Genesis 13:10 - Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw all the plain of the Jordan, that it was well-watered everywhere, before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of Yahweh, like the land of Egypt, as you go to Zoar.

Generated Verse: Genesis 13:10

What does "Genesis 13:10" mean?


This verse, Genesis 13:10, describes Lot's choice to settle in the Jordan Valley. Let's break down the meaning:

"Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw all the plain of the Jordan..." This establishes the scene. Lot is looking at the entire expanse of the Jordan Valley.
"...that it was well-watered everywhere..." This describes the key feature of the land: abundant water. This makes it fertile and suitable for agriculture and raising livestock, which were Lot's primary concerns as a herdsman.
"...before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah..." This is a crucial parenthetical statement. It highlights that the lushness of the valley existed before the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by God. It's a reminder that this prosperity was temporary and would be disrupted by divine judgment.
"...like the garden of Yahweh, like the land of Egypt..." This uses similes (comparisons using "like") to emphasize the fertility and abundance of the Jordan Valley.
"Like the garden of Yahweh" refers to the Garden of Eden, a place of perfect beauty and fruitfulness (Genesis 2).
"Like the land of Egypt" refers to the Nile River's fertile delta, known for its rich agricultural production. Comparing the Jordan Valley to these locations underscores its desirability.
"...as you go to Zoar." Zoar was a city in the plain that was spared destruction. This specifies the geographical extent of the well-watered region. The whole plain, as one travelled toward Zoar, was abundant in water and fertility.

In Summary:

The verse describes Lot's attraction to the Jordan Valley because of its abundant water and fertility, making it seem like a paradise (like Eden or Egypt). It foreshadows Lot's later choice to live in Sodom, driven by the seemingly prosperous conditions of the area. However, the parenthetical reminder of Sodom and Gomorrah's impending destruction serves as a warning that this apparent prosperity is superficial and ultimately masks moral corruption and danger. It highlights the contrast between outward appearances and inner reality, and the dangers of making decisions based solely on material wealth.

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