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Genesis 19:22 - Divine mercy delays destruction.

Genesis 19:22 - בראשית 19:22

Hebrew Text

מַהֵר הִמָּלֵט שָׁמָּה כִּי לֹא אוּכַל לַעֲשׂוֹת דָּבָר עַד־בֹּאֲךָ שָׁמָּה עַל־כֵּן קָרָא שֵׁם־הָעִיר צוֹעַר׃

English Translation

Haste thee, escape there; for I cannot do anything till thou be come there. Therefore the name of the city was called Żo῾ar.

Transliteration

Maher himalet shamah ki lo ukhal la'asot davar ad-bo'akha shamah al-ken kara shem-ha'ir tzo'ar.

Hebrew Leining Text

מַהֵר֙ הִמָּלֵ֣ט שָׁ֔מָּה כִּ֣י לֹ֤א אוּכַל֙ לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת דָּבָ֔ר עַד־בֹּאֲךָ֖ שָׁ֑מָּה עַל־כֵּ֛ן קָרָ֥א שֵׁם־הָעִ֖יר צֽוֹעַר׃
מַהֵר֙ הִמָּלֵ֣ט שָׁ֔מָּה כִּ֣י לֹ֤א אוּכַל֙ לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת דָּבָ֔ר עַד־בֹּאֲךָ֖ שָׁ֑מָּה עַל־כֵּ֛ן קָרָ֥א שֵׁם־הָעִ֖יר צֽוֹעַר׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 19:22) is part of the narrative describing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The angels instruct Lot to flee to the small city of Zoar (צוֹעַר), as they cannot bring about the destruction until he reaches safety. The urgency and divine protection are central themes in this passage.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "כִּי לֹא אוּכַל לַעֲשׂוֹת דָּבָר" ("for I cannot do anything") reflects the principle of divine justice (מִדַּת הַדִּין). The destruction was decreed, but Hashem's mercy delays judgment until the righteous (in this case, Lot) are out of harm's way. Rashi also notes that the city was named צוֹעַר (Zoar), meaning "small," because it was the smallest of the cities in the region, spared due to Lot's merit.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereishit Rabbah (50:11) elaborates that Zoar was originally part of the five cities destined for destruction, but it was saved because Lot requested refuge there (Genesis 19:20-21). This demonstrates that even a small act of righteousness can mitigate judgment.
  • The name צוֹעַר is also interpreted as related to the word מִצְעָר (diminutive), symbolizing humility—a contrast to the arrogance of Sodom (Tanchuma, Vayeira 10).

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:50), Rambam discusses the nature of divine intervention in this episode. He emphasizes that Hashem's justice operates with precision—evil is punished only when the righteous are no longer present to be affected. This aligns with the principle of השגחה פרטית (divine providence), where individual merit can influence broader outcomes.

Halachic and Ethical Lessons

  • The verse underscores the importance of הצלת נפשות (saving lives) as a priority, as seen in the angels' urgency to secure Lot's safety before executing judgment.
  • It also teaches that צדקה (righteousness) can protect not only individuals but entire communities, as Zoar was spared due to Lot's presence.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sanhedrin 109a
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the fate of the city of Zoar and the righteousness of Lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 19:22 mean when it says 'I cannot do anything till thou be come there'?
A: This verse refers to the angel's instruction to Lot to quickly escape to the city of Zoar before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Rashi explains that the angels could not bring judgment upon Sodom until Lot reached safety, showing Hashem's mercy even during punishment.
Q: Why was the city called Zoar in Genesis 19:22?
A: The city was originally called 'Bela' (Genesis 14:2), but it was renamed Zoar (meaning 'small' or 'insignificant') because Lot said it was a small city where he could find refuge (Rashi on Genesis 19:20-22). The name change reflects its role as a place of salvation.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Lot being told to hurry to Zoar in Genesis 19:22?
A: The Midrash teaches that this shows the importance of heeding divine warnings promptly. Lot's salvation depended on his quick obedience. Similarly, we learn that when given an opportunity for repentance or mitzvot, we should act without delay (Pirkei Avot 1:14).
Q: How does Genesis 19:22 show Hashem's justice and mercy?
A: The verse demonstrates both attributes: Justice required the destruction of the wicked cities, but mercy delayed judgment until the righteous (Lot) reached safety. The Rambam teaches that this balance is fundamental to Hashem's relationship with the world (Hilchot Teshuvah 3:4).
Q: Why did Lot need special protection in Zoar according to Genesis 19:22?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) explains that Zoar was originally part of the sinful region destined for destruction. However, because Lot sought refuge there, it was spared - showing that the presence of even one righteous person can bring merit to an entire place.