Genesis 18-19
This story of Lot and his family highlights how a negative environment can perpetuate cycles of bad behavior and corruption that can have lasting effects, influencing not just individuals but entire generations.
Summary
The Lord along with two angels visited Abraham, and Abraham enthusiastically welcomed them. He brought them water for their feet, asked Sarah to make them bread, and had a servant cook meat for them. The Lord reiterated his promise that Sarah would have a son when he came back to visit in a year. Sarah overheard this conversation and laughed incredulously to herself. Sarah knew that she was too old and well beyond the age of child-bearing years, but God told her not to laugh.
Due to the evil that allegedly took place in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, the Lord planned to visit and see for himself. Abraham challenged God and asked if he could find at least 10 good people, would he spare the city? The Lord agreed.
Two angels went to visit Lot in Sodom. Lot welcomed them to his home. That night, all the men of the city surrounded Lot’s home asking for the two men visiting him to come outside. Lot asked them to leave the men alone and take his two daughters instead. “[D]o to them as you please.” The angels brought Lot inside and struck the evil men outside with blindness. The angels advised Lot to leave the city at once as they had received permission from the Lord to destroy the cities.
Lot left with his wife and two daughters to Zoar. On the way, Lot’s wife looked back at the burning cities and turned to a pillar of salt. Lot and his daughters ended up in the mountains after leaving Zoar to seek more seclusion. Lot’s daughters wanted babies, and since there were no men around, they took advantage of their father. The girls got Lot drunk and had physical relations with him and became pregnant. They had sons named Moab (the beginning of the Moabite people) and Ben-Ammi (his descendants became the Ammonites).
Sidebar
Wow! What did I just read!? This passage is an excellent example of how one’s environment and the behavior of those around them can significantly influence their own actions and moral choices. God saw the evil that existed and how problematic this evil would be if passed down in generations. He set out to destroy the corrupt cities by fire. Lot and his family were spared as a favor to Abraham. This show of mercy may have led to an unfortunate turn of events.
Lot was surrounded by the immoral behavior of the people of Sodom. The men of the city visited Lot and demanded that he send out his visitors. Some versions of the Bible state it was to have physical relations with them. This demand highlights the pervasive wickedness of the city. Lot’s reaction is not much better as he shockingly offers his two innocent daughters to these disgusting men instead.
It’s not really a stretch that Lot’s daughters would engage in immoral actions themselves. Out of desperation and lack of moral guidance, they make the misguided decision to get their father drunk and take advantage of him, leading to the birth of Moab and Ben-Ammi. The Moabites and Ammonites, born out of morally questionable circumstances, eventually become the evil people who challenge the Israelites, God’s chosen people. (This story apparently comes later in the Bible).
Let’s not forget Lot’s wife. The fact that she looked back at the city when fleeing signifies her attachment to the sinful city and the life she was leaving behind. I wonder if perhaps she was looking back out of curiosity, because what a sight that would be…but I digress. The Bible depicts Lot’s wife as unworthy to be saved, so she perishes into a pillar of salt. A “pillar of salt” symbolizes the act of looking back on the past or clinging to something destructive. Ultimately, the story of Lot and his family serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the profound impact our environment can have on our behavior and the importance of moving forward in a positive and moral way.
Intention
In order to enhance your well-being and personal growth, focus on surrounding yourself with positive influences, including supportive relationships, uplifting activities, and inspiring environments. Seek guidance from a parent, trusted friend, pastor/priest or mental health professional when conflicted with a moral dilemma. Let go of relationships or environments that bring you negativity.
