Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionLasciviousness, often understood as lewdness or unrestrained sexual behavior, is a term that appears in various contexts within the Bible. It is frequently associated with moral decay and is condemned as contrary to the righteous living expected of God's people. One of the most striking biblical narratives illustrating lasciviousness involves Lot's daughters, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. This account provides a sobering example of the consequences of moral compromise and the pervasive influence of a corrupt environment. Biblical Account The account of Lot and his daughters is found in Genesis 19. After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his two daughters fled to the mountains to escape the devastation. Isolated and believing that no men were left on earth to continue their family line, Lot's daughters resorted to a desperate and sinful plan. They decided to intoxicate their father and engage in incestuous relations with him to preserve their lineage. Genesis 19:31-32 states: "One day the older daughter said to the younger, 'Our father is old, and there is no man in the land to sleep with us, as is the custom everywhere. Come, let us get our father drunk with wine so we can sleep with him and preserve his line.'" Moral and Theological Implications The actions of Lot's daughters are a stark example of lasciviousness, driven by fear and a lack of faith in God's provision. Their decision to engage in such behavior reflects the moral corruption they had been exposed to in Sodom, a city notorious for its wickedness. The narrative underscores the dangers of living in a sinful environment and the ease with which one can adopt its depraved practices. From a theological perspective, this account serves as a warning against the rationalization of sin. Lot's daughters justified their actions by claiming a noble purpose—preserving their father's lineage. However, their method was clearly against God's moral law. This highlights the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty and seeking His guidance rather than resorting to sinful means to achieve perceived good ends. Consequences and Legacy The immediate consequence of the daughters' actions was the birth of two sons, Moab and Ben-Ammi, who became the progenitors of the Moabites and Ammonites, respectively. These nations would later become adversaries of Israel, often leading the Israelites into idolatry and immorality. Thus, the lascivious act of Lot's daughters had far-reaching implications, affecting not only their family but also the broader history of God's people. The account of Lot's daughters serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of lasciviousness and the importance of maintaining moral integrity. It reminds believers of the need to remain vigilant against the corrupting influences of the world and to rely on God's wisdom and provision in all circumstances. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 19:30-38And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelled in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Zoar: and he dwelled in a cave, he and his two daughters. Nave's Topical Index Library Examples of Such Offences under the Old Dispensation no Pattern ... Moab is My Washpot Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Christian Behavior Resources What are revellings in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about sensuality? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of debauchery? | GotQuestions.org Lasciviousness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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