What is the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Bible? Where is it mentioned?

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah is a significant tale found in the Bible, specifically in the book of Genesis. It is a narrative that revolves around two cities and their eventual destruction due to their wickedness.

According to the Bible, Sodom and Gomorrah were cities located in the region of Canaan, known for their sinful and immoral behavior. The inhabitants of these cities were described as engaging in various forms of debauchery, such as sexual immorality, idolatry, and disregard for the poor and needy.

The story begins with God revealing His plan to Abraham to destroy the cities due to their iniquity. Abraham, concerned for his nephew Lot who resided in Sodom, pleaded with God to spare the cities if there were even just ten righteous people found within them. God agreed to Abraham's request.

Angels were sent to the cities in the form of men and were welcomed into Lot’s house. The wicked inhabitants of Sodom, hearing of the visitors, surrounded Lot's house demanding that the men be handed over to them for sexual purposes. Lot, recognizing the grave danger, pleaded for the crowd to take his own daughters instead but they refused.

As the situation grew dire, the angels alerted Lot of their mission to destroy the cities. They urged him to gather his family and flee the city for their lives. Just before the break of dawn, Lot and his family were guided out of Sodom and warned not to look back. Unfortunately, Lot's wife glanced behind her and was turned into a pillar of salt.

As they left the cities, God rained down burning sulfur upon Sodom and Gomorrah, completely annihilating them. The destructive force was so powerful that not even a single trace of the cities remained.

The story of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a cautionary tale of the consequences of leading a life of sin and immorality. It emphasizes the importance of righteousness, justice, and compassion while highlighting God's judgement upon the wicked.

Though a tragic tale, the story of Sodom and Gomorrah has continued to capture the attention of believers and scholars alike, sparking debates and discussions about the nature of God's judgement and the consequences of human behavior.