Bible Discussion Thread

The two angels were holy angels, not fallen, so would not have anything to do with the people of these cities. They were there to rescue the remnant of God's people, Lot and family, no one else, even the the angels mentioned sons and sons-in -law. These men did not wish to come with Lot and the women. The angels had to forcibly take Lot and the women out of the city,, taking them by the hand and compelling them to flee. Perhaps Lot and family were concerned about family members being left behind. maybe they wanted to plead with them more. The sinfulness of the city vexed Lot, so I don't think it was the city people he didn't want to leave, but members of his family who refused to agree to go with them. They mocked him.

Going back to the arrival of the angels and the shouts of the men of the city to have access to the visitors and violate them sexually. Rightly, Lot refused. these people were trying to force their way into Lot's home. He tried to appease them by offering his daughters for them to violate. (Such a sad offer!) He was desperate. He knew the visitors were holy angels and valued their purity over his daughters. Some will disagree with me, but he was right to want to preserve the integrity of the angels, but wrong to offer his daughters. It is easy during a siege to make rational decisions. he probably regretted offering his daughters but was thankful the men declined. He did not realize that the angels can take care of themselves without his help. I think he was unaware of their power. But these holy beings shut the door and secured it against a mob and blinded the members of the group outside so that they could not find the door. I think that is significant. Their blindness made it so that they could not find the door. Also, Just as God had shut Noah up in the ark, these angels shut Lot's family up in his house by which they escaped the deluge of wicked men. The townsmen were outraged that Lot would try to judge them since he was an outsider.

In eastern culture, the guest is given a highly honourable status, even higher than members of the family. In very 'traditional' families in India & Pakistan, the guest(s) will eat only with the man of the house (& maybe his sons) - the women & children will only eat later of the food that is remaining. If the men have been ravenous, the women would have to do without. And of course, the guest is always served first, having first choice of the food presented to him. So, we can well understand Lot's singular focus to ensure the safety & happiness of these divine guests. Yet, as you wrote, "such a sad offer" by Lot in presenting his daughters; if he was entirely noble & caring for his family, he should have rather offered himself.

And to note, I assume that Lot had at least four daughters: two married to his sons & the two virgins living with their parents & who were offered to the 'beasts of Sodom'. So, not only Lot's sons-in-law, but also their wives may have disbelieved this angelic warning & rather stay in the city to which their hearts were completely devoted.

Thanks Chris,

I am not very informed about customs from this area of the world now or in the past.

I had never thought about Lot having four daughters, but I can see that possibility.

Maybe the married daughters would not leave if their husbands said "no"