The "Days of Lot" is a term derived from the biblical narrative of Lot, the nephew of Abraham, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. This period is often referenced in Christian eschatology to draw parallels between the moral and social conditions of Lot's time and those expected to precede the Second Coming of Christ. The primary scriptural accounts of Lot's life are found in Genesis chapters 13, 18, and 19.

Biblical Account

Lot first appears in Genesis 11:27-31 as the son of Haran, Abraham's brother. He travels with Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans to Canaan. In Genesis 13, due to the increasing wealth and subsequent strife between their herdsmen, Abraham and Lot decide to part ways. Lot chooses the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley and settles near the city of Sodom, a decision that would have significant consequences.

The moral depravity of Sodom and Gomorrah is highlighted in Genesis 13:13: "Now the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD." This sets the stage for the events that follow in Genesis 18 and 19, where God reveals to Abraham His intention to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their grievous sin. Abraham intercedes for the cities, and God agrees to spare them if ten righteous people can be found.

In Genesis 19, two angels visit Sodom and are met with hostility and attempted sexual violence by the men of the city. Lot offers them hospitality and protection, demonstrating his righteousness amidst a corrupt society. The angels warn Lot of the impending destruction and urge him to flee with his family. Lot hesitates, but the angels lead him, his wife, and two daughters out of the city. As they escape, Lot's wife looks back and is turned into a pillar of salt, illustrating the peril of longing for a sinful past.

New Testament References

The "Days of Lot" are explicitly mentioned in the New Testament by Jesus in Luke 17:28-30 : "It was the same in the days of Lot: People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But on the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed." Here, Jesus uses the sudden and total destruction of Sodom as a warning of the unexpected nature of His return and the judgment that will accompany it.

Moral and Eschatological Implications

The narrative of the Days of Lot serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of moral decay and the importance of righteousness. Lot's account is often interpreted as a call for believers to remain steadfast in their faith and to live righteously, even in the midst of a corrupt and sinful society. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah is seen as a foreshadowing of the final judgment, emphasizing the urgency of repentance and the need to be prepared for Christ's return.

The Days of Lot also highlight themes of divine justice and mercy. While God's judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah was severe, His willingness to spare the cities for the sake of a few righteous individuals underscores His mercy and the value He places on righteousness.

In summary, the Days of Lot provide a vivid illustration of the moral conditions that can lead to divine judgment and serve as a prophetic warning for future generations to heed the call to righteousness and readiness for the return of the Lord.