# 5: Lot in Sodom explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This poem reflects on Lot's choice to dwell in Sodom, a place of prosperity but also of wickedness. It recounts how Lot was taken captive, rescued by Abraham, yet still chose to stay, distressed by the sins around him. Eventually, he fled, losing his wife who looked back, and his sons-in-law and daughters who perished. The poem warns believers against clinging to the world and urges them to flee to God for salvation.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Vanity of Worldly Things

Lot's choice of a fruitful spot led to loss and distress, illustrating the emptiness of worldly prosperity.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

Mercy plucked Lot by the hand, showing God's grace in saving him despite his lingering.

### Suffering and Affliction

Lot's righteous soul was distressed by the sins of Sodom, and he faced scorn and strife.

## Character check-ins

### Lot

Lot's harmful choice to live in Sodom, his captivity, rescue, lingering, and eventual flight.

### Abraham

Abra'm's timely aid in rescuing Lot from captivity.

### The Lord

The Lord is called upon to quicken believers' powers to flee to Him and live.

### Mercy

Mercy plucked Lot by the hand, saving him from destruction.

## Key lines

> How hurtful was the choice of Lot, Who took up his abode (Because it was a fruitful spot) With them who fear’d not God!

Lot's decision to live in a fertile area among godless people was harmful to him.

_Highlights the danger of choosing worldly advantages over spiritual safety._

> His wife escaped a little way, But died for looking back: Does not her case to pilgrims say, “Beware of growing slack”?

Lot's wife fled but perished when she looked back, warning believers not to become negligent in their journey.

_A warning against spiritual complacency and longing for the world._

> The doom of Sodom will be ours If to the earth we cleave: Lord, quicken all our drowsy powers To flee to thee and live.

We will face the same destruction as Sodom if we cling to earthly things; we ask God to energize us to flee to Him for life.

_Applies the lesson of Sodom to believers, urging dependence on God._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/5-lot-in-sodom
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters