Topical Encyclopedia Background and Family Lineage:Lot, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is introduced as the son of Haran and the nephew of Abram (later Abraham). Haran, Lot's father, died in Ur of the Chaldeans, leaving Lot under the care of his grandfather Terah and uncle Abram. Lot's journey with Abram began when Terah took his family from Ur to Haran, and later, after Terah's death, Lot accompanied Abram and Sarai to the land of Canaan as instructed by God (Genesis 11:27-31; 12:4-5). Lot's Settlement in Sodom: As Abram and Lot prospered in Canaan, their herds and flocks grew so large that the land could not support both of them together. To prevent strife between their herdsmen, Abram proposed a separation, allowing Lot to choose his own land. Lot chose the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley and settled near the city of Sodom, a decision that would later have significant consequences (Genesis 13:5-12). Taken Captive by Chedorlaomer: Lot's choice to dwell near Sodom led to his involvement in a regional conflict. The cities of the plain, including Sodom, were subject to King Chedorlaomer of Elam and his allies. After twelve years of subjugation, these cities rebelled, prompting Chedorlaomer to launch a punitive campaign. During this conflict, Lot and his possessions were captured as Chedorlaomer's forces defeated the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 14:1-12). Rescue by Abraham: Upon hearing of Lot's capture, Abram took immediate action. He assembled 318 trained men from his household and pursued the captors as far as Dan. In a daring night attack, Abram and his men defeated Chedorlaomer's forces, rescuing Lot, his family, and their possessions. This act of bravery not only demonstrated Abram's loyalty to his kin but also his faith in God's protection and provision (Genesis 14:13-16). Significance in Biblical Narrative: Lot's account is interwoven with themes of choice, consequence, and divine intervention. His decision to live near Sodom placed him in peril, yet his rescue by Abram highlights the importance of family bonds and God's providence. Lot's experiences serve as a prelude to the later, more dramatic events surrounding the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, further illustrating the moral and spiritual lessons that permeate his narrative. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 14:1-16And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations; Nave's Topical Index Resources Who was Lot in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Lot offer up his daughters to be gang raped? Why did God allow Lot's daughters to later have sex with their father? | GotQuestions.org What is the story of Abraham and Lot? | GotQuestions.org Lot: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Lot: The Son of Haran: Accompanies Terah from Ur of the Chaldees to Haran Lot: The Son of Haran: Commits Incest With his Daughters Lot: The Son of Haran: Disobediently Protests Against Going to the Mountains, and Chooses Zoar Lot: The Son of Haran: His Wife Disobediently Yearns After Sodom, and Becomes a Pillar of Salt Lot: The Son of Haran: Migrates With Abraham to the Land of Canaan Lot: The Son of Haran: Providentially Saved from Destruction in Sodom Lot: The Son of Haran: Returns With Him to Beth-El Lot: The Son of Haran: Separates from Abraham, and Locates in Sodom Lot: The Son of Haran: Taken Captive by Chedorlaomer; Rescued by Abraham The Lot used After the Captivity The Lot used to Fix the Time for the Execution of Condemned Persons The Lot: Achan's Guilt Ascertained By The Lot: General Scriptures Concerning The Lot: Priests and Levites Designated By, for Sanctuary Service The Lot: The Garments of Jesus Divided By The Lot: The Land of Canaan Divided Among Tribes By The Lot: The Scapegoat Chosen By Related Terms |