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Genesis 19:28 - Divine justice's fiery aftermath.

Genesis 19:28 - בראשית 19:28

Hebrew Text

וַיַּשְׁקֵף עַל־פְּנֵי סְדֹם וַעֲמֹרָה וְעַל־כָּל־פְּנֵי אֶרֶץ הַכִּכָּר וַיַּרְא וְהִנֵּה עָלָה קִיטֹר הָאָרֶץ כְּקִיטֹר הַכִּבְשָׁן׃

English Translation

and he looked toward Sedom and ῾Amora, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and, lo, the smoke of the country went up like the smoke of a furnace.

Transliteration

Vayashkef al-pney Sedom va'Amora ve'al kol-pney eretz hakikar vayar ve'hine ala kitor ha'aretz kekitor hakivshan.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּשְׁקֵ֗ף עַל־פְּנֵ֤י סְדֹם֙ וַעֲמֹרָ֔ה וְעַֽל־כׇּל־פְּנֵ֖י אֶ֣רֶץ הַכִּכָּ֑ר וַיַּ֗רְא וְהִנֵּ֤ה עָלָה֙ קִיטֹ֣ר הָאָ֔רֶץ כְּקִיטֹ֖ר הַכִּבְשָֽׁן׃
וַיַּשְׁקֵ֗ף עַל־פְּנֵ֤י סְדֹם֙ וַעֲמֹרָ֔ה וְעַֽל־כׇּל־פְּנֵ֖י אֶ֣רֶץ הַכִּכָּ֑ר וַיַּ֗רְא וְהִנֵּ֤ה עָלָה֙ קִיטֹ֣ר הָאָ֔רֶץ כְּקִיטֹ֖ר הַכִּבְשָֽׁן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 19:28) describes Avraham Avinu's view of the destruction of Sedom and Amorah after Hashem had overturned the cities due to their wickedness. This follows the narrative of Lot's escape and the overturning of the cities by sulfur and fire from heaven.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 19:28) explains that Avraham had previously pleaded with Hashem to spare the cities if even ten righteous people could be found there. When no such merit remained, the cities were destroyed. Rashi notes that Avraham "looked" (וַיַּשְׁקֵף) to see if his prayers had been answered—whether any righteous individuals had been spared. However, he saw only smoke rising like that of a furnace (כִּבְשָׁן), indicating complete destruction.

Symbolism of the Smoke

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 51:6) compares the smoke to that of a furnace (כִּבְשָׁן), emphasizing the intensity of the destruction. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109b) elaborates that the people of Sedom were judged with fire because they withheld kindness from travelers and the poor, acting with extreme cruelty. Their punishment mirrored their sins—just as they "burned" others through their actions, they were consumed by fire.

Avraham’s Perspective

The Ramban (Bereshit 19:28) highlights Avraham’s emotional response. Having earlier argued for mercy, Avraham now witnessed the fulfillment of divine justice. The sight of the smoke confirmed that no righteous individuals remained, reinforcing the severity of Sedom’s corruption. This moment also served as a lesson in the consequences of moral decay for future generations.

Lessons from the Destruction

  • Divine Justice: The destruction demonstrated that Hashem does not tolerate extreme cruelty and corruption, even if it is culturally entrenched (as in Sedom).
  • Power of Prayer: Avraham’s earlier prayers show the importance of advocating for others, even when they are undeserving.
  • Moral Responsibility: The imagery of the furnace serves as a warning against societal wickedness and the neglect of chesed (kindness).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, illustrating the severity of their sins and the divine judgment.
📖 Sanhedrin 109a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah, emphasizing the extent of their destruction as a lesson for future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 19:28 mean when it says the smoke went up like a furnace?
A: This verse describes the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The comparison to a furnace's smoke (Rashi on Genesis 19:28) emphasizes how complete the destruction was - just as a furnace consumes everything, so too were these cities utterly destroyed due to their wickedness (Talmud Sanhedrin 109a).
Q: Why did Abraham look toward Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:28?
A: Abraham looked toward the cities because he had previously prayed to save them (Genesis 18:23-32). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 49:9) explains he was checking if his prayers had any effect, and when he saw the smoke, he understood the cities were destroyed as punishment for their sins.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the destruction of Sodom in Genesis 19:28?
A: The verse teaches about divine justice. As Rambam explains (Hilchot Teshuva 3:1), G-d punishes the wicked, especially when their sins affect society. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) notes Sodom's sins included cruelty and lack of hospitality, warning us to avoid such behaviors.
Q: How does Genesis 19:28 show G-d's relationship with Abraham?
A: The fact that Abraham could see the destruction (Rashi notes he was at the same place where he prayed for Sodom) shows G-d's openness with Abraham. As his close servant (Isaiah 41:8), Abraham was shown these events to understand divine justice (Ramban on Genesis 19:28).
Q: What does the 'land of the plain' refer to in Genesis 19:28?
A: The 'land of the plain' (Kikar in Hebrew) refers to the fertile Jordan Valley where Sodom and Gomorrah were located. Rashi explains this area was known for its richness (Genesis 13:10), showing that even prosperous places can be destroyed when filled with corruption.