The election of Israel to be the people of God is a significant theme in the Old Testament. This special position of Israel has offended many people both in the ancient and modern world. In a world of "equal opportunity," people argue that the idea of election leads to violence because it in effect defines all other nations as the enemy. The elect and the non-elect are seen as antagonistic categories.

What is the location of the cities Sodom and Gomorrah? This essay wants to review the biblical evidence, archaeological evidence, and evidence from tradition.