Genesis 19:20

20 There is this city here at hand, to which I may flee, it is a little one, and I shall be saved in it: is it not a little one, and my soul shall live?

Genesis 19:20 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 19:20

Behold now, this city [is] near to flee unto
Pointing to Bela, afterwards called Zoar, from what follows: it is said to be two miles distant from Sodom ^F26. But the Jews ^F1 say it was four miles, and some say ^F2 five; for they reckon that a man may go five miles from the ascent of the morning (or break of day) till the sun shines out: and it [is] a little one:
a little city, and the houses and buildings in it few, the inhabitants few; and the sins of it few, as the Targum of Jonathan adds, in comparison of Sodom and Gomorrah; and therefore Lot hoped this favour would be granted him, that this city might be saved, and he be allowed to flee to it, and go no further; but others think this refers not to the city, which some say ^F3 was a large and spacious one, but to his request, that it was a small thing he asked, and hoped therefore it would not be denied, and in which he was very importunate: oh, let me escape thither, ([is] it not a little one?);
or "is it not a little thing" ^F4? a small request that I make: and my soul shall live:
I shall not only be able to get thither, and so my life will be preserved; but I shall be in good spirits, rejoice and be glad, that I am got safe and out of the reach of danger; my spirits, which are now faint, and therefore can never think of getting so far as to the mountain, but, if this favour is granted me, they will revive, and I shall cheerfully pursue my journey thither, and be comfortable.

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FOOTNOTES:

F26 Bunting's Travels, p. 63.
F1 T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 2, 3. & Gloss. in ib.
F2 T. Bab. Pesachim, fol. 94. 1.
F3 Bunting's Travels, p. 63.
F4 "Nonne perexigua res est?" Junius & Tremellius, Piscator, Cocceius.

Genesis 19:20 In-Context

18 And Lot said to them: I beseech thee, my Lord,

19 Because thy servant hath found grace before thee, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shewn to me, in saving my life, and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil seize me, and I die.

20 There is this city here at hand, to which I may flee, it is a little one, and I shall be saved in it: is it not a little one, and my soul shall live?

21 And he said to him: Behold also in this, I have heard thy prayers, not to destroy the city for which thou hast spoken.

22 Make haste, and be saved there: because I cannot do any thing till thou go in thither. Therefore the name of that city was called Segor.