Lot

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Role: Nephew of Abraham, dweller in Sodom, rescued by divine intervention
• Family: Son of Haran (Abraham’s brother), nephew of Abraham, father of Moab and Ben-ammi
• Key Books: Genesis

Biography

Lot was the son of Haran and nephew of Abraham. After Haran died in Ur, Lot traveled with Abraham’s family through Haran to Canaan. When their flocks grew too large to dwell together, Lot chose the well-watered Jordan plain, pitching his tents “little by little toward Sodom.”

When Sodom and five neighboring cities were destroyed by God, Abraham interceded. Angels visited Lot, warning him to flee. Lot hesitated, but angels grabbed him and his two daughters and brought them to Zoar. In desperation, Lot’s daughters committed incest with him, producing Moab (father of Moabites) and Ben-ammi (father of Ammonites).

Later, during a battle between kings, Lot was captured. Abraham rescued him, and Lot returned to live among the Edomites.

Key Events

• Separation from Abraham — chose the Jordan plain
• Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah — Rescued by angels
• Daughters’ incest — father of Moab and Ben-ammi
• Captured and rescued by Abraham

Relationships

• Abraham — Uncle, mentor
• Two unnamed daughters — mothers of Moab and Ben-ammi
• Haran — Father (died in Ur)

Important Verses

• “And Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered… and Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan.” — Genesis 13:10
• “And the men said unto him, Stay not thou here… Flee for thy life; look not behind thee… And he lingered.” — Genesis 19:17

Cross-References

• Luke 17:28-30 — Jesus references Lot’s days as parallel to end times
• 2 Peter 2:7-8 — “Just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked”
• 2 Peter 2:7 — Lot delivered from Sodom as example of God rescuing the godly