Topical Bible: Riches: Examples of Saints Possessing: Lot

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Lot, the nephew of the patriarch Abraham, is a notable biblical figure who possessed significant wealth. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where he is depicted as a man of considerable means, living in the ancient Near East.

Background and Wealth Accumulation

Lot's journey begins when he accompanies his uncle Abraham from Haran to Canaan, as recorded in Genesis 12:4-5. Both men are described as having accumulated substantial wealth, including livestock, silver, and gold. Genesis 13:2 states, "Now Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold." Lot, traveling with Abram, also acquired flocks, herds, and tents, indicating his own prosperity.

Separation from Abraham

The abundance of their possessions eventually led to strife between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, as the land could not support both of their large flocks and herds. In Genesis 13:6-7, it is written, "But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were unable to stay together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock."

To resolve this conflict, Abram proposed a separation, allowing Lot to choose any part of the land he desired. Lot chose the fertile plain of the Jordan Valley, near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, as described in Genesis 13:10-11: "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 for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east."

Life in Sodom

Lot's choice to dwell near Sodom, a city known for its wickedness, eventually led to significant challenges. Despite the moral corruption surrounding him, Lot maintained his wealth and status. Genesis 19:1-3 describes Lot as a man of influence, sitting at the city gate, a position often associated with leadership and authority. When two angels visited Sodom, Lot extended hospitality to them, demonstrating his continued adherence to the values of generosity and kindness.

Rescue and Loss

Lot's wealth and possessions, however, did not shield him from the consequences of living near Sodom. When God decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sins, Lot and his family were warned to flee. In Genesis 19:15-16, the angels urged Lot to escape with his family, saying, "Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished."

Lot's departure from Sodom marked a significant turning point. While he was spared from the destruction, he lost much of his wealth and his wife, who looked back and became a pillar of salt (Genesis 19:26). Lot's account serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly riches and the importance of prioritizing spiritual integrity over material wealth.

Legacy

Despite the loss of his material possessions, Lot is remembered as a righteous man, as noted in 2 Peter 2:7-8, which states, "And if He rescued Lot, a righteous man distressed by the depraved conduct of the lawless (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)." Lot's life illustrates the complexities of wealth, the challenges of living in a morally compromised environment, and the enduring value of righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 13:5,6
And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Sixteenth Sunday after Trinity Paul's Care and Prayer for the ...
... Witness the examples of Moses, David and even Christ ... It possesses by faith abundance
of riches and pleasures ... be strong to apprehend with all the saints what is ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/sixteenth sunday after trinity pauls.htm

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... are not simply sensual enjoyments, but also riches and luxury. ... to teach us this,
he uses the examples of Sheol ... shall be trodden under the feet of the saints. ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

Letter cxxx. (AD 412. )
... He therefore makes the saints intercede with groanings which cannot be ... from among
them are taken the examples set forth ... you have not yet the true riches of the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter cxxx a d 412.htm

Paul's Departure and Crown;
... a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ grater riches than the ... this duty; but
to give you some examples of the ... the world no longer, when his saints are fit ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/pauls departure and crown.htm

Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ...
... As regards the examples of righteousness found among the acts ... in the person of all
the saints both groans ... the other, or that they quarreled about possessing him ...
/.../faustus states his objections to.htm

Morality and Doctrine
... There is nothing of this in the examples of the heathen ... I love riches because they
afford me the means of helping the ... Jesus Christ was buried by the saints alone ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pascal/pensees/section vii morality and doctrine.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... thither, and will take what shall follow; and the Lord grant that my lot may there ...
so our Lord has taken occasion thereby, to make manifest the riches of His ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm

part ii
... he falls ill and dies, having lost his soul through the accumulation of riches. ... and
authorities, as well as from the examples of all God's saints, who for ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm

Christian Behavior
... soul doth indeed consider the greatness and riches of the ... you see how wise men and
fools, saints and sinners ... And all this doth tend to the possessing his heart ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... Now, this is to be the lot of him that is of a ... apostle'; I am 'less than the least
of all saints'; I was ... He knew that spiritual riches lay there but he did not ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm