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Genesis 19:24 - Divine justice destroys wicked cities

Genesis 19:24 - בראשית 19:24

Hebrew Text

וַיהוָה הִמְטִיר עַל־סְדֹם וְעַל־עֲמֹרָה גָּפְרִית וָאֵשׁ מֵאֵת יְהוָה מִן־הַשָּׁמָיִם׃

English Translation

Then the Lord rained upon Sedom and upon ῾Amora brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven

Transliteration

Va'Adonai himtir al-Sdom ve'al-Amora gofrit va'esh me'et Adonai min-hashamayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיהֹוָ֗ה הִמְטִ֧יר עַל־סְדֹ֛ם וְעַל־עֲמֹרָ֖ה גׇּפְרִ֣ית וָאֵ֑שׁ מֵאֵ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה מִן־הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃
וַֽיהֹוָ֗ה הִמְטִ֧יר עַל־סְדֹ֛ם וְעַל־עֲמֹרָ֖ה גׇּפְרִ֣ית וָאֵ֑שׁ מֵאֵ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה מִן־הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Divine Punishment of Sedom and Amora

The verse describes Hashem's execution of judgment upon the wicked cities of Sedom and Amora through a rain of brimstone and fire from heaven. This event is one of the most dramatic displays of divine justice in the Torah.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Genesis 19:24) notes the unusual phrasing "from Hashem from the heavens," explaining that the fire came from the heavenly court - the attribute of strict justice (middas hadin). The repetition of Hashem's name emphasizes that this was a deliberate, measured punishment exactly matching their sins.

Nature of the Punishment

The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 50:9) explains that the punishment mirrored the sins of Sedom:

  • They used fire to burn those who showed kindness (as with the daughter of Lot who was burned for feeding a pauper)
  • They denied heavenly blessings to others, so they were punished with heavenly fire
  • Their punishment combined opposing elements (water-like brimstone with fire) showing the unnaturalness of their cruelty

Rambam's Perspective

In Moreh Nevuchim (3:50), Rambam explains that this was a unique, supernatural event demonstrating Hashem's direct intervention in human affairs when moral corruption reaches an extreme level that threatens the very foundation of society.

Talmudic Insights

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) discusses how the punishment was specifically tailored:

  • The brimstone (gofrit) was heated to destroy them completely
  • The fire came from below as well (from the ground) to prevent any escape
  • The destruction was total - even the salt in the area was affected (as seen later when Lot's wife turned to salt)

Spiritual Lessons

The Kli Yakar emphasizes that this event teaches:

  • The severity of cruelty and lack of hospitality (the primary sins of Sedom)
  • That divine justice may be delayed but is ultimately exact
  • The importance of maintaining moral boundaries in society

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 54b
The verse is referenced in the context of discussing the miracles performed by God and the appropriate blessings to recite upon witnessing places where miracles occurred.
📖 Sanhedrin 108b
The verse is discussed in the context of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, exploring the nature of the divine punishment and the sins of the cities' inhabitants.
📖 Chullin 60b
The verse is mentioned in a discussion about the creation and the natural order, contrasting the divine intervention in Sodom and Gomorrah with the regular functioning of the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Hashem destroy Sodom and Amorah with fire and brimstone?
A: According to the Torah and commentaries like Rashi, Sodom and Amorah were destroyed because of their extreme wickedness, particularly their cruelty, lack of hospitality, and disregard for justice. The Midrash (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer) explains that their sins were so severe that they warranted this unique form of divine punishment.
Q: What is the significance of the fire and brimstone in this verse?
A: Fire and brimstone (sulfur) represent a supernatural punishment directly from Hashem. Ramban explains that this combination was chosen to completely obliterate the cities as a clear sign of divine judgment. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108b) also notes that this method ensured no trace of their wickedness would remain.
Q: Why does the verse mention 'from Hashem' twice?
A: Rashi explains the double language emphasizes that the fire and brimstone came specifically from Hashem's justice, not natural causes. The Sforno adds that it highlights this was a deliberate, measured act of divine judgment, not a random disaster.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the destruction of Sodom?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) derives that Sodom's destruction teaches the importance of hospitality and kindness. Their primary sin was cruelty to strangers (as seen with Lot's guests). The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:3) also uses Sodom as an example of how societies must cultivate generosity, not selfishness.
Q: Are there any physical remains of Sodom and Amorah today?
A: The Torah (Devarim 29:22) describes the area as permanently desolate. While some suggest locations near the Dead Sea, Jewish tradition (as noted by Radak) maintains that the destruction was so complete that no identifiable ruins remain, serving as an eternal reminder of divine justice.