Genesis 19:5

Where are the men? The wickedness of the men of Sodom was clearly demonstrated by their action here (see chs. 13:13; 18:21). News of the arrival of two strangers had spread quickly. The men of the city gathered around Lot’s house, intending to violate the Oriental right of hospitality in order to satisfy their unnatural lusts. On the meaning of “to know” see ch. 4:1. The term is used here in reference to the abominably immoral practice Paul describes in Rom. 1:27, known as sodomy. According to archeological evidence this sin, punishable by death under the law of Moses (Lev. 18:22, 29), was prevalent among the Canaanites. Moses’ emphasis on the fact that both old and young were at the door of Lot’s house shows clearly how justified God was in bringing destruction on these cities (see Gen. 6:5, 11).