A Simple Choice

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” (Genesis 19:26 NIV84).

Every time I read that verse, I wonder, “Why did she look back?” and “Why was ‘looking back’ worthy of a death sentence?” The Scripture never answers either of those questions directly, but I think it gives us some clues. 

The answer probably began back in Genesis 13, when Abraham and Lot realized that their herds had grown too large for them to reside in the same place.  Abraham gave Lot the first choice, and he chose the area that was well-watered with ideal conditions for raising his flocks.  He ignored the fact that the people of that area were “…wicked and sinning greatly against the Lord” (Genesis 13:13b NIV84).  So, Lot and his family voluntarily moved into a den of wickedness so they could grow richer.  Unfortunately, the wickedness rubbed off on them.

When the angels arrived in Sodom, they found Lot sitting at the city gate (Genesis 19:1), indicating that he had probably become a prominent leader in the city.  He immediately invited the men into his home.  But when the city’s evil men surrounded the house and called for the men to be sent out to be sexually attacked, Lot attempted to appease them by offering his daughters instead (Genesis 19:8). Wealth, power, and the evil that surrounded him had all but destroyed his allegiance to God.

Lot further showed his desires by hesitating when the angels told him to hurry and leave the city.  He and his family left only when the angels “…grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them safely out of the city…” (Genesis 19:16 NIV84).  He didn’t want to leave any more than his family did. 

I suppose that by understanding the background, we can gain insight into why Lot’s wife looked back.  She wasn’t ready to give up the wealth, the power, and probably some of the evil that they had become accustomed to.  She may have just been curious. That still leaves the question of why “looking back” warranted a death sentence.

I think it was her choice that sealed her fate, just as our choice seals our fate today.  Rather than choosing God and the salvation that He was offering, she chose the wicked city of Sodom.  From our vantage point, the correct choice may seem obvious, but we have similar choices every day.  Jesus said, “I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life. No man comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 NIV84). Yet we often choose the power, wealth, and glory of this world over the saving grace God offers. 

Choosing God over the world may not bring riches, glory, or personal accolades in this life, but the eternal life God has promised far exceeds anything this world can offer. That should make it a simple choice. 

Genesis: 13:8-13 & 19:1-26