We are told that Lot was greatly tormented by the perversions of Sodom. What could possibly have been so irresistible for Lot to have remained in that depraved city? Earlier in Genesis we read of Lot's initial attraction to the cities of that area:
- Genesis 13:10: "Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere— this was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah— like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt as you go to Zoar."
This is understandable, and would be a compelling reason to relocate to that area for financial gain. Almost immediately, however, we read:
- Genesis 13:13: "Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the LORD."
Would Lot not have serious reservations living in such an area after soon witnessing the ungodliness of the people? In Peter's Second Letter we read of Lot's distress:
- 2 Peter 2:8: "[For] by what he saw and heard that righteous man, while living among [the Sodomites], felt his righteous soul tormented day after day by their lawless deeds."
Who would continue to live in a city where their "righteous soul was tormented day after day?" Did Lot have little other choice but to stay? Further, it seems that by continuing to live there, he was jeopardizing everything, and would essentially lose everything he had — including his wife. What could have been the motivating factor for Lot to linger in such a dreadful place? Are there other, related passages that help us understand Lot's poor decision to remain?