Definition: And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Romans 9:29. It’s a pretty complex idea, but I'll try to explain it in a way that makes sense. Here’s the gist of what it means: This verse is about judgment and forgiveness. It’s talking about how God views humanity and whether we deserve grace – mercy and love – from him. It’s comparing us to two terrible places in history: Sodom and Gomorrah. Let's unpack the parts: "Romans 9:29" : This is the verse itself, giving us the context. It’s a passage from the book of Romans, which focuses on God’s relationship with his people. “And as Esaias said before…” : This refers to the writings of the prophet Esaias, who lived around the time this verse was written. He wrote about a terrible judgment that would happen in the future. “…Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed…” : This is the crucial part. The “Lord of Sabaoth” is a mysterious name – it’s often translated as "The Lord of Heaven" or "The Lord of the Heavens." The point is that this figure represents God's power and control over all things. It suggests he doesn’t always intervene in human affairs. "...we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha." : This is where it gets really unsettling. Sodom was a city destroyed by fire because of its wickedness – it was filled with sin and immorality. Gomorrha was another city destroyed by fire for the same reason. So what does this mean? The verse suggests that we (as humans) have a tendency to become like Sodom and Gomorrah – filled with sin, selfishness, and wickedness. It’s suggesting we are prone to making choices that lead us down paths of corruption and destruction. Here's the core idea: God doesn't always intervene to save people, and sometimes, those who deserve punishment might be allowed to remain. He allows sin and evil to exist because it’s part of the human condition—because we are fallible and prone to making mistakes. Important Note: This isn’t saying that everyone is doomed. It’s about a natural tendency within humanity – a potential for corruption. Why does this matter? This passage speaks to our responsibility as humans. We're all susceptible to sin, and we are given the freedom (and sometimes the opportunity) to choose our path. It’s a reminder that God's grace is offered to those who are chosen – those who have the potential for good and are willing to turn away from evil. In short, this verse acknowledges that humans have a capacity for sin and imperfection, and that God allows it because of our fallibility. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this passage in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme?