Topical Bible: Lot: The Son of Haran: Commits Incest With his Daughters

◄ Lot: The Son of Haran: Commits Incest With his Daughters ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Lot, the son of Haran and nephew of the patriarch Abraham, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. His life is marked by a series of dramatic events, including his association with the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and the subsequent destruction of these cities due to their wickedness. One of the most controversial and troubling episodes in Lot's life is the incident of incest with his daughters, which is recorded in Genesis 19.

Background and Context

Lot's journey begins when he accompanies his uncle Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans to the land of Canaan. As their flocks and herds grow, Lot and Abraham decide to part ways to avoid conflict between their herdsmen. Lot chooses to settle in the well-watered plains of the Jordan, near the city of Sodom, which is described as exceedingly wicked (Genesis 13:10-13).

The Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah become infamous for their sinfulness, prompting God to announce their impending destruction. Abraham intercedes for the cities, and God agrees to spare them if ten righteous people can be found. However, only Lot and his family are deemed worthy of rescue. Two angels visit Lot in Sodom, urging him to flee with his family before the divine judgment is executed (Genesis 19:1-16).

Lot hesitates, but the angels lead him, his wife, and his two daughters out of the city. They are instructed not to look back, but Lot's wife disobeys and is turned into a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:17-26).

The Incident of Incest

After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his daughters take refuge in a cave in the mountains. Fearing that they are the last people on earth and that their family line will end, Lot's daughters devise a plan to preserve their lineage. They decide to intoxicate their father with wine and lie with him, resulting in both daughters becoming pregnant by Lot (Genesis 19:30-36).

The elder daughter gives birth to a son named Moab, who becomes the ancestor of the Moabites. The younger daughter also bears a son, Ben-Ammi, who becomes the progenitor of the Ammonites (Genesis 19:37-38).

Theological and Moral Implications

This episode raises significant theological and moral questions. From a conservative Christian perspective, the incident is viewed as a tragic consequence of Lot's earlier decisions, including his choice to live near Sodom and his failure to instill strong moral values in his family. The narrative underscores the dangers of compromising with a sinful culture and the far-reaching effects of sin.

The Moabites and Ammonites, descendants of Lot's daughters, later become adversaries of Israel, illustrating the long-term consequences of Lot's actions. Despite the troubling nature of this account, it serves as a reminder of the complexities of human behavior and the need for divine grace and redemption.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 19:30-38
And 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.
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