The answer is: Lot's wife

Gen 19:26

God's instruction was pretty clear: fleeing from Sodom and Gomorrah was critical, but there was a big warning — don’t look back! Lot’s wife, however, looked toward the fiery destruction of her home and met a rather fateful end as a pillar of salt. Isn’t it fascinating how this story paints a vivid picture of the importance of moving forward and not clinging to what’s already destroyed?

Now, think about that transformation into a "pillar of salt.” Salt, in biblical times, was a valuable commodity. It was used for preservation and flavoring, signifying the importance of Lot’s wife before her judgment. Trees have rings, and cities have echoes of the past, as does the biblical landscape where Sodom and Gomorrah once stood. Many scholars and archaeologists believe they might have identified the sites, pointing to significant geological features along the Dead Sea which match the account's catastrophic end.

Furthermore, the broader theme of this story strains against the fabric of belief in unconditional moral gumption; it beckons toward a nuanced discussion about the consequences of our choices and the places we inhabit because every choice creates ripples. And how about that figure of speech we often hear? "Salt of the earth," rustic folks having deep and reliable qualities, might find traces back to scenes like this. Clearly, there's a rich tapestry woven here from this alluring tale that finds its voice throughout history and culture!