Sodom’s Judges

In examining Jewish rabbinical literature, the Talmud and Midrash contain oral traditions, exegesis of Torah texts and homiletic stories that give us insight into Jewish and biblical history. They are reliable sources to gain additional understanding and knowledge of Jewish thought and truth.

One of the teachings refers to the Judges of Sodom, (Genesis 19) who historically were named Kaz-sheker (greatest liar), Rab-sheker (master of lies), Rab-nabel, (master of turpitude), Rab-masteh Din (chief perverter of the law), and Kelepandar (forger). (1)  These judges had enforced laws that were oppressive to the poor, sexually permissive and resulted in a society where justice and legal sense were ignored to accommodate the desires of a ruling few. This resulted in a chaotic culture where historical and biblical accounts record an “upside down” civilization, with the weak exploited by the rich and powerful.

One story tells of a poor man who was secretly kept alive with scraps of bread by a compassionate citizen. When the judges found this out, they ruled the gracious person be burnt to death. It’s hard for us to imagine such a thing and yet that was how Sodom and the cities of the plain lived each day. In addition, the biblical record tells us that Lot, Abraham’s nephew was daily tormented with the filthy conversation and lifestyle of the wicked people he was living with (2 Peter 2:8).

The Genesis record tells us that God heard the cries of those who were oppressed and went down to deal with the wickedness of Sodom (Genesis 19:20, 21). On the fateful night, a homosexual mob of men gathered outside of Lot’s house and demanded he open the door so the men could have sex with the visitors staying at Lot’s home. These were the angels God had sent to rescue Lot, but the mob did not know this.

Those who say the sin of Sodom had nothing to do with homosexuality and sexual looseness, ignore the clear account of the Genesis text, the second Peter text, and the Jude, verse 7 text that refers to gross immorality in Sodom. In addition, the prophet Ezekiel expands on this and gives us a comprehensive view of Sodom and the culture of the cities of the plain: “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had arrogance, abundant food and careless ease, but she did not help the poor and needy. Thus they were haughty and committed abominations before me (Ezekiel 16:49 NASB). The overabundance and careless ease led to the abominations that refer to the ongoing sexual perversion of the cities.

Justice and morality had been denied in all areas of the culture of Sodom as a result of the rulings of a few judges, who felt it was a civil duty to impose their personal views on the entire population. People in Sodom had no choice but to agree, be silent, leave or if they spoke up, risk their futures and very life.

It continually amazes me how relevant and up to date the bible is, in the 21st century. Activist Judges in America are daily overruling the will of the people and imposing immoral, personal views towards the citizens of this country on a number of issues and distorting justice at every turn. Just recently, a morally, misled judge arbitrarily overturned North Carolina’s gay marriage ban, even though North Carolinians overwhelmingly voted against same-sex marriage. Other states have also, wrongly had the imposition of the minority forced on the majority. It is interesting these laws cannot be set aside, except through dishonest, judicial tyranny.

Please recognize then, it was the rulings of the Judges of Sodom that brought the judgment of God on Sodom and the cities of the plain and, following the historical pattern, it will be the rulings of activist judges and a silent, sleepy, Christian majority that will result in the swift hand of judgment on America. God is always grieved when the courts rule against righteousness and lawlessness prevails.

Are there any solutions? Yes! As I finish this, let me give 3 clear, next steps that must happen if needed change is to occur:

1. The Body of Christ in America must begin to desperately cry out for spiritual awakening in this country. It is our only hope. In addition to identifying the sins of a nation, Christians must repent of their own secret sins if we expect God to go with us into battle. It is hypocrisy to cry out about the sins of others when those sins are in our own lives.
2. The silent majority must begin to speak up. For too long we have closed our mouths for fear of retribution or just plain indifference. We must speak out, even at the risk of the wrath of those who disagree.
3. We must place people into public office who share a biblical world view. It is shameful that so-called Christians vote for people who are anti-God, anti-Christ, anti-America and who will not support righteousness. We have the ability to put people in powerful positions who will not pervert justice but enforce it.

  Time is running out. But with the help of God, all things are possible, in Jesus name.

1. Jewish Encyclopedia