Why did God destroy Sodom and Gomorrah?

In Genesis 18:22 through 19, God rains down judgment on the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. In this study, Dr. Toby Holt examines a sobering account of both God’s wrath and His mercy.

Before the judgment falls, Abraham pleads with God, who agrees to spare the cities for the sake of just ten righteous people — but not even ten can be found. Two angels rescue Lot and his family as fire and brimstone destroy the cities; Lot’s wife looks back and becomes a pillar of salt. Dr. Holt explains that the cities’ sin was deep and many-sided, and that Jesus warned it will be “more bearable” for Sodom than for those who hear the gospel and reject it. Greater light brings greater accountability — yet God’s patience and mercy run all through the story.

Questions this study answers:

1. What was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah? Deep and widespread wickedness, including sexual sin but, as Ezekiel says, “all manner” of evil. Their corruption was total.

2. Why would God spare the cities for ten righteous people? Because He is merciful and patient, willing to relent for the sake of His own. Sadly, not even ten could be found.

3. What did Jesus mean when He spoke of Sodom? That it will be more bearable for Sodom than for those who reject the gospel. Greater revelation brings greater accountability.

“Then the LORD rained brimstone and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah, from the LORD out of the heavens.” — Genesis 19:24 (NKJV)

Speaker: Dr. Toby Holt is the President of New Geneva Theological Seminary, a Reformed seminary in Colorado Springs. He is known for clear, down-to-earth Bible teaching, and his sermons have been downloaded more than 1.9 million times on SermonAudio.

Listen and go deeper: This sermon is part of the Genesis Explained study from New Geneva Theological Seminary. Find more verse-by-verse teaching across the Bible at newgeneva.org. To support this teaching ministry, visit newgeneva.org/give.