Topical Bible: Tent by Lot

◄ Tent by Lot ►

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The "Tent by Lot" refers to the dwelling place of Lot, the nephew of Abraham, as described in the Book of Genesis. Lot's choice of residence and the events surrounding it hold significant theological and moral implications within the biblical narrative.

Biblical 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 Haran, Lot accompanies Abraham and his family from Ur of the Chaldeans to the land of Canaan. As they journey, Lot becomes a key figure in the unfolding account of God's covenant with Abraham.

In Genesis 13, a conflict arises between the herdsmen of Abraham and Lot due to the abundance of their possessions and the limited resources of the land. To resolve this, Abraham offers Lot the choice of land. Genesis 13:10-11 states, "Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, toward Zoar. So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company."

Lot's decision to settle in the plain of the Jordan, near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, is pivotal. The text notes that "the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD" (Genesis 13:13). Lot's choice reflects a preference for material prosperity over spiritual considerations, a theme that resonates throughout the biblical narrative.

Theological Significance

Lot's tent, symbolizing his dwelling and lifestyle choices, serves as a backdrop for several key events. In Genesis 14, Lot is taken captive during a regional conflict involving the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham's subsequent rescue of Lot underscores the familial bond and Abraham's role as a protector and intercessor.

The most significant event associated with Lot's tent is the divine judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. In Genesis 18, Abraham intercedes for the cities, and in Genesis 19, two angels visit Lot to warn him of the impending destruction. Lot's hospitality towards the angels contrasts with the wickedness of the city's inhabitants. The angels instruct Lot to flee with his family, emphasizing the urgency of divine judgment.

Genesis 19:16-17 records, "But when Lot hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters, and led them safely out of the city, because of the LORD’s compassion for them. As soon as the men had brought them out, one of them said, 'Flee for your lives! Do not look back, and do not stop anywhere in the plain! Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!'"

Moral and Ethical Lessons

The narrative of Lot's tent offers several moral and ethical lessons. Lot's initial choice to dwell near Sodom serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of prioritizing material wealth and comfort over spiritual integrity. His eventual rescue highlights God's mercy and the importance of righteous living amidst a corrupt society.

Furthermore, Lot's account illustrates the consequences of moral compromise and the need for discernment in choosing one's environment and associations. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a sobering reminder of God's justice and the reality of divine judgment against sin.

In summary, the "Tent by Lot" encapsulates themes of choice, judgment, and divine mercy, offering profound insights into the human condition and God's redemptive purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 13:5
And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Story of the Tower of Babel
... So Lot chose for himself all the valley of the Jordan, and lived in the
cities of the plain and moved his tent as far as Sodom. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the story of the tower.htm

Abraham --The Father of the Faithful.
... When they rested at night Abram and Lot set some sticks in the ground, and covered
them with skins for a tent, and near by they made an altar, where Abram ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iii abrahamthe father of.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... For when the celestial messengers were in the tent, on their way to warn Lot, she
listened to their earnest conversation, concealed by the curtains, and ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

The Importance of a Choice
... other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities
of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the importance of a choice.htm

God who Appeared to Moses is Distinguished from God the Father.
... that we were wrong in believing that the three who were in the tent with Abraham ...
It is thus: The sun was risen on the earth, and Lot entered into Segor (Zoar ...
/.../chapter lvi god who appeared to.htm

An Example of Faith
... And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance
that ... unto a mountain on the east of Beth-el, and pitched his tent, having Beth ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/an example of faith.htm

How God Overthrew the Nation of the Sodomites, Out of his Wrath ...
... Abraham, as he sat by the oak of Mambre, at the door of his tent, saw three ... And the
angels came to the city of the Sodomites, and Lot entreated them to accept ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 11 how god overthrew.htm

Chapter xiii
... 12, 13. And Abram dwelt in the land of Canaan whereas Lot dwelt in the cities
of the Round, and pitched tent even as far as Sodom. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xiii.htm

The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ...
... But you are forgetting the time of the world in which your lot is thrown ... What if
a company of Jabin's host should come up to the tent-door, the instant she had ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/sermon vii the marvels of.htm

The Day of Atonement
... The goats are then taken by him to the door of the tent,"and it is to ... The appeal
to the lot was an appeal to God to decide the parts they were respectively ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the day of atonement.htm