Daily Chumash & Rashi Vayeira Shelishi – The destruction of Sodom

 Q: Why were there only two angels in Sodom?
A: One to destroy Sodom and one to save Lot. The third angel, who announced Sarah’s birth, had completed his mission and left.

Q: Why are they called “angels” here but “men” earlier?
A: When the Divine Presence was with them, they were called “men.” With Lot, they are called “angels” because he lacked Avraham’s spiritual greatness.

Q: Why did they arrive at nightfall?
A: They delayed to give Avraham time to plead for Sodom.

Q: Why was Lot sitting at the gate of Sodom?
A: He had been appointed as a judge that day.

Q: Why did Lot invite them secretly?
A: To avoid the attention of Sodom’s wicked people.

Q: Why did Lot say “spend the night and then wash your feet”?
A: He feared the townspeople would accuse him of hiding guests for days if they saw their feet washed.

Q: Why did the angels initially refuse Lot’s invitation?
A: To show that one may refuse a lesser person, but not a great person like Avraham.

Q: What did Lot serve the angels?
A: A feast and matzos, because it was Passover.

Q: Who surrounded Lot’s house?
A: All the men of Sodom, young and old, from every part of the city.

Q: What did the mob demand?
A: To “know” the guests carnally (homosexual intent).

Q: What shocking offer did Lot make?
A: His two daughters, to protect his guests.

Q: How did the mob respond to Lot’s rebuke?
A: They mocked him, saying he was a stranger who dared to judge them, and threatened him worse than the guests.

Q: How did the angels save Lot?
A: They pulled him inside and struck the mob with blindness.

Q: What did the angels tell Lot to do?
A: Gather his family and leave the city immediately.

Q: Who were Lot’s sons-in-law?
A: Husbands of his married daughters in the city; he also had two unmarried daughters at home.

Q: How did Lot’s sons-in-law react to his warning?
A: They thought he was joking.

Q: Why did the angels press Lot to leave at dawn?
A: To save him before the city was destroyed.

Q: Why did Lot hesitate?
A: He lingered to save his possessions.

Q: How did the angels respond to Lot’s delay?
A: They seized him, his wife, and daughters by the hand and led them out.

Q: What warning did the angels give Lot?
A: “Run for your life! Do not look back. Flee to the hills.”

Q: Why was Lot told not to look back?
A: He was saved only by Avraham’s merit; it was improper to witness others’ punishment while being spared.

Q: Why did the angels tell Lot to flee to the mountains?
A: To go to Avraham, who lived there.

Q: Why did Lot refuse to flee to the mountains?
A: He feared being judged harshly near Avraham and considered wicked compared to him.

Q: What alternative did Lot request?
A: To escape to Tzoar, a small city recently settled and less sinful.

Q: Why did Lot argue Tzoar should be spared?
A: Its sins were fewer because it was founded later than the other cities.