Genesis Part 034
Lot had to leave behind two of his married daughters with their husbands in Sodom and Gomorrah when he left. Putting ourselves in Lot’s shoes, we can only imagine how hard it must’ve been to leave knowing that some of his family would die there.
Lot has two virgin daughters, as well as at least two married daughters (verse 14). Genesis 19:8 is a hard verse to think about as Lot offers his two unmarried daughters to threatening strangers,
“See now, I have two daughters who have not known a man; please, let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them as you wish; only do nothing to these men, since this is the reason they have come under the shadow of my roof.”
There are some theories about hospitality in eastern nations with which some may say Lot was bound to. Here’s what the UCG Bible reading program says about this situation:
“Sodom has clearly been a corrupting influence upon Lot and his family. In order to save his unknown guests, Lot offers to bring his unmarried daughters out to the threatening mob. Of course, it is possible that this was a ploy to give his guests a chance to escape. Nevertheless, even drawing such attention to his daughters put them at grave risk. Either way, it is clear that Lot was not putting his trust in God. Of interest, it may be noticed that Lot apparently had at least two other daughters who were married (verse 14). Yet being under the authority of their scoffing husbands, they do not escape the city’s destruction.
“As for the utter depravity of Sodom and Gomorrah, as well as the other cities of the plain, it was fully confirmed by the visit of the two angels. When confronted with the phrase ‘Sodom and Gomorrah,’ most identify their sin as being homosexuality. But that was not their only grievous sin. In Ezekiel 16 God says that their sins included ‘pride, fullness of food, and abundance of idleness; [and] neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before Me’ (verses 49-50). Considering Abraham’s example of humility and diligence in care of the visitors he received in Genesis 18, we can see from Ezekiel’s condemnation that Sodom and Gomorrah had transgressed the basic boundaries of morality and social custom. Their entire lifestyle was one of self-exaltation and indulgence, indifference to others and social injustice.
“Consider for a moment our modern societies. Never have we been wealthier, more secure in our daily needs, with so vast an array of leisure options. But, at the same time, we are plagued with poverty, homelessness, corrupt politicians, unjust laws, courts more concerned with procedure and the rights of criminals than with justice, and social systems and customs that violate God’s instructions. Surprising as it may sound, even many churches’ popular religious practices are nothing more than a recycling of ancient pagan customs God repeatedly condemns in the Scriptures. While God desires for mankind to repent—to humbly turn to Him and begin living His way of life—it will be necessary that He ‘come down’ again in judgment for that to occur on a broad scale. Yet God is slow to anger and abundant in mercy—and for that we should be truly thankful.”
In verse 11 God strikes the men with blindness. This reminds us again that God has numerous ways to handle any difficult situation we are in.
Genesis 19:14 says,
“So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, ‘Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!’ But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.”
How sad that Lot’s sons-in-law and his married daughters did not heed his words. This must have been very emotionally difficult for Lot, his wife and his two unmarried daughters, to know their family was going to die. Perhaps this is why we see in verse 16 that the angels took them by the hand and helped bring them out of the city when they struggled to leave. In verse 17, they were clearly instructed not to look behind.
Josephus records the following about this event (Antiquities of the Jews, Book 1, Chapter 11): “But Lot's wife continually turning back to view the city as she went from it, and being too nicely inquisitive what would become of it, although God had forbidden her so to do, was changed into a pillar of salt; for I have seen it, and it remains at this day.”
At the end of Genesis 19, we come to events recorded in verses 30-38. This seems very strange to us, but after reading the event recorded by Josephus, it can help us understand why these two young ladies thought this was their only option (even though it was not.)
Josephus wrote, “But his daughters, thinking that all mankind were destroyed, approached to their father, though taking care not to be perceived. This they did, that humankind might not utterly fail, and they bare sons; the son of the elder was named Moab, which denotes one derived from his father; the younger bare Ammon, which name denotes one derived from a kinsman. The former of whom was the father of the Moabites, which is even still a great nation; the latter was the father of the Ammonites; and both are inhabitants of Cele Syria. And such was the departure of Lot from among the Sodomites.”
Tomorrow we will begin Genesis 20 and 21.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of the young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
