There is much modern debate regarding the specifics of the sin of the men of Sodom: Homosexual lust? Intended rape? Wickedness to foreign visitors? But it is great wickedness (Genesis 18:20, 19:6, 19:13), and after Lot and his family flee to Zoar, the city is destroyed by a rain of “sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven” (19:24).

But Lot’s wife looked back, “and she became a pillar of salt” 18:26). They had been warned by the angel, “do not stop or look back anywhere on the plain” (19:17). Even so, it still seems like a severe punishment for a minor disobedience – indeed, the same punishment as suffered by the men of Sodom for their great wickedness. Moreover, the text shows us Lot himself not fleeing to the hills, but arguing with the angels that he should only have to flee as far as Zoar. And it shows us the incestuous behavior of Lot’s daughters (19:30-38). And it shows us that after Abraham had traded away Sarah once before to the Egyptians, he did it again with Abimelech king of Gerar (20:1-2). And none of these die for their sins.

In the midst of all this mess, we come to the intriguing case of Abimelech, who at this point in the story had Sarah living in his harem. God visited him in a dream, and told him that he would die because of Sarah. Abimelech protested his innocence, and presented the evidence that Abraham had told him Sarah was his sister, and Sarah had confirmed it (20:5).

God’s response to Abimelech, still within the dream, comes in three parts. First, there is a recognition of God’s sovereign protection: “I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart; furthermore, it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her” (20:6). Second comes a promise of intercession: “return the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live” (20:7). And third, a strong warning: “if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all that are yours” (20:7). The unexpected outbreak of God’s covenant love, for a heathen warlord!

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You are great in mercy, O Lord, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. You are patient with us in the midst of our folly, and yet sometimes so severe, and we die in our disobedience. Give us eyes to see your grace, and hearts that will recognize your call, and follow your will.