“Remember Lot’s wife.” (Luke 17:32, KJV)

ABSTRACT

This article examines the story of Lot’s wife as a warning about the perils of worldly attachments and divided loyalties, drawing from Scripture and insights from Sr. White to highlight how personal choices affect spiritual outcomes and influence others.

SODOM’S SHADOWY CITIZEN!

Lot’s wife was likely a native of Sodom or deeply ingrained in its culture. Genesis 13:12 (KJV) states, “Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.” Genesis 19:1 (KJV) further clarifies, “And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom.” Lot’s established residence in Sodom, coupled with his prominent position “in the gate,” strongly suggests his family, including his wife, were integrated into the city’s social fabric. Deuteronomy 6:10-11 (KJV) speaks of the blessings of dwelling in cities one did not build, which could have been Lot’s experience. This long-term residency makes it highly probable that his wife was either from Sodom or had lived there for so long that she had become completely assimilated into its culture. Her familiarity with its customs and social circles would have been extensive. Scripture further supports this immersion as Proverbs 13:20 (KJV) declares, “He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed,” showing how surroundings shape character, and Ezekiel 16:49 (KJV) notes, “Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy,” illustrating the pervasive sinfulness she absorbed. “The wife of Lot was a selfish, irreligious woman, and her influence was exerted to separate her husband from Abraham” (Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 17, 1987). “But for her, Lot would not have remained in Sodom, deprived of the counsel of the wise, God-fearing patriarch” (Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 17, 1987). “Lot’s wife had been a partaker in the worldliness of Sodom” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). “The inhabitants of Sodom were rich, and were lovers of pleasure” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 157, 1890). These quotes suggest Lot’s wife was immersed in the city’s materialistic and pleasure-seeking environment. But what family connections deepened her roots in this corrupt society?

FAMILY FETTERS IN FIRE!

Lot’s daughters’ marriages further suggest his wife’s connection to Sodom. Genesis 19:14 (KJV) recounts, “And Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city. But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons in law.” Genesis 19:12 (KJV) also mentions, “And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and all that thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place:”. The fact that Lot’s daughters were married to men of Sodom underscores the family’s deep ties to the city. It’s reasonable to conclude that Lot’s wife, as the mother, would have shared these connections and likely had strong relationships within the community. These familial and social bonds, as described in Ruth 1:15-16 (KJV) about family loyalty, would have further solidified her attachment to Sodom. She likely shared in the celebrations and sorrows of the community, further weaving her into its fabric. The Bible illustrates this entanglement as Ephesians 5:31 (KJV) affirms, “For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife: and they two shall be one flesh,” emphasizing marital and family unity, and Proverbs 18:24 (KJV) adds, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother,” highlighting binding relationships. “The influence of his wife and the associations of that wicked city would have led him to apostatize from God had it not been for the faithful instruction he had early received from Abraham” (Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 17, 1987). “The marriage of Lot and his choice of Sodom for a home were the first links in a chain of events fraught with evil to the world for many generations” (Testimonies on Sexual Behavior, Adultery, and Divorce, 17, 1987). “The daughters of Lot were not wholly free from the corrupting influences of Sodom” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 162, 1890). This implies that their mother, Lot’s wife, also shared in that culture’s influence. “Lot’s sons-in-law looked upon him as a weak, vacillating old man” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). This suggests Lot’s family was seen as part of the Sodom community, including his wife. Yet how did this immersion create an inner conflict that tore at her soul?

HEART’S HAUNTING HESITATION!

Sr. White highlights Lot’s wife’s emotional attachment to Sodom. “She had lived there so long, she was reluctant to leave her luxurious home and all its attractions. Her heart clung to Sodom” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). This quote reveals the internal struggle Lot’s wife faced. It wasn’t merely a physical uprooting she resisted, but a severing of emotional and psychological ties. Her attachment to the “luxurious home” and “attractions” of Sodom demonstrates how easily worldly comforts can become idols, hindering our spiritual progress. As Matthew 6:21 (KJV) says, “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” her heart was clearly in Sodom. This internal conflict, as described in Romans 7:15-20 (KJV) about the struggle between flesh and spirit, ultimately led to her downfall. Scripture shows this division as James 1:8 (KJV) warns, “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways,” depicting wavering loyalty, and Psalm 119:113 (KJV) states, “I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love,” contrasting worldly and divine affections. “Some of his children clung to Sodom, and his wife refused to depart without them” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 160, 1890). “Her sin showed her to be unworthy of life, for the preservation of which she felt so little gratitude” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). “Worldly possessions, houses and lands, engrossed her thoughts” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). “She was not in harmony with the heavenly messengers” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). These quotes show the internal conflict between her worldly desires and the divine call. “While her body was upon the plain, her heart clung to Sodom, and she perished with it. She rebelled against God because His judgments involved her possessions and her children in the ruin. Although so greatly favored in being called out from the wicked city, she felt that she was severely dealt with, because the wealth that it had taken years to accumulate must be left to destruction” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161.2, 1890). But what act sealed her fate in a moment of defiance?

FATAL GLANCE OF FATE!

Lot’s wife’s backward glance symbolized her spiritual state. Genesis 19:26 (KJV) simply states, “But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of salt.” Luke 9:62 (KJV) reinforces the principle, “And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.” This seemingly simple act was a profound expression of her divided loyalty. Her physical departure from Sodom was incomplete because her heart remained there. This look back wasn’t just curiosity; it was a longing, a yearning for what she had left behind. It was a rebellion against God’s command and a manifestation of her misplaced priorities. Her action mirrors the Israelites’ longing for Egypt in Exodus 16:3 (KJV), demonstrating a similar lack of faith and trust in God’s provision. The Bible underscores this peril as Philippians 3:19 (KJV) describes, “Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things,” focusing on earthly fixation, and Hebrews 10:38 (KJV) declares, “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him,” warning against retreat. “But one of the fugitives ventured to cast a look backward to the doomed city, and she became a monument of God’s judgment” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). “Instead of thankfully accepting deliverance, she presumptuously looked back to desire the life of those who had rejected the divine warning” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). “She disobeyed the command of God” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). “She looked back, longing for the things she had left behind” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). These quotes confirm her disobedience and the reason behind her fatal glance. “If Lot himself had manifested no hesitancy to obey the angels’ warning, but had earnestly fled toward the mountains, without one word of pleading or remonstrance, his wife also would have made her escape. The influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom. But his hesitancy and delay caused her to lightly regard the divine warning…” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161.2, 1890). How does this reveal divine compassion even in destruction?

JUDGMENT’S JUST MERCY!

Even in judgment, God’s love is evident. God’s repeated warnings through the angels, the provision of a way of escape, and the eventual destruction of Sodom were all acts of divine love, aimed at preserving humanity from the corrupting influence of sin. Deuteronomy 32:4 (KJV) declares, “He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.” 2 Peter 3:9 (KJV) adds, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” While the destruction of Sodom was a terrible event, it also served as a stark warning against wickedness. God’s love is not sentimental; it is a purifying fire that seeks to consume all that separates us from Him. He offers us mercy and grace, but He also knows that sometimes drastic measures are necessary to save us from ourselves. His judgment, as described in Psalm 19:9 (KJV) as “true and righteous altogether,” is ultimately an act of love designed to lead us to repentance and salvation. Scripture emphasizes this balance as Lamentations 3:22-23 (KJV) assures, “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness,” and Ezekiel 33:11 (KJV) states, “Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” revealing reluctance in punishment. “The flames that consumed the cities of the plain shed their warning light down even to our time. We are taught the fearful and solemn lesson that while God’s mercy bears long with the transgressor, there is a limit beyond which men may not go on in sin. When that limit is reached, then the offers of mercy are withdrawn, and the ministration of judgment begins” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 162, 1890). “We should beware of treating lightly God’s gracious provisions for our salvation” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in goodness and truth” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 158, 1890). “He is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 158, 1890). These quotes highlight God’s mercy and longsuffering even in judgment. What personal responses does this demand from us in our daily walks?

OBEDIENCE’S UNYIELDING CALL!

We must cultivate a heart of complete obedience and gratitude. Like Lot, we are called to promptly heed God’s warnings and follow His instructions without reservation. Like Lot’s wife, we must guard against allowing worldly attachments to distract us from our spiritual journey. 1 Samuel 15:22 (KJV) states, “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” Colossians 3:17 (KJV) encourages, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” This requires constant self-examination, asking ourselves where our true treasures lie. Are we willing to let go of anything that hinders our relationship with God? Do we truly appreciate the magnitude of His love and sacrifice for us? Our obedience, as emphasized in John 14:15 (KJV), is the true test of our love for God. The Bible reinforces this necessity as Deuteronomy 30:16 (KJV) commands, “In that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, that thou mayest live and multiply: and the Lord thy God shall bless thee in the land whither thou goest to possess it,” urging faithful adherence, and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV) adds, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you,” promoting thankfulness. “When the Lord sees His people restricting their imaginary wants, practicing self-denial, not in a mournful, regretful spirit, as Lot’s wife left Sodom, but joyfully for Christ’s sake, then the work will go forward with power” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, 104, 1901). “Many are today making the same mistake that Lot’s wife made. They are looking back to the world, thinking of the sacrifices they have made, and feeling that they have been the losers because of their religious belief” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 162, 1890). “Obedience to His word should be the law of our being” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 162, 1890). “We should cherish a grateful sense of His mercy and goodness” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 162, 1890). These quotes emphasize obedience and gratitude as essential aspects of our relationship with God. This serves as a timely warning against regret and misplaced priorities. How can we extend this commitment to shine as examples in the world?

BEACONS BLAZING BRIGHT!

We are called to be beacons of light and truth. Just as Lot and his family were called out of Sodom, we are called to be separate from the world and its corrupting influences. Matthew 5:16 (KJV) says, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Titus 2:11-12 (KJV) instructs, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;”. This means living lives that reflect God’s character and sharing His love with those around us. We should be examples of righteousness, demonstrating the transformative power of faith. How can we, like Lot, warn our neighbors of impending judgment, not with condemnation, but with tears of compassion and a genuine desire for their salvation? Our witness, as described in Acts 1:8 (KJV), should begin in our own communities and extend to the world. Scripture amplifies this mission as 2 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV) urges, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” calling for separation, and James 2:26 (KJV) states, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also,” stressing action in faith. “The influence of his example would have saved her from the sin that sealed her doom. But his hesitancy and delay caused her to lightly regard the divine warning…” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161.2, 1890). This emphasizes the power of our example, both positive and negative, on those around us. “We are to be light bearers in the world” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 162, 1890). “We are to show our faith by our works” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 162, 1890). These quotes highlight our role as witnesses and the importance of demonstrating our faith through our actions. What lasting lessons does her story impart to guide our paths?

REFLECTIONS RADIANT WITH WARNING!

The story of Lot’s wife serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of worldliness and the importance of wholehearted devotion to God. Her tragic end should prompt us to examine our own hearts and ask ourselves if there is anything we are clinging to more tightly than our relationship with Him. Are we, like Lot’s wife, allowing worldly attachments to cloud our spiritual vision and hinder our obedience to God’s commands? Are we, like Lot, hesitating in our obedience, thereby influencing those around us negatively? The Bible echoes this caution as 1 John 2:15 (KJV) advises, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him,” guarding against worldly love, and Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) encourages, “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,” urging release of hindrances. “We should beware of treating lightly God’s gracious provisions for our salvation. There are Christians who say, ‘I do not care to be saved unless my companion and children are saved with me.’ They feel that heaven would not be heaven to them without the presence of those who are so dear. But have these persons forgotten the teachings of our Saviour, who bade us not to lay up our treasures upon the earth, but in heaven?” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 161, 1890). “The flames that consumed the cities of the plain shed their warning light down even to our time” (Patriarchs and Prophets, 162, 1890). May we learn from Lot’s wife’s mistakes and strive to live lives of unwavering faith and obedience, so that when the call comes, we will be ready to follow God without hesitation, leaving behind all that would hinder us from eternal life. May we also be mindful of the power of our influence, striving to be positive examples for those around us, leading them closer to Christ through our words and actions.

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