LOT'S WIFE: The One Who Rejected Grace

She was never even named in the Bible. The writer did not record her reaction when angels arrived at her and Lot’s house. Nor was it written what she felt when a mob pressed against their door, demanding to come in. We only remember her as the one who looked back and became a pillar of salt (Gen. 19:26).

And this pillar still stands today to teach us a lesson.

THE DOOM

The wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah had reached its peak! God, being just, could no longer allow their evil to continue. Yet even in this situation, we notice that He was still willing to spare the cities if even a few righteous people could be found (18:23–33). But none were there. Finally, two angels were sent to bring judgment. Lot welcomed them into his home, and they themselves witnessed how depraved the people had become (19:1–11). The angels confirmed what was about to happen: God’s judgment on the cities was certain. The day of their doom had come!

THE DELIVERANCE

Even though judgment was coming, God still extended mercy. In His wrath, He remained willing to show love. Lot and his family were told to leave immediately, for the cities would soon be destroyed. Lot could bring anyone with him, and they too would be spared (vv. 12–14). Sadly, those he tried to warn did not take him seriously (v. 14). Even Lot and his family hesitated to leave, so the angels had to physically lead them out (v. 16).

Why didn’t they want to go? Perhaps because of the loved ones they would leave behind, or maybe because of the possessions they couldn’t let go of. Whatever the reason, their attachment to that wicked city was so strong that God’s messengers had to drag them to safety. Yet God still showed them mercy (v. 16).

The angels gave strict instructions: “Escape for your life! Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away” (v. 17). Lot, however, pleaded to be allowed to stay in the nearby town of Zoar instead of fleeing to the mountains, and God granted his request (vv. 18–23). In fact, God waited until Lot and his family safely reached Zoar before destroying the cities (vv. 23–25). Out of remembrance for His friend Abraham, God spared Lot’s family from disaster (v. 29). That is grace.

THE DISOBEDIENCE

“But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt” (v. 26). What does this mean? Was it simply a careless glance over her shoulder? Hardly. The wording suggests that she turned back to the city itself, returning to the very place God was judging. The angel’s command had been clear: flee, do not look back, and do not stop until you reach safety (v. 17).

It’s important to note that the destruction did not begin while they were still on their way. God waited until they reached Zoar before the fire fell (vv. 23–24). The only way Lot’s wife could perish was if she went back. Those in Zoar also witnessed the fiery rain falling on the nearby cities, yet they were safe, even though they hadn’t heard the angel’s warning. Her fate shows that she must have returned.

She became a pillar of salt—likely meaning her body was covered with ash and mineral deposits, leaving her standing as if turned into a column. Jesus Himself used her as an example in His teaching: “Remember Lot’s wife” (Luke 17:32). She represents the one who tries to preserve her life but ends up losing it (v. 33).

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Lot’s wife experienced God’s grace. Angels themselves had carried her out of danger. God delayed judgment just for her safety. Yet she chose to return. What a waste! She could have been spared, but she rejected grace and embraced judgment instead. Her heart clung to a wicked city more than to her family—or to God. And she paid the price. In the same way, we too are often tempted to return to our own “city”—the very things God has rescued us from. Like the Israelites longing for Egypt, the place of their slavery (Num. 14:4), we may feel the pull to go back. But the pillar of salt warns us not to yield to this temptation.

Yes, God is loving. But He will also allow us to reap the consequences of our choices. “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life” (Gal. 6:7–8). Stay Curious.