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Genesis 19:15 - Divine mercy delays destruction

Genesis 19:15 - בראשית 19:15

Hebrew Text

וּכְמוֹ הַשַּׁחַר עָלָה וַיָּאִיצוּ הַמַּלְאָכִים בְּלוֹט לֵאמֹר קוּם קַח אֶת־אִשְׁתְּךָ וְאֶת־שְׁתֵּי בְנֹתֶיךָ הַנִּמְצָאֹת פֶּן־תִּסָּפֶה בַּעֲוֺן הָעִיר׃

English Translation

And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, who are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.

Transliteration

U-khmo ha-shachar ala va-ya'itzu ha-mal'akhim b'Lot lemor kum kach et-ishtekha v'et-shtei v'notecha ha-nimtza'ot pen-tisafe ba-avon ha-ir.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּכְמוֹ֙ הַשַּׁ֣חַר עָלָ֔ה וַיָּאִ֥יצוּ הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים בְּל֣וֹט לֵאמֹ֑ר קוּם֩ קַ֨ח אֶֽת־אִשְׁתְּךָ֜ וְאֶת־שְׁתֵּ֤י בְנֹתֶ֙יךָ֙ הַנִּמְצָאֹ֔ת פֶּן־תִּסָּפֶ֖ה בַּעֲוֺ֥ן הָעִֽיר׃
וּכְמוֹ֙ הַשַּׁ֣חַר עָלָ֔ה וַיָּאִ֥יצוּ הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים בְּל֣וֹט לֵאמֹ֑ר קוּם֩ קַ֨ח אֶֽת־אִשְׁתְּךָ֜ וְאֶת־שְׁתֵּ֤י בְנֹתֶ֙יךָ֙ הַנִּמְצָאֹ֔ת פֶּן־תִּסָּפֶ֖ה בַּעֲוֺ֥ן הָעִֽיר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereishit 19:15) describes the moment when the angels, sent to destroy Sodom, urgently instruct Lot to flee with his family before the city's impending destruction. This occurs after Lot had hesitated despite the angels' earlier warnings, emphasizing the severity of the situation.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וּכְמוֹ הַשַּׁחַר עָלָה" ("And when the morning arose") indicates that dawn had already begun to break, leaving little time for escape. The angels "וַיָּאִיצוּ" ("hastened") Lot because the Divine decree of destruction was imminent. Rashi notes that Lot's lingering (even at this critical moment) demonstrated his attachment to Sodom's sinful ways, despite being righteous in comparison to its inhabitants (Rashi on Bereishit 19:15).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:1) discusses how Divine mercy delays punishment to allow for repentance. Here, however, Sodom's fate was sealed due to its irredeemable wickedness. The urgency underscores that once judgment is decreed, there is no further opportunity for escape—a lesson about the consequences of persistent sin.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (50:9): The Midrash highlights the angels' compassion in urging Lot, as they sought to save him despite his reluctance. The phrase "פֶּן־תִּסָּפֶה בַּעֲוֺן הָעִיר" ("lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city") teaches that lingering among the wicked risks sharing their fate, even for the righteous.
  • Tanchuma (Vayeira 12): The haste reflects the principle that salvation requires active participation—Lot had to "קוּם" ("arise") and take initiative to merit deliverance.

Moral Lessons

The verse teaches:

  • The danger of spiritual complacency—Lot's delay nearly cost him his life.
  • The importance of heeding Divine warnings without hesitation.
  • Even the righteous must distance themselves from evil environments to avoid being swept away in collective punishment.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Pesachim 3a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the urgency of performing mitzvot (commandments) and the importance of acting promptly when danger is imminent.
📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing the righteousness of Lot and the urgency with which he was warned to leave the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the angels tell Lot to hurry and leave Sodom?
A: The angels urged Lot to hurry because Sodom was about to be destroyed due to its wickedness (Genesis 19:13). Rashi explains that the angels showed mercy by warning Lot to escape before the destruction, emphasizing that even in judgment, Hashem provides opportunities for the righteous to be saved.
Q: What does 'lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city' mean?
A: This phrase means that if Lot stayed in Sodom, he would share in the city's punishment. The Midrash teaches that while Lot was not as wicked as the people of Sodom, delaying his departure would associate him with their sins. The verse highlights the importance of separating from evil influences.
Q: Why did the angels mention Lot's wife and daughters specifically?
A: The angels emphasized saving Lot's family because they were part of his household and shared his fate. Ramban notes that this underscores the responsibility of a person to ensure the spiritual and physical safety of their family, especially in times of danger.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Lot's hesitation to leave Sodom?
A: Lot's hesitation teaches the danger of becoming too attached to a sinful environment, even when aware of its corruption. The Talmud (Avodah Zarah 17a) warns that delaying separation from evil can lead to sharing its consequences, reinforcing the need for decisive action in doing what is right.
Q: How does this verse relate to the concept of Divine mercy?
A: Despite Sodom's destruction, the verse shows Hashem's mercy in giving Lot and his family a chance to escape. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 50:8) highlights that Hashem often provides warnings or opportunities for repentance before executing judgment, demonstrating His compassion even in severe circumstances.