Why Do Some Get Warnings While Others Face Sudden Destruction?
In this article, you will learn how Genesis 19:12 contradicts Genesis 6:13, Luke 17:29, Matthew 24:39, Jeremiah 18:7-8 and Ezekiel 33:11. Find the translations at the bottom of the page..
The Bible presents us with intriguing narratives where divine intervention varies notably. In Genesis 19:12, angels warn Lot to flee Sodom with his family to keep them safe. This act of mercy raises questions when contrasted with other biblical accounts where no such warning is given.
Consider Genesis 6:13, where God reveals his intention to destroy all flesh due to widespread corruption, sparing only Noah's family with no broader opportunity for escape extended to others. This reflects a different divine approach than the specific warning given to Lot.
Similarly, Luke 17:29 describes the sudden destruction of Sodom without mentioning any warning. It’s like a sudden storm that catches people off guard, unlike the advance notice given to Lot. This contrast in how justice or mercy is administered poses a perplexing question.
In Matthew 24:39, the parallel is drawn with the days of Noah, where people were unaware of the flood until it was too late. This element of surprise starkly opposes the clear, prior warning granted to Lot. It’s as if one group saw the storm coming, while another was overtaken by it without any clue.
Jeremiah 18:7-8 introduces a hopeful possibility: if people turn from their evil ways, God might relent from bringing disaster upon them. However, this conditional compassion doesn’t apply to Sodom, as seen in Genesis 19:12, despite the warning given to Lot.
Ezekiel 33:11 voices God’s desire for the wicked to repent and live, contrasting sharply with the absolute decision to annihilate Sodom despite no call to repentance from its inhabitants, aside from Lot's escape warning.
These variations highlight a complex tapestry of divine justice and mercy, stirring curiosity about why some receive chances to change or escape, while others face sudden irreversible consequences.
| # | Verse | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Genesis 19:12 | And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring [them] out of this place: |
| 2. | Genesis 6:13 | And God said unto Noah, The end of all flesh is come before me; for the earth is filled with violence through them; and, behold, I will destroy them with the earth. [with the earth: or, from the earth] |
| 3. | Luke 17:29 | But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed [them] all. |
| 4. | Matthew 24:39 | And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. |
| 5. | Jeremiah 18:7-8 | [At what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull down, and to destroy [it]; |
| 6. | Ezekiel 33:11 | 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? |