Genesis 19:1

Two angels. The Hebrew reads literally, “there came the two angels,” indicating that they were the same two who had visited Abraham earlier that afternoon (see ch. 18:22). Although it is not stated that their arrival at Sodom occurred the same day they left Abraham, it is so implied here and in v. 27. The distance from Hebron to Sodom was at least 25 mi., over mountainous territory, and the journey would take at least 7 or 8 hours. Since the angels left Abraham in the late afternoon, they could not have reached Sodom before nightfall by ordinary means of travel.

Lot sat in the gate. Lot, who first pitched his tent toward Sodom (ch. 13:12), had in the meantime built himself a house within its walls. In ancient Oriental cities public life centered at the city gate. Markets were held there (2 Kings 7:1; Neh. 13:19) and the court sat there (Deut. 21:19; 22:15; 25:7; Joshua 20:4; Ruth 4:1; etc.). David sat in the gate to show himself to the people (2 Sam. 19:8), the events of the day were discussed there (Ps. 69:12; Prov. 31:31), and public announcements were made there (Prov. 1:21; 8:3). Why Lot was sitting in the gate is not stated. That he was on the outlook for travelers on whom to bestow hospitality and whom he might protect from the Sodomites, is certain. The explanation that he had been promoted to the office and dignity of judge, though not a necessary inference from Gen. 19:9, is not at all unlikely, particularly in view of his relation to Abraham, who had once saved the whole city from slavery.

Lot seeing them rose up. Recognizing the men to be strangers, Lot, like his uncle Abraham, immediately offered them the hospitality of his own home. Not only did he greet them as Abraham had done, but his offer was expressed in words similar to those of his uncle (see ch. 18:2-5).