16 And while he lingered, the men ^atook hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the ^bLord being merciful to him, ^cand they brought him out and set him outside the city.  ‡

17 So it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that¹ he said, ^a“Escape for your life! ^bDo not look behind you nor stay anywhere in the plain. Escape ^cto the mountains, lest you be destroyed.”  ‡

19 Indeed now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have increased your mercy which you have shown me by saving my life; but I cannot escape to the mountains, lest some evil overtake me and I die.

20 See now, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one; please let me escape there (is it not a little one?) and my soul shall live.”