Topical Bible: Fatherless: Lot

◄ Fatherless: Lot ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Lot, a significant biblical figure, is often associated with the theme of being fatherless, both in a literal and spiritual sense. He is introduced in the Book of Genesis as the nephew of Abram (later Abraham), the son of Haran, who died before his father Terah in Ur of the Chaldeans (Genesis 11:27-28). This early loss of his father places Lot in the care of his uncle Abram, who becomes a father figure to him.

Journey with Abram

Lot's journey with Abram begins when God calls Abram to leave his homeland and go to a land that He would show him. Lot accompanies Abram and Sarai (later Sarah) as they set out for Canaan (Genesis 12:4-5). This journey marks the beginning of Lot's life under Abram's guardianship, highlighting his status as fatherless and dependent on his uncle for guidance and protection.

Separation from Abram

As both Abram and Lot prospered, their herdsmen began to quarrel due to the limited resources available to support their growing flocks and herds. To resolve this conflict, Abram proposed a separation, allowing Lot to choose the land he preferred. Lot chose the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley, settling near the city of Sodom (Genesis 13:8-12). This decision, while seemingly advantageous, led Lot into a morally challenging environment, illustrating the vulnerability of the fatherless in making life-altering decisions without wise counsel.

Rescue from Sodom

Lot's choice to live near Sodom eventually led to his capture during a regional conflict involving several kings. Abram, demonstrating his continued care and responsibility for Lot, mounted a rescue operation, successfully retrieving Lot and his possessions (Genesis 14:12-16). This act underscores the protective role Abram played in Lot's life, akin to that of a father.

Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

The narrative of Lot reaches a critical point with the divine judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah. Despite the wickedness of the cities, God, in His mercy, sent angels to rescue Lot and his family. The angels urged Lot to flee to the mountains to escape the impending destruction (Genesis 19:15-17). Lot's hesitance and the subsequent loss of his wife, who looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, further emphasize the challenges faced by the fatherless in navigating perilous situations.

Legacy and Descendants

After the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Lot and his daughters settled in a cave in the mountains. In a desperate attempt to preserve their family line, Lot's daughters resorted to an incestuous act, resulting in the birth of Moab and Ben-Ammi, ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites (Genesis 19:30-38). This episode highlights the complex legacy of Lot, whose descendants would later have significant interactions with the Israelites.

Spiritual Implications

Lot's life serves as a poignant example of the challenges faced by those who are fatherless. His reliance on Abram, his vulnerability to poor choices, and the moral dilemmas he encountered reflect the broader biblical theme of God's care for the fatherless. Despite his flaws and the consequences of his decisions, Lot is remembered in the New Testament as a righteous man distressed by the depravity around him (2 Peter 2:7-8), illustrating God's grace and the enduring impact of a life lived in faith amidst adversity.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 11:27,28
Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, and Haran; and Haran begat Lot.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Prophets were Sent from one and the Same Father from whom the ...
... learn to do well, seek judgment, protect the oppressed, judge the fatherless (pupillo),
plead ... destroyed them all; as also it was in the days of Lot, they did ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxvi the prophets were sent.htm

Question Lxxxi of the virtue of Religion
... And in this sense to visit the fatherless and widows in their tribulation is said
to be an act of religion because commanded by it ... What, then, shall be my lot? ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/question lxxxi of the virtue.htm

Lindger and Willehad.
... He took up the cause of the fatherless and widow, and was a just judge. ... to the counsel
of one of the more moderate, the gods were first to be consulted by lot. ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/lindger and willehad.htm

The General Service of the Holy Fathers, in Remembrance of ...
... back all the goods, and also brought again his brother's son Lot, and his ... persons
nor taketh reward; He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter v1 the general service.htm

Psalm CIX.
... 7. He then beginneth to prophesy what they should receive for this very impiety;
detailing their lot in such a manner ... "Let his children be fatherless, and his ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cix.htm

The Last Season
... 5. If you still linger, like Lot in Sodom, what are your pleas and pretences for ...
Then let the word of God satisfy you: "Leave thy fatherless children to me, I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/flavel/on keeping the heart/xii the last season.htm

Would Indeed that Some Profit Might Come to Myself from this ...
... If she has, they are fatherless, and, as objects of pity themselves, renew the memory ...
we have examined on the one side the feelings of those whose lot is happy ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter iii would indeed that.htm

To Alexandra.
... Some have but just entered the bridal chamber when their lot is weeping and ... and about
whom the divine David says "The Lord relieveth the fatherless and widow ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/xiv to alexandra.htm

Christian Sympathy
... witness to me: because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and
him ... home more resigned to his own trials, and more satisfied with his own lot. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

General Service to John, Precursor, Prophet and Baptist of the ...
... his wages, and against those that oppress the widows and push away the fatherless,
and that ... then, is he now numbered unto the sons of God and his lot is cast ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter v general service to.htm