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Book of Genesis - Chapter 19 - Verse 6

19:6
And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him,

Meaning

When Lot went out at the door unto the two angels who had come to visit him in Sodom, and then shut the door behind him, it symbolized his commitment to protecting his guests and ensuring their safety. In ancient times, offering hospitality to travelers and guests was considered a sacred duty, and Lot was keen on fulfilling that duty by going out to meet the strangers. By shutting the door behind him, Lot was also emphasizing the importance of privacy and safety for his guests, as well as showing his own sense of responsibility as a host. This act of shutting the door can also be interpreted as a symbolic gesture of Lot separating himself from the wickedness and immorality of the city of Sodom, and choosing to align himself with righteousness and protection instead. Overall, this act of Lot going out to meet the angels and then shutting the door behind them holds deep symbolic and moral significance in the biblical narrative.

Theological Overview

In the theological interpretation of the verse where Lot goes out to meet the two angels who came to Sodom, shutting the door behind him, we see symbolism of several important themes. Lot's action of shutting the door can be seen as a symbol of his separation from the wickedness and sinfulness of the city of Sodom. By physically closing the door behind him, Lot is making a conscious decision to distance himself from the evil that surrounds him and to align himself with God's will.

Furthermore, the act of shutting the door can also be interpreted as a foreshadowing of the impending destruction of the city. Just as Lot shuts the door behind him to protect himself from the impending judgment, so too will God ultimately bring judgment upon the city of Sodom for its wickedness. This event serves as a reminder of the consequences of living a life in opposition to God's commandments.

Through word studies, we can also delve deeper into the significance of the action of shutting the door. The word "shut" in this context carries connotations of protection, safety, and separation. It indicates that Lot is consciously choosing to remove himself from the sinful environment of Sodom and to seek refuge with the angels. This powerful image highlights the importance of making choices that align with God's teachings and the need to separate ourselves from environments that lead us away from Him.

American Standard Version

And Lot went out unto them to the door, and shut the door after him.
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