Learn more about Zoar

Small, a town on the east or south-east of the Dead Sea, to which Lot and his daughters fled from Sodom (Gen. 19:22, 23). It was originally called Bela (14:2, 8). It is referred to by the prophets Isaiah (15:5) and Jeremiah (48:34). Its ruins are still seen at the opening of the ravine of Kerak, the Kir-Moab referred to in 2 Kings 3, the modern Tell esh-Shaghur.

Zoar, a city of antiquity, finds its mention in the poignant tale of Lot, especially in the context of the catastrophic downfall of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Meaning and Significance of Zoar

"Zoar," translating to "small" or "insignificance" in Hebrew, possibly reflects its minor status in contrast to its more sprawling neighbors in the Jordan valley.

Role in Biblical Accounts and References

The narrative becomes especially captivating when the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah are earmarked for annihilation due to rampant wickedness. At this juncture, Lot, a kin of Abraham, negotiates refuge in Zoar, seeing it as a lesser evil owing to its size. Acknowledging Lot's pleas, the divine decree spares Zoar (Genesis 19:20-23).