Genesis 19:33

So that night they got their father drunk with wine, and the firstborn went in and slept with her father; he was not aware when she lay down or when she got up.

Study Bible

So that night
This phrase sets the immediate context and urgency of the actions that follow. The Hebrew word for "night" is "לַיְלָה" (laylah), which often symbolizes a time of vulnerability and moral testing in the Bible. The night can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual darkness that has enveloped Lot's family, leading to their desperate and misguided actions.

they got their father drunk with wine
The act of getting Lot drunk is pivotal. The Hebrew word for "wine" is "יַיִן" (yayin), which is frequently associated with both celebration and moral downfall in Scripture. The daughters' decision to use wine to manipulate their father highlights a lack of faith and reliance on human schemes rather than divine guidance. This reflects a broader biblical theme where intoxication leads to poor judgment and sin, as seen in Noah's account (Genesis 9:21).

and the older daughter went in
The phrase "went in" indicates a deliberate and premeditated action. The Hebrew verb "בּוֹא" (bo) is used here, suggesting an intentional crossing of boundaries. The older daughter's initiative underscores her role in leading the plan, reflecting a breakdown in familial and societal norms.

and lay with her father
This phrase is a euphemism for sexual relations, and the Hebrew verb "שָׁכַב" (shakab) is used. The act is a grave violation of the moral and familial order established by God. It highlights the desperation and moral confusion that can arise when individuals are disconnected from God's will, as Lot's daughters were after the destruction of Sodom.

And he was not aware
Lot's lack of awareness, indicated by the Hebrew word "יָדַע" (yada), meaning "to know," underscores his vulnerability and the complete breakdown of his moral compass. This ignorance is both literal and symbolic, representing a spiritual blindness that has overtaken him due to his compromised position in Sodom.

when she lay down or when she got up
The repetition of the actions "lay down" and "got up" emphasizes the completeness of Lot's unawareness and the gravity of the situation. It suggests a cycle of sin and ignorance, where actions are taken without understanding or acknowledgment of their consequences. This reflects a broader biblical warning against spiritual complacency and the dangers of being led astray by worldly influences.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Lot
Nephew of Abraham, Lot is a central figure in this account. He is living in a cave with his daughters after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

2. Lot's Daughters
The two daughters of Lot, who, fearing the end of their family line, conspire to preserve it through their father.

3. Sodom and Gomorrah
The cities destroyed by God due to their wickedness, leading to Lot and his daughters fleeing to safety.

4. Zoar
The small town Lot initially fled to before moving to the mountains with his daughters.

5. The Cave
The setting where Lot and his daughters reside after leaving Zoar, symbolizing isolation and desperation.

Teaching Points

The Consequences of Sinful Environments
Lot's choice to live near Sodom had long-lasting effects on his family, demonstrating the importance of choosing our environments wisely.

Desperation and Lack of Faith
Lot's daughters acted out of desperation and a lack of faith in God's provision, reminding us to trust in God's plans even in dire circumstances.

The Dangers of Intoxication
Lot's inability to discern right from wrong due to drunkenness serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of alcohol.

God's Grace Amidst Human Failure
Despite the moral failures in this account, God’s overarching plan continues, showing His grace and sovereignty.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Lot's failure to lead his family spiritually resulted in tragic decisions, emphasizing the need for strong, godly leadership in families.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Lot's decision to live near Sodom reflect in the actions of his daughters, and what can we learn about the influence of our environment?

2. In what ways does the account of Lot and his daughters parallel the account of Noah and his sons, and what lessons can we draw from these parallels?

3. How can we apply the warnings about alcohol found in Proverbs to our lives today, especially in the context of maintaining awareness and self-control?

4. What does this passage teach us about the importance of trusting God in seemingly hopeless situations, and how can we apply this trust in our own lives?

5. How can we ensure that we are providing godly leadership within our families or communities to prevent moral failures like those seen in Lot's family?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 9:20-27
The account of Noah's drunkenness and the subsequent actions of his sons, which parallels Lot's situation and highlights the recurring theme of alcohol leading to moral compromise.

Leviticus 18:6-18
These verses outline the prohibitions against incest, providing a backdrop to the moral implications of Lot's daughters' actions.

Proverbs 20:1
This verse warns against the dangers of wine, which is relevant to Lot's lack of awareness due to intoxication.