upon his arrival in the city at dawn, the evildoers faced their judgment.
Genesis 19:23Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers
The sun was risen upon the earth, and Lot entered into Segor.
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ יָצָ֣א עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וְל֖וֹט בָּ֥א צֹֽעֲרָה׃
The Church Fathers on this verse
3 Church Fathers comment on this verse
Dimitri of Rostov
As the journey to the mountain was lengthy, Lot earnestly prayed to be permitted to enter a nearby small town named Sihor, which was along his route, and he was granted this request. This city, which the Lord had vowed to protect despite being within the territory of Sodom and facing the same fate, was preserved for the righteous man's sake. Lot hurriedly approached 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). Oh, the profound mercy of God towards His servant, for whom His judgment is delayed for a time to avoid instilling fear in the righteous when the wicked are condemned!
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Indeed, God refrained from executing judgment on Sodom until Lot reached Sihor. Yet, as Lot entered the town, the sun rose upon the land, and the Lord rained down burning sulfur from heaven upon Sodom and Gomorrah, igniting them and obliterating those cities along with their surrounding districts—except for the small town of Sihor, into which Lot fled. Thus, God's vengeance swept away all who inhabited Sodom, from humans to livestock, incinerating the fields, gardens, and all the flora that graced the earth.
Philaret of Moscow (Drosdow)
However, the one whom God has guided to the humble village should cease seeking alternative paths to security and instead proclaim repentance, grace, and deliverance to others.