Overview
Zoar was one of the five cities of the plain located near the Dead Sea in ancient Canaan. When God determined to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah for their wickedness, He provided Zoar as an escape route for Lot and his family. The name "Zoar" means "small," reflecting its modest size compared to the other cities of the valley.
Key Scriptures
"Then Lot said to them, 'Please, no, my lords. Behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life. But I cannot escape to the hills, lest the disaster overtake me and I die. Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is small. Let me escape there—is it not small?—and my life will be saved!'" (Genesis 19:19-20, ESV)
"He said, 'Behold, I grant you this favor also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken. Escape there quickly, for I cannot do anything until you arrive there.' Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar." (Genesis 19:21-22, ESV)
Application
Zoar reminds us that God's judgment is tempered with mercy for those who turn to Him, even in our darkest circumstances.