Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context:The account of Lot's choice of the Plain of the Jordan is found in Genesis 13. This narrative occurs after Abram (later Abraham) and Lot, his nephew, have returned from Egypt, having grown exceedingly wealthy in livestock, silver, and gold. The land could not support both of their herds and flocks, leading to strife between their herdsmen. To resolve this conflict, Abram proposed a separation, offering Lot the first choice of the land. Scriptural Reference: Genesis 13:10-11 states: "Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan, all the way to Zoar, was well watered like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And they separated from each other." Analysis: Lot's decision to choose the fertile Plain of the Jordan is often viewed through the lens of covetousness. The text highlights that Lot's choice was based on the visual appeal and the apparent prosperity of the land, reminiscent of the lushness of the Garden of Eden and the abundance of Egypt. This decision reflects a prioritization of material wealth and immediate gain over spiritual considerations and familial harmony. Moral and Spiritual Implications: From a conservative Christian perspective, Lot's choice serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of covetousness and the prioritization of worldly desires over spiritual values. Covetousness, defined as an intense desire for possessions or wealth, is condemned throughout Scripture as it leads individuals away from reliance on God and towards self-centeredness. Lot's decision ultimately placed him and his family in proximity to the morally corrupt cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which would later face divine judgment. This proximity not only endangered his family but also led to moral compromise, as evidenced by Lot's later interactions with the inhabitants of Sodom. Lessons for Believers: The narrative encourages believers to seek God's guidance in decision-making, prioritizing spiritual well-being over material gain. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly wealth and the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will. The account of Lot underscores the biblical principle found in 1 Timothy 6:10 : "For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. By craving it, some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." Conclusion: While Lot's choice initially seemed advantageous, it ultimately led to significant personal and spiritual challenges. This account serves as a timeless reminder of the perils of covetousness and the importance of seeking God's wisdom in all aspects of life. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 13:10-13And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as you come to Zoar. Nave's Topical Index Library Miscellaneous Subjects. Instruction for the Ignorant: Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ; Resources What does the Bible say about covetousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is "You shall not covet" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org How should a Christian respond to Hollywood? | GotQuestions.org Covetousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Covetousness in Building Fine Houses While the House of the Lord Lay Waste Covetousness in Buying Esau's Birthright Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob in Wages Covetousness in Deceiving Jacob when he Served Him Seven Years for Rachel Covetousness in Defrauding Esau of His, Father's Blessing Covetousness in Defrauding Laban of his Flocks and Herds Covetousness in Exacting Usury from Their Brethren Covetousness in Following Jesus Merely for the Loaves and Fish Covetousness in Giving Rebekah to be Isaac's Wife Covetousness in Keeping Back the Portion of the Levites Covetousness is Inconsistent in Saints Covetousness is Inconsistent: Specially in Ministers Covetousness is Never Satisfied Covetousness is the Root of all Evil Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Slothful Covetousness: A Characteristic of the Wicked Covetousness: Achan, in Hiding the Treasure Covetousness: Ahab, in Desiring Naboth's Vineyard Covetousness: Avoid Those Guilty of Covetousness: Balaam, in Loving the Wages of Unrighteousness Covetousness: Comes from the Heart Covetousness: Commended by the Wicked Alone Covetousness: David, of Bath-Sheba Covetousness: Demas in Forsaking Paul for Love of the World Covetousness: Demetrius, in Raising a Riot Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: Eli's Sons, in Taking the Flesh of the Sacrifice Covetousness: Engrosses the Heart Covetousness: Eve, in Desiring the Forbidden Fruit Covetousness: Excludes from Heaven Covetousness: Festus, in Hoping for a Bribe from Paul Covetousness: Gehazi, in Taking a Gift from Naaman Covetousness: General Scriptures Concerning Covetousness: Judas, in Betraying Jesus for Twenty Pieces of Silver Covetousness: Leads to Departure from the Faith Covetousness: Leads to Domestic Affliction Covetousness: Leads to Foolish and Hurtful Lusts Covetousness: Leads to Injustice and Oppression Covetousness: Leads to Poverty Covetousness: Lot, in Choosing the Plain of the Jordan Covetousness: Money-Changers in the Temple Covetousness: Nobles of the Jews Covetousness: Reward of Those Who Hate Covetousness: Samuel's Sons, in Taking Bribes Covetousness: Saul, in Sparing, Agag and the Booty Covetousness: Shall Abound in the Last Days Covetousness: Simon Magus, in Trying to Buy the Gift of the Holy Spirit Covetousness: The Rich Young Ruler Covetousness: The Sorcerers, in Filing Complaint Against Paul and Silas Covetousness: The Unjust Steward Covetousness: To be Mortified by Saints Covetousness: Woe Denounced Against Related Terms Unrighteousness (57 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) |
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