Lot (biblical person)

Lot flees from Sodom

Lot (Hebrew: לוֹט, Modern: Lot, Tiberian: Lôṭ, "veil"; "hidden, covered") is a character from the Book of Genesis chapters 11-14 and 19, in the Hebrew Bible. In Judaism and Christianity, Lot is known for traveling abroad with his uncle Abram (Abraham, the Patriarch of Israel). Lot is also known for fleeing the Kingdom of Sodom with his family, however, his wife looked back and turned to a pillar of salt. The idea of Lot being seduced by both of his daughters has also spurred much debate and controversy amongst many religious circles .

Lot's Travels

Generation	Genealogy from the Account of Terah (Genesis 11:26-32; 19:37,38)
Father	Terah
2nd Gen	Abram	Nahor	Haran				Sarai
3rd Gen			Lot		Milcah	Iscah
4th Gen			1st Daughter	2nd Daughter
5th Gen			Moab	Ammon (Ben-Ammi)

Lot and his fathers, were born and raised in the Chaldean city of Ur, in the region of Sumeria on the Euphrates River of lower Mesopotamia, about four Millenia ago. In Genesis 11:26–32, it gives the "account of Terah", Lot's grandfather, who arranged for their large family to set a course for Canaan where they could reestablish a new home. Among the family members that Lot travelled with, was his uncle Abram, who would later be known as Abraham, the Patriarch of Israel.

Haran Settlement

In route to Canaan, the family stopped in the Padan Aram region, about halfway along the Fertile Crescent between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean, in what is now southeastern Turkey. Because they needed their herd for survival, they encamped to let it rest. This encampment was established as a settlement named after Lot’s father, Haran, who had died some time ago back in Ur.v.28 Lot’s grandfather, Terah, lived the rest of his days at the Haran settlement until he was 205 years old when he died.v.31,32

Land of Canaan

Genesis 12 reveals Abram's encounter with God at the age of 75. He was directed by his Lord to gather his family together and continue the journey to Canaan as originally intended. Though Abram’s father, Terah, stayed behind, his nephew Lot opted to go with him.v.1–4 By this time, Lot most likely had his own family because twenty-four years later from this point, they are considered to be young fertile women. So the families of Abram and Lot continued to travel southwestward into the land of Caanan.v.5 Their first stop was Shechem,v.6 the present day West Bank of Nablus. Then they travelled to the hills between Ai and Bethelv.8, before settling down in the Negevv.9 of Canaan.

Northern Egypt

After dwelling in the land of Canaan for a little while, there came a drought. It became so severe that the entire region experienced famine. This pushed Abram and Lot to set out for Egypt. They occupied northern Egyptian territoryGen.12:10–20 where the land was so fertile they imagined it to be like the Garden of Eden.Gen.13:10 After having dwelt in Egypt for some time, their families acquired vast amounts of wealth and livestock. Gen.13:2,5

Plains of Jordon

Genesis 13 discusses Abram and Lot's return to Canaan after the famine had past and the lands became fertile again. They traveled back through the Negev to the hills of Bethel.v.1,3 With their sizeable numbers of livestock and always on the move, both families occupying the same pastures became problematic for the herdsmen who were assigned to each family’s herd.v.6,7 The conflicts between herdsmen had become so troublesome that Abram lovingly recommended to Lot that they should part their own ways, lest there be conflict amongst "brethren".NKJV v.8,9

Therefore, Lot wanted to see what was beyond Canaan, further east. He found the plains of Jordan and saw that it was very fertile, even in comparison to the northern Egyptian territory they occupied earlier.v.10,11 Abram headed west to Hebron staying within the land of Canaan.v.12,18

Kingdom of Sodom

Lot had encamped on the green Jordan plains, of the Kingdom of Sodom, on the outskirts. He and his family were settled there for about eight years until Genesis 14:1–10 speaks of the rebellion against Elam that broke out. At that time, the King of Sodom, King Bera, was under subjection to the nation of Elam for twelve years, ruled by King Chedorlaomer. A year later, King Bera aligned with neighboring Kings to rebel against Chedorlaomer's rule. For two years there were two major alliances in constant battles and wars that involved at least nine kings. Most of the battles took place in the valley of Siddim. King Bera of Sodom and King Birsha of Gomorrah, who were allies, took heavy losses and fled leaving behind their kingdoms for the taking.

All of the foods and goods of Sodom and Gomorrah were seized. Even Lot was taken captive and all of his possessions confiscated, since he was living in the district.v.11,12 When Abram received news of what happened to his nephew, he assembled 318 battle trained men and went in pursuit to the north, even past Damascus. Abram and his men caught up with King Chedorlaomer of Elam and defeated him, freeing Lot and recovering all of the possessions that were taken, even the goods and captives from Sodom. Abram returned everything to Sodom and even met King Bera who was much obliged by what he was able to retrieve.v.13–17 However, Abram's actions was only on behalf of his nephew, and for the vindication of his Lord.v.14,22 Thus, Abram refused any reward from the King of Sodom, other than the share his allies were entitled to.v.21–24

Fleeing Sodom

An account of Lot from Genesis 19:1–29

It had been 24 years later, after leaving the Haran Settlement, that Abram's Lord changed his name to Abraham.Genesis 17 After the covenant was made between Abraham and his Lord, divine judgement of Sodom and Gomorrah ensued. Two angels who took the form of physical men, so that anyone around could see them, were sent by Abraham's Lord to confirm the destruction of Sodom.Genesis 18:20–22

Genesis 19 points to this period when Lot and his family were dwelling within the city walls of Sodom. Lot was approached by "the Two Men" at the city gate, aware that they were sent by God. He insisted that they stay the night at his home even though “the two” wanted to stay at “the square”. v.1,2

That night, after supper, just before bedtime, the men of the city rallied up around Lot’s house demanding to have intercourse with them. v.3–5 Lot objected, by offering up his virgin daughters to them to do as they please,v.6–8 even though they happened to be engaged.v.14 His response infuriated the inhabitants because they didn’t want an alien resident telling them what to do. v.9 At that point, they began to be intrusive. But before anyone could respond, the angels swiftly reacted by striking the intruders with blindness. v.10,11 This allowed a small window of opportunity for Lot to make preparations for him and his loved ones to leave. v.12–14

Before dawn arrives, ready or not, they had to leave. Lot expressed some hesitancy about leaving, v.15,16 probably because he enjoyed being settled in a rich land, especially since he had always been on the move all of his early life. By the mercy of his Lord, the angels grabbed the hands of Lot, his wife and two daughters, practically pushing them right out of the city. Then they gave the orders: "Flee for your lives! Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains or you will be swept away!" - Genesis 19:17

Mount Sodom, Israel, showing the so-called "Lot's Wife" pillar composed, like the rest of the mountain, of halite.

Lot was beside himself with the thought of hiding in the mountains. So he earnestly requested to take refuge in a small town that was just beyond Sodom's city limits, of which was granted him.v.18–22 In the middle of the night, while in route to this town, known as Zoar,v.22 Lot's wife apparently felt that this was all wrong. More than just a head glance backward, she most likely stopped right in the middle of her tracks to turn and face the city, flooded with doubts about what God was about to do. She probably did exactly what the angels forewarned NOT to do! It could even be said that her attachments to the city is what cost her life. According to the record, she perished by becoming a pillar of salt for looking back at the city.v.26

As soon as Lot and his daughters made it to Zoar, at daybreak, the heavens opened up raining down fire and sulfur upon the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah until they were completely and utterly destroyed, including all surrounding properties.v.23–25 Even from where Abraham was, in an elevated region, he could see the dense smoke billowing up into the heavens from the ruined cities.v.27,28

Lot and his Daughters

An account of Lot and his daughters in Genesis 19:30–38

Lot became very much afraid by the destruction of Sodom and felt that his safety in Zoar was just as much in jeopardy. With the loss of his wife on the back of his mind, he decided that it would be best to retreat to the mountains as was originally asked of him by the angels of deliverance. There, they found a well suited cave to live.v.30

Here was a family who at one time had everything. They had livestock, wealth from Egypt, and a large family. With the destruction of their city came huge losses: their home and all of their possessions, each of the girl’s fiancés,Gen.19:14 and most notably the loss of a wife who was mother. Now, they are nothing but three cave dwellers.

They spent a long time in seclusion and they were aging. The oldest daughter had become concerned about preserving their family line and suggested to her younger sister that since there are no men around, they ought to take advantage of their father.v.31,32

Thus, the daughters got their father so drunk they were able to have intercourse with him on two consecutive nights, the oldest daughter having her way with him the first night, followed by the youngest daughter on the following night.v.31–35 Interestingly, the text says that Lot was so drunk “he was not aware of it when she lay down or when she got up.”v.33,35 This text suggests a justification for an action that was not considered normal.

In their age, it was not unusual for interfamily members to marry. In fact, it was customary amongst nieces and nephewsGen.11:27,29 in order to keep pure bloodlines, even such as Abraham who had married his half-sister.Gen.20:11,12 However, in the case of Lot and his daughters, it was obviously not a favorable option for what the girls had done, based on the justification of Gen.19:33,35. Subsequently, considering the circumstances of their plight and surviving the bloodlines, the girls felt that there was no other choice.v.31 As a result, a child was born to each of them.v.36 To the oldest daughter, she conceived Moab (Hebrew, lit., "from the father" [meh-Av]), father of the Moabites.v.37 To the youngest daughter she conceived, Ben-Ammi (Hebrew, lit., "Son of my people"), father of the Ammonites.v.38

Incest

Hendrik Goltzius' 1616 painting Lot and his daughters shows Lot being seduced by his two daughters. The fox behind the tree symbolizes female cunning. In the background in front of the burning city is the pilar of salt, Lot's wife.

The incest that occurred between Lot and his daughters has raised many questions, debates and theories as to what the real motives were, who really was at fault, and the level of bias the author of Genesis Chapter 19 had. However, bible scholars such as Milgrom, Victor P. Hamilton, and Carmichael, postulate that the Levitical Laws could not have been developed the way they were, without controversial issues surrounding the Patriarchs of Israel, especially in regards to incest. Carmichael even attributes the entire formulation of the Levitical laws on the lives of the founding fathers of the nation, such as: Abraham, Jacob, Judah, Moses and David who were outstanding figures in Israelite tradition, including the righteous Lot.

According to the above mentioned scholars, the Patriarchs of Israel are the key to understanding how the Priestly laws concerning incest has developed. Incest amongst the patriarchs are as follows: Abraham marries his half-sister; SaraiGen.20:11,12 Abraham's brother, Nahor, marries their niece; Milcah Gen.11:27–29 Isaac marries Rebekah his first cousin, once removed;Gen.27:42,43;29:10 Jacob marries two sisters who are his first cousins Gen.29:10,Ch.29 and Moses parents are brother and sister. Therefore, it surely mattered to the lawgiver how the issues of incest pertained to these Patriarchs and they are the basis for the laws of the Book of Leviticus chapters 18 and 20.

There are other scholars who also state that the Levitcal laws against incest were created to separate the lifestyle of the Israelite from the sinful lifestyle of the cursed people of Canaan, Gen.9:22–28 despite any incestual involvements the Patriarchs had in the past. The Levitcal Laws were needed for a developing nation who needed to be seen as different from the world, cleansed and blameless: The first step starting with circumcision.Gen.17:1,10;Ch.17 So nothing could be held against the Patriarchs for incestuous behavior because this was part of progressive development, from the ways of the world (coming out of Chaldea) to becoming blameless before their God.Gen.17:1

New Testament

In Luke 17:20–32, the Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. This triggered a topic that Jesus addressed his disciples about, concerning "the days of the Son of Man". In his discourse, he likened this time to the days of Lot and reminded his followers about what happened to this man's wife. For main article, see Lot's wife

Simon Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, reminded the Early Christians: about Sodom and Gomorrah and spoke of Lot as being a righteous man amongst the wicked...

[ Scripture ]	Trans	2 Peter 2:6-8
2 Peter 2:6	NKJV	"and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly;
2 Peter 2:7	NKJV	and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked
2 Peter 2:8	NKJV	(for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds)"

Jewish Tradition

Jewish midrash records a number of additional stories about Lot, not present in the Tanakh. These include:

• Abraham took care of Lot after Haran was burned in a gigantic fire in which Nimrod, King of Babylon, tried to kill Abraham.
• While in Egypt, the midrash gives Lot much credit because, despite his desire for wealth, he did not inform Pharaoh of the secret of Sarah, Abraham's wife.

Islamic Tradition

Main article: Islamic view of Lot

Muslims consider Lot a prophet. The Qur'an says that the people of Sodom and Gomorrah insisted on the wickedness of homosexuality, murder and robbery, and were unfaithful in marriage. The Biblical stories of Lot are not entirely accepted within Islam. In the Bible Lot's wife leaves the city with her husband, looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt; whereas in the Qur'an, Lot's wife stays behind in the city and is destroyed. The Qur'an says that Lot is a prophet and that all prophets were examples of moral and spiritual rectitude: in Islam the narrative of Lot's drunken incestuous relations with his daughters is therefore considered to be false.

Christian View

The Lord's Day

In Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21, Jesus gives his prophecy concerning the end of Jerusalem, "Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down."Mat.24:2 He explains what signs to look for and what to do when that time comes. His prophecy of destruction, throughout the gospels, parallels the instructions that were given to Lot by the two angels who delivered him out of Sodom.

[ Scripture ]	Trans	Luke 21:20-24
Luke 21:20	NKJV	"But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near.
Luke 21:21	NKJV	"Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her.
Luke 21:22	NKJV	"For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.
Luke 21:23	NKJV	"But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people.
Luke 21:24	NKJV	"And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Christian accepts these parallels of Sodom and Gomorrah's destruction and the destruction of Jerusalem in 77 CE, to mirror Christ's judgement upon the world's nations, in the near future, as they await the fullfillment of the times of the Gentiles.

Homosexuality

The account of Sodom and Gomorrah, in Genesis Chapter 19, regarding the behavior and ultimate judgment of the homosexual people of these cities is one of the passages that Conservative Christians view as a basis for protesting against homosexual rights.

In Art

The seduction of Lot by his daughters was frequently represented in Renaissance Art:

• 
  Lucas Cranach the Elder, 1528
• 
  Albrecht Altdorfer, 1537
• 
  Bonifazio Veronese, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg, early-mid 16th century
• 
  Jan Massys, 1565
• 
  Joachim Antonisz Wtewael, circa 1595

The seduction of Lot became a popular topic in Baroque Art:

• 
  Jan Harmensz. Muller, Lot and His Daughters, 1600
• 
  Orazio Gentileschi, circa 1621
• 
  Lot and his daughters by Simon Vouet, 1633.
• 
  Artemisia Gentileschi, 1635-1638
• 
  Francesco Furini, circa 1640
• 
  Domenico Marolì, circa 1612-1676
• 
  Christopher Paudiß, 1649
• 
  Guercino, 1651
• 
  Andrea Vaccaro, 17th century
• 
  Adriaen van der Werff, 1711
• 
  Marcantonio Franceschini

In popular culture

• In the science fiction stories "Lot" (1953) and "Lot's Daughter" (1954) by Ward Moore, the Bibilical story of Lot and his daughters' survival from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is reinterpreted as the story of the survival of a modern American family in the aftermath of nuclear war.
• The movie, MaClintock's Peach, released as Nobody Knows Anything has a scene in which Lot (played by Mitch Rouse) watches his wife (played by David Pasquesi ) turn into salt.
• The story of Sodom and Gomorrah was told in a 1962 film starring Stewart Granger as Lot with Anouk Aimee and Pier Angeli and directed by Robert Aldrich.
• The song "Pillar of Salt" by the Thermals is a reference to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah.

See also

• Biblical narratives and the Qur'an
• Lot's wife
• Mount Sodom
• List of Hebrew Bible stories
• Book of Genesis
• Lut

References

Bibliography

• Calmet, Augustin (1837). Calmet's Dictionary of the Holy Bible. Boston: Crocker & Brewster. LCC BS440.C3.

External links

• Our People: A History of the Jews - Abram and Lot
• A Pillar of Salt - A lesson from Lot's wife
• Bible History #1 by Brad Neely
•  Beach, Chandler B., ed. (1914). The New Student's Reference Work. Chicago: F. E. Compton and Co. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)