An utterly futile attempted homosexual gang rape (Gen 19:1-11) has
given rise to our word "sodomy". A perpetrated homicidal heterosexual
gang rape (Judges 19:25-29) and the resulting near extinction of the tribe of
Benjamin (Judges 21:15-23) are relatively unnoticed. Despite the similarities:
homosexual gang rape demands (Gen 19:4-5, Judges 19:22) and heterosexual
alternatives offered (Gen 19:8, Judges 19:23-34). (The alternatives offered
seem to reflect scriptural values. Homosexual gang rape is considered a great
offense against nature and nature's God, and neighbors are to be deterred from such
a great offense if possible. Family authority and responsibility are upheld.)
Attempted gang rape of the two angels was the offense that gave
rise to our term "sodomy". The popular sense of the word is male
homosexual anal copulation. Interestingly, the legal sense seems to extend to a
genital body part of one person and a non-genital body part (or perhaps
instrument) of another person. Penetration, however slight, constitutes the
offense.
The men of Sodom recognized the attractiveness of the angels (Gen 19:4-5). Lot, a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7-8), recognized that the attractiveness
was the result of sinlessness (Gen 19:1-3). The homosexual gang rape intentions
were not the cause of the destruction of the city, but were evidence of the
reason for that destruction. The cries of those afflicted because of their
godlessness and lawlessness had reached a level that Providence would no longer
tolerate (Gen 18:20-21, 19:13).
I2C 131026a Jdg 19to21 q Sodomy q in Scripture / I2C / 10/26/2013
10:18 AM / Judges 19-21 "Sodomy" in Scripture
