The people of Sod'om had seen the Angels as they went about the streets of the city, but did not know that they were Angels because they were in the appearance of men. Attracted by the superior bearing of the two strangers within their city, some of the most depraved people looked upon them with evil intentions. They stealthily watched the Angels as they entered the house of Lot, planning to seize them at the first opportunity. Finally they demanded that Lot bring out his guests and let them be mistreated by the mob. When Lot refused their demands they turned upon him with jeers and scorn, accusing him of taking too much authority for one who was only a sojourner within their city, and threatening to break down the door and take the two visitors by force.
The Sod'om-ites were bold unashamed in their evil intentions, and no arguments or resistance which Lot could offer would prevent them from carrying out their wicked purposes. They rushed the door which Lot had closed and attacked him violently. Now the Angels had made their special visit to Lot because he had kept himself free from the more vicious sins of Sod'om; though he had done wrong by associating with wicked neighbors, he was still counted among the righteous. He was grieved by the evils of Sod'om, and had often rebuked the people for their disgraceful deeds. The Lord therefore wished to spare him from the terrible disaster that was soon to fall upon Sod'om.
When Lot's life was in danger by the attack of the people who sought the strangers in his home the two Angels opened the door and drew him to safety. The Angels then caused the angry mob to be smitten with blindness, and the confusion became so great that the Sod'om-ites could not even find the door of Lot's house.
The Heavenly messengers then informed Lot that the Lord was preparing to rain fire and brimstone upon Sod'om and Go'mor'rah, bringing utter destruction to both cities, and they suggested that he take all his kinsmen and property out of the city at once. When Lot brought the news to his sons-in-law they scoffed at his warning, refusing to heed the call of God for safety.
Lot was then told to take his wife and the two daughters who still lived in his home and flee to the surrounding mountains. Instead of obeying at once, Lot permitted business matters and selfish interests to delay his going. The love of such worldly things as gold and silver seemed more important at the moment than the safety of his family. The Angels therefore seized him by the hand and led the family out on the road toward the mountains.
As Lot and his family fled from Sod'om he became fearful that he could not reach a place of safety in the mountains. He then pleaded with the Angel who was guiding him to spare the little town to the northeast that was later called Zo'ar, and allow him to reside there with his family. When the Lord agreed to this request Lot and his wife and two daughters turned their steps toward the little town.
