105. What Is Known of Sodom Outside the Bible?

Comparatively little. Sodom was a small but populous country, and according to Josephus (Antiquities, chapter 9, book 1) was rich and flourishing, with five kings controlling its affairs and with a certain degree of ancient civilization. Doubtless they were idolaters, but they had an opportunity, through the presence of Lot and his household, of knowing the true God. In chapter 11, book 1 of the Antiquities the historian tells of their great wealth and pride, their injustice toward men, their impiety and peculiar vices. So persistent were they in wickedness that the overthrow of their chief city and the destruction of the people came upon them as a punishment.