2239. Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah has become great, and because their sin has become very grievous. That this signifies that the falsity and evil of the love of self have increased even to consummation, is evident from the signification of “Sodom,” as being evil from the love of self; and of “Gomorrah,” as being the derivative falsity (shown above, n. 2220); also from the signification of a “cry,” as being falsity; and of “sin,” as being evil (to be explained presently); from all which it is evident that the “cry having become great, and the sin having become very grievous,” signifies that the falsity and evil had come to their height, or to consummation. This is better seen from what follows, where it is said that if ten were found there the city should be spared (verse 32); by which is signified, if there were still any remains, that is, anything of good and truth; for when there is no longer anything of good and truth within man, there is then wasteness and desolation, consequently consummation (concerning which in the following verse).

1689. The king of Sodom and of Gomorrah fled, and fell there. That this signifies that these evils and falsities were overcome, is evident from the signification of “Sodom” and of “Gomorrah,” as being the evils of cupidities and the falsities of persuasions spoken of above. Here “the king of Sodom and of Gomorrah” denotes all the evils and falsities, even those signified by the other kings; and also from the signification of “fleeing and falling,” as being to be overcome.