And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; (2 Peter 2:6)
Compare the parallel passage in Jude 7. This is the third illustration of God’s judgments (cf. on 2 Peter 2:4, 5). The Greek word for “turning into ashes” (tephroō) is used by the classical writer Dio Cassius (Roman History lxvi. 21) to describe the eruption of Vesuvius.
Sodom and Gomorrha.
For a description of the destruction of these cities see on Gen. 19:24, 25.
Overthrow.
Literally, “catastrophe.” This may imply an additional act of judgment after the reduction of the cities to ashes (cf. on Gen. 19:25).
Making.
Or, “having set.”
Ensample.
Gr. hupodeigma, “example,” that is, a warning.
Ungodly.
The phrase reads literally, “those about to live ungodly.” The terrible, fate of the cities of the plain was to discourage others from indulging in the same wickedness that brought about their downfall.