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Genesis 19:23 - Divine mercy delays destruction

Genesis 19:23 - בראשית 19:23

Hebrew Text

הַשֶּׁמֶשׁ יָצָא עַל־הָאָרֶץ וְלוֹט בָּא צֹעֲרָה׃

English Translation

The sun was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Żo῾ar.

Transliteration

Hashemesh yatza al-ha'aretz v'lot ba tzo'ara.

Hebrew Leining Text

הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ יָצָ֣א עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וְל֖וֹט בָּ֥א צֹֽעֲרָה׃
הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ יָצָ֣א עַל־הָאָ֑רֶץ וְל֖וֹט בָּ֥א צֹֽעֲרָה׃

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Parasha Commentary

Literal Meaning (Peshat)

The verse (Bereshit 19:23) describes the timing of Lot's arrival in Tzoar (צוערה) as the sun rose over the earth. This marks the moment when the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was imminent, as the angels had instructed Lot to flee to Tzoar for safety (Rashi on Bereshit 19:17). The mention of the sun rising emphasizes that the events unfolded in broad daylight, underscoring the visibility and inevitability of the divine judgment.

Symbolic Interpretation (Remez)

Some commentators see deeper symbolism in the sun rising at this moment. The Ramban (Nachmanides) suggests that the sun's appearance represents divine mercy—despite the impending destruction, Hashem allowed Lot to reach safety before the catastrophe began. The timing reflects the principle of "measure for measure" (מדה כנגד מדה), as the people of Sodom were notorious for their cruelty, particularly in daylight (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayera 8).

Midrashic Insights (Derash)

  • The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 50:12) notes that the sun shone specifically to fulfill the angels' promise of safety for Lot—once he entered Tzoar, the destruction could commence.
  • Alternatively, the Sforno explains that the sunrise was a sign that the time for mercy had passed; the wickedness of Sodom had reached its limit, and judgment could no longer be delayed.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons (Sod)

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 109b) derives from this episode that Hashem's patience with wickedness is not infinite—even when He delays punishment, there comes a moment when justice must be served. Lot's rescue also teaches the importance of heeding divine warnings promptly, as hesitation could have been fatal (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuvah 3:3).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 19:23 mean when it says 'The sun was risen upon the earth'?
A: Rashi explains that this phrase indicates that the sun had fully risen, marking the time when the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah was about to begin. The daylight symbolizes that Hashem gave the wicked people of Sodom ample opportunity to repent, but they did not change their ways.
Q: Why is Lot's entry into Zoar mentioned in Genesis 19:23?
A: According to the Midrash, Zoar was spared from destruction because it was a smaller city with less severe sins. Lot's arrival there signifies that he was granted mercy due to Avraham's prayers (Bereishit Rabbah 50:10). The verse highlights Hashem's compassion even in judgment.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 19:23 about divine judgment?
A: The Rambam teaches that Hashem does not bring punishment suddenly—He gives warnings and opportunities for repentance first (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:1). The sunrise in this verse shows that judgment only came after clear chances for change, teaching us the importance of heeding warnings and improving our ways.
Q: How does Genesis 19:23 connect to Avraham's earlier prayer for Sodom?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109b) notes that Lot was saved as a merit of Avraham. The timing of the sunrise and Lot's escape to Zoar demonstrates that Hashem remembered Avraham's plea (Genesis 18:23-32) to spare the righteous, showing how the prayers of the righteous can have lasting effects.