Why Tzoar Was Spared and Named the Little One

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 19:20

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And it is a little one" (Genesis 19:20). For its settlement was not equal to that of Sodom, since the settlement of Sodom was fifty-two years, and the settlement of Tzoar was fifty-one years, as it is said, "let me escape (na) there" (Genesis 19:20) — and "na" in gematria is fifty-one. Therefore it was called Tzoar, and it was younger [tze'irah] in its settlement and in its iniquities.

Themes

Divine JudgmentGematriaSodom And GomorrahMercy And Justice

Biblical References

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Midrash AggadahWhy Zoar Was Spared and Sodom Burned at SunriseWhen the angels pressed Lot toward the little town, they pleaded, "I cannot do a thing until you arrive there." And the town was called Zoar — Tzo'arah, writtenMidrash AggadahWhy God Heard Ishmael Where He Was Despite the AngelsWhen the well was opened for the dying boy in the wilderness, the ministering angels rose in protest before the Holy One. "Master of the universe," they cried, Apocalypse of AbrahamAbraham Silences Azazel with Words of PowerThe angel turned back to Abraham. "Know from this moment that the Eternal One has chosen you. Be of good courage and use this authority, as far as I bid you, agApocalypse of AbrahamGod Reveals That All of History Was Planned in AdvanceAbraham asked: "O Eternal, Mighty One! What is this picture of the creatures?" God answered: "This is my will with regard to those who exist in the divine worldApocalypse of AbrahamCain Murders Abel Under the Influence of AzazelGod answered Abraham's question about evil with a revelation about the nations. He was angered at them on account of Abraham's descendants, the people who wouldApocalypse of AbrahamAbraham Sees the Idol of Jealousy in the TempleThe vision shifted. Abraham saw something that struck closer to home than the cosmic sins of Cain and Desire. He saw an idol standing inside a Temple. The idol