Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that the people of Sedom were 'wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly'?
A: The verse describes the extreme wickedness of Sedom's inhabitants. Rashi explains that their sins were 'before the Lord'—meaning they sinned openly and defiantly, without shame. The term 'exceedingly' (מְאֹד) emphasizes that their evil was extreme and habitual.
Q: Why is Sedom mentioned specifically as being wicked?
A: Sedom is singled out in the Torah as an example of extreme corruption. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) describes their cruelty, such as refusing to help the poor and punishing those who showed kindness. Their wickedness became a lesson for future generations about the consequences of moral decay.
Q: What can we learn from the description of Sedom's wickedness?
A: The verse teaches the importance of ethical behavior and kindness. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:3) explains that Sedom's downfall resulted from their lack of compassion and justice. We learn to avoid their traits by practicing generosity and righteousness.
Q: How does the Torah's description of Sedom apply to us today?
A: The Torah warns against societal corruption and cruelty. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 49:6) compares Sedom to any society that neglects justice and hospitality. Today, we must ensure our communities uphold kindness and fairness, unlike Sedom.
Q: What were some specific sins of the people of Sedom?
A: Traditional sources describe Sedom's sins as including robbery, violence, and a lack of hospitality. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) recounts how they would harm guests instead of welcoming them. Their legal system was also corrupt, punishing the righteous instead of the guilty.
Understanding the Wickedness of Sedom
The verse states, "But the men of Sedom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly" (Bereishit 13:13). The Torah emphasizes their extreme wickedness, which is further elaborated upon in later verses (Bereishit 18:20-21) and in rabbinic literature.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereishit 13:13) explains that their wickedness was "with their bodies" (i.e., through immoral acts) and "with their money" (i.e., through corruption and exploitation). He cites the Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a), which describes how the people of Sedom would cruelly mistreat guests, violating the basic ethical principle of hachnasat orchim (hospitality).
The Nature of Their Sin
The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 49:6) elaborates that their sins included:
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) uses Sedom as an example of extreme moral corruption, warning against traits such as greed and cruelty. Their behavior was not merely sinful but was institutionalized, making their society irredeemable.
The Severity of Their Punishment
The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109b) states that their judgment was sealed because they sinned "exceedingly"—meaning their evil was pervasive and unrepentant. Unlike other nations, they had no righteous individuals (like Noach in his generation) to merit divine mercy.
Lessons for Today
The story of Sedom serves as a warning against societal corruption, cruelty, and the rejection of justice. The Gemara (Avot 5:10) lists "the way of Sedom" as one of the traits that remove a person from the world, teaching that selfishness and hostility toward others are antithetical to Torah values.