Topical Encyclopedia The account of Lot, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. Lot, the nephew of Abraham, is a character whose life is marked by a series of trials and tribulations, often interpreted as forms of persecution due to his association with righteousness amidst a corrupt society.Background and Context Lot first appears in Genesis 11:27-31, where he is introduced as the son of Haran, Abraham's brother. Following the death of his father, Lot accompanies Abraham on his journey from Ur of the Chaldeans to Canaan. As they settle in the land, both Lot and Abraham prosper, accumulating wealth and livestock. This prosperity eventually leads to strife between their herdsmen, prompting Abraham to propose a separation to maintain peace (Genesis 13:5-9). Lot's Choice and Sodom Lot chooses to settle in the Jordan Valley, near the city of Sodom, which is described as exceedingly wicked (Genesis 13:10-13). This decision places Lot in a precarious position, as he becomes a resident of a city notorious for its sinfulness. Despite the moral depravity surrounding him, Lot is described as a righteous man who is "tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard" (2 Peter 2:7-8). The Persecution in Sodom The most notable instance of persecution occurs in Genesis 19, when two angels visit Sodom to assess its wickedness. Lot, recognizing their divine nature, insists on offering them hospitality. The men of Sodom, however, surround Lot's house, demanding that he bring out the visitors so they can abuse them. Lot's attempt to protect his guests by offering his daughters instead is a controversial and desperate act, highlighting the intense pressure and moral conflict he faces (Genesis 19:4-8). The angels intervene, striking the men with blindness and instructing Lot to gather his family and flee the city. Despite the urgency, Lot's sons-in-law dismiss his warnings, illustrating the skepticism and scorn he faces even from those close to him (Genesis 19:14). Divine Deliverance and Aftermath Lot's persecution culminates in the divine judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. As fire and brimstone rain down upon the cities, Lot and his family are led to safety by the angels. However, his wife, looking back at the city, is turned into a pillar of salt, a poignant reminder of the cost of disobedience and attachment to a sinful past (Genesis 19:15-26). Lot's subsequent life, dwelling in the mountains with his daughters, is marked by further moral challenges, as seen in the troubling account of his daughters' actions to preserve their family line (Genesis 19:30-38). Theological Implications Lot's experiences in Sodom serve as a powerful narrative on the persecution of the righteous in a fallen world. His account is often viewed as a testament to the challenges faced by those who strive to live righteously amidst pervasive wickedness. Lot's deliverance underscores the theme of divine mercy and protection for the faithful, even when they are surrounded by corruption and hostility. The account of Lot also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of compromising with sin and the importance of steadfastness in faith. His life is a reminder of the trials that may accompany a commitment to righteousness, as well as the hope of divine intervention and salvation for those who remain faithful. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 19:9And they said, Stand back. And they said again, This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with you, than with them. And they pressed sore on the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. Nave's Topical Index Library Persecution Every Christian's Lot What Daniel Predicted Regarding the Persecution of Antichrist, the ... Table of Contents Prosperity under Persecution Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ Concerning Persecution Whether Divination by Drawing Lots is Unlawful? Selected Sermons of George Whitefield The Final Arrest Psalm LXX. Resources How should a Christian respond to persecution? | GotQuestions.orgHow should Christians react to persecution against the LGBTQ community? | GotQuestions.org What impact did Marcus Aurelius have on Christian history? | GotQuestions.org Persecution: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Persecution is Inconsistent With the Spirit of the Gospel Persecution is Sometimes to Death Persecution of John the Baptist Persecution of Prophets Martyred by Jezebel Persecution of Saints, is a Persecution of Christ Persecution of the Congregation at Smyrna Persecution of the Ekklesia (Body of Christ) Persecution of the Righteous: A Mode of Divine Chastisement Persecution of the Righteous: Deliverance From Persecution of the Righteous: Diffuses the Gospel Persecution of the Three Hebrew Young Men (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego) of the Captivity Persecution: All That Live Godly in Christ, Shall Suffer Persecution: Blessedness of Enduring, for Christ's Sake Persecution: Cannot Separated from Christ Persecution: Christ Voluntarily Submitted To Persecution: Christ Was Patient Under Persecution: False Teachers Shrink From Persecution: God Delivers out of Persecution: God Forsakes not his Saints Under Persecution: Hypocrites Cannot Endure Persecution: Lawful Means May be Used to Escape Persecution: Men by Nature Addicted To Persecution: Originates: Hated to God and Christ Persecution: Originates: Hatred to the Gospel Persecution: Originates: Ignorance of God and Christ Persecution: Originates: Mistaken Zeal Persecution: Originates: Pride Persecution: Pray for Those Suffering Persecution: Preacher of the Gospel Subject To Persecution: Saints May Expect Persecution: Saints Suffer, for the Sake of God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Commit Themselves to God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Exhibit Patience Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Glorify God Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Deliverance Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Pray for Those Who Inflict Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Rejoice Persecution: Saints Suffering, should Return Blessing For Persecution: Spirit of Chaldeans Persecution: Spirit of Gentiles Persecution: Spirit of Jezebel Persecution: Spirit of Pharaoh Persecution: Spirit of Pharisees Persecution: Spirit of Zedekiah Persecution: Suffering of Apostles Persecution: Suffering of Daniel Persecution: Suffering of David Persecution: Suffering of Hebrews Persecution: Suffering of Jeremiah Persecution: Suffering of Micaiah Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Barnabas Persecution: Suffering of Paul and Silas Persecution: Suffering of Peter Persecution: Suffering of Saints of Old Persecution: Suffering of The Church Persecution: Suffering of The Prophets Persecution: The Hope of Future Blessedness Supports Under Persecution: The Wicked: Active In Persecution: The Wicked: Addicted To Persecution: The Wicked: Encourage Each Other In Persecution: The Wicked: Illustrated Persecution: The Wicked: Punishment For Persecution: The Wicked: Rejoice in Its Success Related Terms |
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