The answer is: Lot's wife

Gen 19:26

In the dramatic tale of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot’s wife becomes a poignant symbol of longing for the past. When the angels urged Lot and his family to flee, they repeatedly warned them not to look back at the cities doomed for devastation. Unfortunately, Lot's wife's curiosity got the best of her, and she turned to gaze at the destruction. The result? She transformed into a pillar of salt, a striking image that evokes both justice and a sharp reminder of the consequences of turning away from liberation.

The salt reference isn't just a curious detail; in ancient cultures, salt often represented both preservation and destruction. It’s fitting then—her glance back revealed an attachment to a life that can no longer sustain her. In the surrounding scriptures, salt can signify covenants (think of "salted offerings") or even the irrevocable nature of decisions, as seen in Lot's journey away from a toxic past towards the unknown.

This story has echoes throughout Jewish and Christian literature, emphasizing the dangers of nostalgia and the imperative of moving forward. Picture this: In ancient Palestine, salt was priceless, used for meals and preservation. Its mention here is likely to remind readers not only of the finality of Lot's wife’s choice but also hints at the bitterness of missed opportunities when one remains tied to things done or left behind.

So next time you contemplate the weight of your own decisions, remember Lot's wife—life's roads often beckon calm, resolute moving forward, leaving the past as lessons behind us rather than anchors pulling us back.