This verse is part of the story of Lot and his daughters after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. To understand it, we need to consider the context:
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: God destroyed these cities due to their wickedness. Lot and his family were spared but were instructed not to look back. Lot's wife disobeyed and turned into a pillar of salt.
Isolation and Fear: Lot and his daughters fled to a cave in the mountains. The daughters, believing that there were no men left in the world to continue their family line (a common concern in ancient times), came up with a plan.
The Plan: The older daughter proposed getting their father drunk and sleeping with him to preserve their lineage.
Meaning of Genesis 19:35:
"They made their father drink wine that night also." This repeats the action from the previous night with the older daughter, implying a continued, calculated plan.
"The younger went and lay with him." This describes the incestuous act committed by the younger daughter with her father.
"He didn’t know when she lay down, nor when she got up." This highlights Lot's intoxication and lack of awareness. He was so drunk that he was completely unaware of what was happening. This detail emphasizes his passivity and lack of consent.
Interpretation and Significance:
This passage is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about:
The Consequences of Sin: While Lot was considered righteous, the events leading up to and including this episode paint a picture of moral decay and desperate measures in the aftermath of destruction.
The Dangers of Intoxication: Lot's drunkenness made him vulnerable and incapable of making sound decisions, leading to the incestuous acts.
Moral Ambiguity: The story raises questions about survival, the desperation of the daughters, and the definition of righteousness. The daughters were acting out of a perceived need to perpetuate their family, but their actions were morally reprehensible.
Patriarchal Society: The daughters' actions were driven by the belief that their value was tied to their ability to bear children and continue the family line.
Important Considerations:
Not an Endorsement: The Bible records many acts of sin and violence, but it does not necessarily endorse them. This story is often seen as a depiction of human fallibility, not a model for behavior.
Different Interpretations: Scholars and theologians have debated the meaning and significance of this passage for centuries. There are various perspectives on the daughters' motives, Lot's culpability, and the overall message of the story.
In conclusion, Genesis 19:35 describes a disturbing act of incest committed by Lot's younger daughter while he was incapacitated by alcohol. The passage serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin, the dangers of intoxication, and the complexities of human morality in desperate circumstances.
This verse is part of the story of Lot and his daughters after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. To understand it, we need to consider the context:
Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah: God destroyed these cities due to their wickedness. Lot and his family were spared but were instructed not to look back. Lot's wife disobeyed and turned into a pillar of salt.
Isolation and Fear: Lot and his daughters fled to a cave in the mountains. The daughters, believing that there were no men left in the world to continue their family line (a common concern in ancient times), came up with a plan.
The Plan: The older daughter proposed getting their father drunk and sleeping with him to preserve their lineage.
Meaning of Genesis 19:35:
"They made their father drink wine that night also." This repeats the action from the previous night with the older daughter, implying a continued, calculated plan.
"The younger went and lay with him." This describes the incestuous act committed by the younger daughter with her father.
"He didn’t know when she lay down, nor when she got up." This highlights Lot's intoxication and lack of awareness. He was so drunk that he was completely unaware of what was happening. This detail emphasizes his passivity and lack of consent.
Interpretation and Significance:
This passage is often interpreted as a cautionary tale about:
The Consequences of Sin: While Lot was considered righteous, the events leading up to and including this episode paint a picture of moral decay and desperate measures in the aftermath of destruction.
The Dangers of Intoxication: Lot's drunkenness made him vulnerable and incapable of making sound decisions, leading to the incestuous acts.
Moral Ambiguity: The story raises questions about survival, the desperation of the daughters, and the definition of righteousness. The daughters were acting out of a perceived need to perpetuate their family, but their actions were morally reprehensible.
Patriarchal Society: The daughters' actions were driven by the belief that their value was tied to their ability to bear children and continue the family line.
Important Considerations:
Not an Endorsement: The Bible records many acts of sin and violence, but it does not necessarily endorse them. This story is often seen as a depiction of human fallibility, not a model for behavior.
Different Interpretations: Scholars and theologians have debated the meaning and significance of this passage for centuries. There are various perspectives on the daughters' motives, Lot's culpability, and the overall message of the story.
In conclusion, Genesis 19:35 describes a disturbing act of incest committed by Lot's younger daughter while he was incapacitated by alcohol. The passage serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of sin, the dangers of intoxication, and the complexities of human morality in desperate circumstances.