mh_parser/vol_split/1 - Genesis/Chapter 19.xml

<div2 id="Gen.xx" n="xx" next="Gen.xxi" prev="Gen.xix" progress="14.50%" title="Chapter XIX">
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<h2 id="Gen.xx-p0.1">G E N E S I S</h2>
<h3 id="Gen.xx-p0.2">CHAP. XIX.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Gen.xx-p1">The contents of this chapter we have, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:2Pet.2.6-2Pet.2.8" parsed="|2Pet|2|6|2|8" passage="2Pe 2:6-8">2 Pet. ii. 6-8</scripRef>, where we find that
"God, turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes,
condemned them with an overthrow, and delivered just Lot." It is
the history of Sodom's ruin, and Lot's rescue from that ruin. We
read (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.18.1-Gen.18.33" parsed="|Gen|18|1|18|33" passage="Ge 18:1-33"><i>ch.</i> xviii</scripRef>)
of God's coming to take a view of the present state of Sodom, what
its wickedness was, and what righteous persons there were in it:
now here we have the result of that enquiry. I. It was found, upon
trial, that Lot was very good (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.1-Gen.19.3" parsed="|Gen|19|1|19|3" passage="Ge 19:1-3">ver.
1-3</scripRef>), and it did not appear that there was any more of
the same character. II. It was found that the Sodomites were very
wicked and vile, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.4-Gen.19.11" parsed="|Gen|19|4|19|11" passage="Ge 19:4-11">ver.
4-11</scripRef>. III. Special care was therefore taken for the
securing of Lot and his family, in a place of safety, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.12-Gen.19.23" parsed="|Gen|19|12|19|23" passage="Ge 19:12-23">ver. 12-23</scripRef>. IV. Mercy having
rejoiced therein, justice shows itself in the ruin of Sodom and the
death of Lot's wife (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p1.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.24-Gen.19.26" parsed="|Gen|19|24|19|26" passage="Ge 19:24-26">ver.
24-26</scripRef>), with a general repetition of the story,
<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p1.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.27-Gen.19.29" parsed="|Gen|19|27|19|29" passage="Ge 19:27-29">ver. 27-29</scripRef>. V. A foul
sin that Lot was guilty of, in committing incest with his two
daughters, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p1.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.30-Gen.19.38" parsed="|Gen|19|30|19|38" passage="Ge 19:30-38">ver. 30</scripRef>,
&amp;c.</p>
<scripCom id="Gen.xx-p1.9" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19" parsed="|Gen|19|0|0|0" passage="Ge 19" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Gen.xx-p1.10" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.1-Gen.19.3" parsed="|Gen|19|1|19|3" passage="Ge 19:1-3" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.19.1-Gen.19.3">
<h4 id="Gen.xx-p1.11">Assault on the House of Lot. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p1.12">b. c.</span> 1898.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xx-p2">1 And there came two angels to Sodom at even;
and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing <i>them</i> rose
up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the
ground;   2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray
you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your
feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they
said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.   3 And
he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and
entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake
unleavened bread, and they did eat.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p3">These angels, it is likely, were two of the
three that had just before been with Abraham, the two created
angels that were sent to execute God's purpose concerning Sodom.
Observe here, 1. There was but one good man in Sodom, and these
heavenly messengers soon found him out. Wherever we are, we should
enquire out those of the place that live in the fear of God, and
should choose to associate ourselves with them. <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Matt.10.11" parsed="|Matt|10|11|0|0" passage="Mt 10:11">Matt. x. 11</scripRef>, <i>Enquire who is worthy, and
there abide.</i> Those of the same country, when they are in a
foreign country, love to be together. 2. Lot sufficiently
distinguished himself from the rest of his neighbours, at this
time, which plainly set a mark upon him. He that did not act like
the rest must not fare like the rest. (1.) Lot sat in the gate of
Sodom at even. When the rest, it is likely, were tippling and
drinking, he sat alone, waiting for an opportunity to do good. (2.)
He was extremely respectful to men whose mien and aspect were sober
and serious, though they did not come in state. He bowed himself to
the ground, when he met them, as if, upon the first view, he
discerned something divine in them. (3.) He was hospitable, and
very free and generous in his invitations and entertainments. He
courted these strangers to his house, and to the best
accommodations he had, and gave them all the evidences that he
could of his sincerity; for, [1.] When the angels, to try whether
he was hearty in the invitation, declined the acceptance of it, at
first (which is the common usage of modesty, and no reproach at all
to truth and honesty), their refusal did not make him more
importunate; for he <i>pressed upon them greatly</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.3" parsed="|Gen|19|3|0|0" passage="Ge 19:3"><i>v.</i> 3</scripRef>), partly because he would
by no means have them to expose themselves to the inconveniences
and perils of lodging in the street of Sodom, and partly because he
was desirous of their company and converse. He had not seen two
such honest faces in Sodom this great while. Note, Those that live
in bad places should know how to value the society of those that
are wise and good, and earnestly desire it. [2.] When the angels
accepted his invitation, he treated them nobly; he made a feast for
them, and thought it well-bestowed on such guests. Note, Good
people should be (with prudence) generous people.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xx-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.4-Gen.19.11" parsed="|Gen|19|4|19|11" passage="Ge 19:4-11" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.19.4-Gen.19.11">
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xx-p4">4 But before they lay down, the men of the city,
<i>even</i> the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old
and young, all the people from every quarter:   5 And they
called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where <i>are</i> the men which
came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may
know them.   6 And Lot went out at the door unto them, and
shut the door after him,   7 And said, I pray you, brethren,
do not so wickedly.   8 Behold now, I have two daughters which
have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you,
and do ye to them as <i>is</i> good in your eyes: only unto these
men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my
roof.   9 And they said, Stand back. And they said
<i>again,</i> This one <i>fellow</i> came in to sojourn, and he
will needs be a judge: now will we deal worse with thee, than with
them. And they pressed sore upon the man, <i>even</i> Lot, and came
near to break the door.   10 But the men put forth their hand,
and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut to the door.  
11 And they smote the men that <i>were</i> at the

<pb id="Gen.xx-Page_122" n="122"/>

door of the house with blindness, both small and
great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p5">Now it appeared, beyond contradiction, that
the cry of Sodom was no louder than there was cause for. This
night's work was enough to fill the measure. For we find here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p6">I. That they were all wicked, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p6.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.4" parsed="|Gen|19|4|0|0" passage="Ge 19:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>. Wickedness had become
universal, and they were unanimous in any vile design. Here were
old and young, and all from every quarter, engaged in this riot;
the old were not past it, and the young had soon come up to it.
Either they had no magistrates to keep the peace, and protect the
peaceable, or their magistrates were themselves aiding and
abetting. Note, When the disease of sin has become epidemical, it
is fatal to any place, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p6.2" osisRef="Bible:Isa.1.5-Isa.1.7" parsed="|Isa|1|5|1|7" passage="Isa 1:5-7">Isa. i.
5-7</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p7">II. That they had arrived at the highest
pitch of wickedness; they were <i>sinners before the Lord
exceedingly</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.13.13" parsed="|Gen|13|13|0|0" passage="Ge 13:13"><i>ch.</i> xiii.
13</scripRef>); for, 1. It was the most unnatural and abominable
wickedness that they were now set upon, a sin that still bears
their name, and is called <i>Sodomy.</i> They were carried headlong
by those vile affections (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Rom.1.26-Rom.1.27" parsed="|Rom|1|26|1|27" passage="Ro 1:26,27">Rom. i.
26, 27</scripRef>), which are worse than brutish, and the eternal
reproach of the human nature, and which cannot be thought of
without horror by those that have the least spark of virtue and any
remains of natural light and conscience. Note, Those that allow
themselves in unnatural uncleanness are marked for the vengeance of
eternal fire. See <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Jude.1.7" parsed="|Jude|1|7|0|0" passage="Jude 1:7">Jude 7</scripRef>.
2. They were not ashamed to own it, and to prosecute their design
by force and arms. The practice would have been bad enough if it
had been carried on by intrigue and wheedling; but they proclaimed
war with virtue, and bade open defiance to it. Hence daring sinners
are said to <i>declare their sin as Sodom,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:Isa.3.9" parsed="|Isa|3|9|0|0" passage="Isa 3:9">Isa. iii. 9</scripRef>. Note, Those that have become
impudent in sin generally prove impenitent in sin; and it will be
their ruin. Those have hard hearts indeed that sin with a high
hand, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.5" osisRef="Bible:Jer.6.15" parsed="|Jer|6|15|0|0" passage="Jer 6:15">Jer. vi. 15</scripRef>. 3. When
Lot interposed, with all the mildness imaginable, to check the rage
and fury of their lust, they were most insolently rude and abusive
to him. He ventured himself among them, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.6" parsed="|Gen|19|6|0|0" passage="Ge 19:6"><i>v.</i> 6</scripRef>. He spoke civilly to them, called
them <i>brethren</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.7" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.7" parsed="|Gen|19|7|0|0" passage="Ge 19:7"><i>v.</i>
7</scripRef>), and begged of them not to do so wickedly; and, being
greatly disturbed at their vile attempt, he unadvisedly and
unjustifiably offered to prostitute his two daughters to them,
<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.8" parsed="|Gen|19|8|0|0" passage="Ge 19:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. It is true, of
two evils we must choose the less; but of two sins we must choose
neither, nor ever do evil that good may come of it. He reasoned
with them, pleaded the laws of hospitality and the protection of
his house which his guests were entitled to; but he might as well
have offered reason to a roaring lion and a raging bear as to these
head-strong sinners, who were governed only by lust and passion.
Lot's arguing with them does but exasperate them; and, to complete
their wickedness, and fill up the measure of it, they fall foul
upon him. (1.) They ridicule him, charge him with the absurdity of
pretending to be a magistrate, when he was not so much as a
free-man of their city, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.9" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.9" parsed="|Gen|19|9|0|0" passage="Ge 19:9"><i>v.</i>
9</scripRef>. Note, It is common for a reprover to be unjustly
upbraided as a usurper; and, while offering the kindness of a
friend, to be charged with assuming the authority of a judge: as if
a man might not speak reason without taking too much upon him. (2.)
They threaten him, and lay violent hands upon him; and the good man
is in danger of being pulled in pieces by this outrageous rabble.
Note, [1.] Those that hate to be reformed hate those that reprove
them, though with ever so much tenderness. Presumptuous sinners do
by their consciences as the Sodomites did by Lot, baffle their
checks, stifle their accusations, press hard upon them, till they
have seared them and quite stopped their mouths, and so made
themselves ripe for ruin. [2.] Abuses offered to God's messengers
and to faithful reprovers soon fill the measure of a people's
wickedness, and bring destruction without remedy. See <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.10" osisRef="Bible:Prov.29.1" parsed="|Prov|29|1|0|0" passage="Pr 29:1">Prov. xxix. 1</scripRef>, and <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.11" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.36.16" parsed="|2Chr|36|16|0|0" passage="2Ch 36:16">2 Chron. xxxvi. 16</scripRef>. If reproofs remedy not,
there is no remedy. See <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p7.12" osisRef="Bible:2Chr.25.16" parsed="|2Chr|25|16|0|0" passage="2Ch 25:16">2 Chron. xxv.
16</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p8">III. That nothing less than the power of an
angel could save a good man out of their wicked hands. It was now
past dispute what Sodom's character was and what course must be
taken with it, and therefore the angels immediately give a specimen
of what they further intended. 1. They rescue Lot, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.10" parsed="|Gen|19|10|0|0" passage="Ge 19:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>. Note, He that watereth
shall be watered also himself. Lot was solicitous to protect them,
and now they take effectual care for his safety, in return for his
kindness. Note further, Angels are employed for the special
preservation of those that expose themselves to danger by
well-doing. The saints, at death, are pulled like Lot into a house
of perfect safety, and the door shut for ever against those that
pursue them. 2. They chastise the insolence of the Sodomites:
<i>They smote them with blindness,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.11" parsed="|Gen|19|11|0|0" passage="Ge 19:11"><i>v.</i> 11</scripRef>. This was designed, (1.) To put
an end to their attempt, and disable them from pursuing it. Justly
were those struck blind who had been deaf to reason. Violent
persecutors are often infatuated so that they cannot push on their
malicious designs against God's messengers, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Job.5.14-Job.5.15" parsed="|Job|5|14|5|15" passage="Job 5:14,15">Job v. 14, 15</scripRef>. Yet these Sodomites, after
they were struck blind, continued seeking the door, to break it
down, till they were tired. No judgments will, of themselves,
change the corrupt natures and purposes of wicked men. If their
minds had not been blinded as well as their bodies, they would have
said, as the magicians, <i>This is the finger of God,</i> and would
have submitted. (2.) It was to be an earnest of their utter ruin,
the next day. When God, in a way of righteous judgment, blinds men,
their condition is already desperate, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p8.4" osisRef="Bible:Rom.11.8-Rom.11.9" parsed="|Rom|11|8|11|9" passage="Ro 11:8,9">Rom. xi. 8, 9</scripRef>.</p>
<pb id="Gen.xx-Page_123" n="123"/>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xx-p8.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.12-Gen.19.14" parsed="|Gen|19|12|19|14" passage="Ge 19:12-14" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.19.12-Gen.19.14">
<h4 id="Gen.xx-p8.6">Rescue of Lot out of Sodom. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p8.7">b. c.</span> 1898.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xx-p9">12 And the men said unto Lot, Hast thou here any
besides? son in law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and
whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring <i>them</i> out of this
place:   13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of
them is waxen great before the face of the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p9.1">Lord</span>; and the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p9.2">Lord</span> hath sent us to destroy it.   14 And
Lot went out, and spake unto his sons in law, which married his
daughters, and said, Up, get you out of this place; for the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p9.3">Lord</span> will destroy this city. But he seemed
as one that mocked unto his sons in law.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p10">We have here the preparation for Lot's
deliverance.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p11">I. Notice is given him of the approach of
Sodom's ruin: <i>We will destroy this place,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p11.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.13" parsed="|Gen|19|13|0|0" passage="Ge 19:13"><i>v.</i> 13</scripRef>. Note, The holy angels are
ministers of God's wrath for the destruction of sinners, as well as
of his mercy for the preservation and deliverance of his people. In
this sense, the good angels become <i>evil angels,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p11.2" osisRef="Bible:Ps.78.49" parsed="|Ps|78|49|0|0" passage="Ps 78:49">Ps. lxxviii. 49</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p12">II. He is directed to give notice to his
friends and relations, that they, it they would, might be saved
with him (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.12" parsed="|Gen|19|12|0|0" passage="Ge 19:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>):
"<i>Hast thou here any besides,</i> that thou art concerned for? If
thou hast, go tell them what is coming." Now this implies, 1. The
command of a great duty, which was to do all he could for the
salvation of those about him, to snatch them as brands out of the
fire. Note, Those who through grace are themselves delivered out of
a sinful state should do what they can for the deliverance of
others, especially their relations. 2. The offer of great favour.
They do not ask whether he knew any righteous ones in the city fit
to be spared: no, they knew there were none; but they ask what
relations he had there, that, whether righteous or unrighteous,
they might be saved with him. Note, Bad people often fare the
better in this world for the sake of their good relations. It is
good being akin to a godly man.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p13">III. He applies himself accordingly to his
sons-in-law, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p13.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.14" parsed="|Gen|19|14|0|0" passage="Ge 19:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>.
Observe, 1. The fair warning that Lot gave them: <i>Up, get you out
of this place.</i> The manner of expression is startling and
quickening. It was no time to trifle when the destruction was just
at the door. They had not forty days to repent in, as the Ninevites
had. Now or never they must make their escape. At midnight this cry
was made. Such as this is our call to the unconverted, to turn and
live. 2. The slight they put upon this warning: <i>He seemed to
them as one that mocked.</i> They thought, perhaps, that the
assault which the Sodomites had just now made upon his house had
disturbed his head, and put him into such a fright that he knew not
what he said; or they thought that he was not in earnest with them.
Those who lived a merry life, and made a jest of everything, made a
jest of this warning, and so they perished in the overthrow. Thus
many who are warned of the misery and danger they are in by sin
make a light matter of it, and think their ministers do but jest
with them; such will perish with their blood upon their own
heads.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xx-p13.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.15-Gen.19.23" parsed="|Gen|19|15|19|23" passage="Ge 19:15-23" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.19.15-Gen.19.23">
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xx-p14">15 And when the morning arose, then the angels
hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters,
which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
  16 And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand,
and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two
daughters; the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p14.1">Lord</span> being merciful
unto him: and they brought him forth, and set him without the city.
  17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them forth
abroad, that he said, Escape for thy life; look not behind thee,
neither stay thou in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest
thou be consumed.   18 And Lot said unto them, Oh, not so, my
Lord:   19 Behold now, thy servant hath found grace in thy
sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast showed
unto me in saving my life; and I cannot escape to the mountain,
lest some evil take me, and I die:   20 Behold now, this city
<i>is</i> near to flee unto, and it <i>is</i> a little one: Oh, let
me escape thither, (<i>is</i> it not a little one?) and my soul
shall live.   21 And he said unto him, See, I have accepted
thee concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this
city, for the which thou hast spoken.   22 Haste thee, escape
thither; for I cannot do any thing till thou be come thither.
Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.   23 The sun
was risen upon the earth when Lot entered into Zoar.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xx-p14.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.24-Gen.19.25" parsed="|Gen|19|24|19|25" passage="Ge 19:24-25" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.19.24-Gen.19.25">
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p15">Here is, I. The rescue of Lot out of Sodom.
Though there were not ten righteous men in Sodom, for whose sakes
it might be spared, yet that one righteous man that was among them
delivered his own soul, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p15.1" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.14.14" parsed="|Ezek|14|14|0|0" passage="Eze 14:14">Ezek. xiv.
14</scripRef>. Early in the morning his own guests, in kindness to
him, turned him out of doors, and his family with him, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p15.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.15" parsed="|Gen|19|15|0|0" passage="Ge 19:15"><i>v.</i> 15</scripRef>. His daughters that were
married perished with their unbelieving husbands; but those that
continued with him were preserved with him. Observe,</p>
<pb id="Gen.xx-Page_124" n="124"/>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p16">1. With what a gracious violence Lot was
brought out of Sodom, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p16.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.16" parsed="|Gen|19|16|0|0" passage="Ge 19:16"><i>v.</i>
16</scripRef>. It seems, though he did not make a jest of the
warning given, as his sons-in-law did, yet he lingered, he trifled,
he did not make so much haste as the case required. Thus many that
are under some convictions about the misery of their spiritual
state, and the necessity of a change, yet defer that needful work,
and foolishly linger. Lot did so, and it might have been fatal to
him it the angels had not <i>laid hold of his hand, and brought him
forth,</i> and saved him with fear, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p16.2" osisRef="Bible:Jude.1.23" parsed="|Jude|1|23|0|0" passage="Jude 1:23">Jude 23</scripRef>. Herein it is said, <i>The Lord was
merciful to him;</i> otherwise he might justly have left him to
perish, since he was so loth to depart. Note, (1.) The salvation of
the most righteous men must be attributed to God's mercy, not to
their own merit. We are saved by grace. (2.) God's power also must
be acknowledged in the bringing of souls out of a sinful state. If
God had not brought us forth, we had never come forth. (3.) If God
had not been merciful to us, our lingering had been our ruin.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p17">2. With what a gracious vehemence he was
urged to make the best of his way, when he was <i>brought
forth,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p17.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.17" parsed="|Gen|19|17|0|0" passage="Ge 19:17"><i>v.</i> 17</scripRef>.
(1.) He must still apprehend himself in danger of being consumed,
and be quickened by the law of self-preservation to flee for his
life. Note, A holy fear and trembling are found necessary to the
working out of our salvation. (2.) He must therefore mind his
business with the utmost care and diligence. He must not hanker
after Sodom: <i>Look not behind thee.</i> He must not loiter by the
way: <i>Stay not in the plain;</i> for it would all be made one
dead sea. He must not take up short of the place of refuge
appointed him: <i>Escape to the mountain.</i> Such as these are the
commands given to those who through grace are delivered out of a
sinful state. [1.] Return not to sin and Satan, for that is looking
back to Sodom. [2.] Rest not in self and the world, for that is
staying in the plain. And, [3.] Reach towards Christ and heaven,
for that is escaping to the mountain, short of which we must not
take up.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p18">II. The fixing of a place of refuge for
him. The mountain was first appointed for him to flee to, but, 1.
He begged for a city of refuge, one of the five that lay together,
called <i>Bela,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p18.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.14.2 Bible:Gen.19.18-Gen.19.20" parsed="|Gen|14|2|0|0;|Gen|19|18|19|20" passage="Ge 14:2,19:18-20"><i>ch.</i>
xiv. 2, xix. 18-20</scripRef>. It was Lot's weakness to think a
city of his own choosing safer than the mountain of God's
appointing. And he argued against himself when he pleaded, <i>Thou
hast magnified thy mercy in saving my life, and I cannot escape to
the mountain;</i> for could not he that plucked him out of Sodom,
when he lingered, carry him safely to the mountain, though he began
to tire? Could not he that saved him from greater evils save him
from the less? He insists much in his petition upon the smallness
of the place: <i>It is a little one, it is not?</i> therefore, it
was to be hoped, not so bad as the rest. This gave a new name to
the place; it was called <i>Zoar, a little one.</i> Intercessions
for little ones are worthy to be remembered. 2. God granted him his
request, though there was much infirmity in it, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p18.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.21-Gen.19.22" parsed="|Gen|19|21|19|22" passage="Ge 19:21,22"><i>v.</i> 21, 22</scripRef>. See what favour God
showed to a true saint, though weak. (1.) Zoar was spared, to
gratify him. Though his intercession for it was not, as Abraham's
for Sodom, from a principle of generous charity, but merely from
self-interest, yet God granted him his request, to show how much
the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails. (2.) Sodom's ruin was
suspended till he was safe: <i>I cannot do any thing till thou
shalt have come thither.</i> Note, The very presence of good men in
a place helps to keep off judgments. See what care God takes for
the preservation of his people. The winds are held till God's
servants are sealed, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p18.3" osisRef="Bible:Rev.7.3 Bible:Ezek.9.4" parsed="|Rev|7|3|0|0;|Ezek|9|4|0|0" passage="Re 7:3,Eze 9:4">Rev. vii.
3; Ezek. ix. 4</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p19">III. It is taken notice of that the sun had
risen when Lot entered into Zoar; for when a good man comes into a
place he brings light along with him, or should do.</p>
<h4 id="Gen.xx-p19.1">Destruction of Sodom and
Gomorrah. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p19.2">b. c.</span> 1898.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xx-p20">24 Then the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p20.1">Lord</span>
rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p20.2">Lord</span> out of heaven;   25 And he
overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants
of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p21"><i>Then,</i> when Lot had got safely into
Zoar, then this ruin came; for good men are taken away from the
evil to come. <i>Then,</i> when the sun had risen bright and clear,
promising a fair day, then this storm arose, to show that it was
not from natural causes. Concerning this destruction observe, 1.
God was the immediate author of it. It was destruction from the
Almighty: <i>The Lord rained—from the Lord</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.24" parsed="|Gen|19|24|0|0" passage="Ge 19:24"><i>v.</i> 24</scripRef>), that is, God from himself, by
his own immediate power, and not in the common course of nature.
Or, God the Son from God the Father; for the Father has committed
all judgment to the Son. Note, He that is the Saviour will be the
destroyer of those that reject the salvation. 2. It was a strange
punishment, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.2" osisRef="Bible:Job.31.3" parsed="|Job|31|3|0|0" passage="Job 31:3">Job xxxi. 3</scripRef>.
Never was the like before nor since. Hell was rained from heaven
upon them. <i>Fire, and brimstone, and a horrible tempest, were the
portion of their cup</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.11.6" parsed="|Ps|11|6|0|0" passage="Ps 11:6">Ps. xi.
6</scripRef>); not a flash of lightning, which is destructive
enough when God gives it commission, but a shower of lightning.
Brimstone was scattered upon their habitation (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.4" osisRef="Bible:Job.18.15" parsed="|Job|18|15|0|0" passage="Job 18:15">Job xviii. 15</scripRef>), and then the fire soon
fastened upon them. God could have drowned them, as he did the old
world; but he would show that he has many arrows in his quiver,
fire as well as water. 3. It was a judgment that laid all waste:
<i>It overthrew the cities,</i> and destroyed all the inhabitants
of them, the plain, and all that grew upon the ground, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.25" parsed="|Gen|19|25|0|0" passage="Ge 19:25"><i>v.</i> 25</scripRef>. It was an utter ruin,
and irreparable. That fruitful valley remains to this day a great
lake, or dead sea; it is called

<pb id="Gen.xx-Page_125" n="125"/>
<i>the Salt
Sea,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.6" osisRef="Bible:Num.34.12" parsed="|Num|34|12|0|0" passage="Nu 34:12">Num. xxxiv. 12</scripRef>.
Travellers say that it is about thirty miles long and ten miles
broad; it has no living creature in it; it is not moved by the
wind; the smell of it is offensive; things do not easily sink in
it. The Greeks call it <i>Asphaltites,</i> from a sort of pitch
which it casts up. Jordan falls into it, and is lost there. 4. It
was a punishment that answered to their sin. Burning lusts against
nature were justly punished with this preternatural burning. Those
that went after strange flesh were destroyed by strange fire,
<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.7" osisRef="Bible:Jude.1.7" parsed="|Jude|1|7|0|0" passage="Jude 1:7">Jude 7</scripRef>. They persecuted the
angels with their rabble, and made Lot afraid; and now God
persecuted them with his tempest, and made them afraid with his
storm, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.8" osisRef="Bible:Ps.83.15" parsed="|Ps|83|15|0|0" passage="Ps 83:15">Ps. lxxxiii. 15</scripRef>. 5.
It was designed for a standing revelation of the wrath of God
against sin and sinners in all ages. It is, accordingly, often
referred to in the scripture, and made a pattern of the ruin of
Israel (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.9" osisRef="Bible:Deut.29.23" parsed="|Deut|29|23|0|0" passage="De 29:23">Deut. xxix. 23</scripRef>), of
Babylon (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.10" osisRef="Bible:Isa.13.19" parsed="|Isa|13|19|0|0" passage="Isa 13:19">Isa. xiii. 19</scripRef>),
of Edom (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.11" osisRef="Bible:Jer.49.17-Jer.49.18" parsed="|Jer|49|17|49|18" passage="Jer 49:17,18">Jer. xlix. 17,
18</scripRef>), of Moab and Ammon, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.12" osisRef="Bible:Zeph.2.9" parsed="|Zeph|2|9|0|0" passage="Zep 2:9">Zep.
ii. 9</scripRef>. Nay, it was typical of <i>the vengeance of
eternal fire</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.13" osisRef="Bible:Jude.1.7" parsed="|Jude|1|7|0|0" passage="Jude 1:7">Jude 7</scripRef>),
and the ruin of all <i>that live ungodly</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.14" osisRef="Bible:2Pet.2.6" parsed="|2Pet|2|6|0|0" passage="2Pe 2:6">2 Pet. ii. 6</scripRef>), especially that despise the
gospel, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p21.15" osisRef="Bible:Matt.10.15" parsed="|Matt|10|15|0|0" passage="Mt 10:15">Matt. x. 15</scripRef>. It is
in allusion to this destruction that the place of the damned is
often represented by a lake that burns, as Sodom did, with fire and
brimstone. Let us learn from it, (1.) The evil of sin, and the
hurtful nature of it. Iniquity tends to ruin. (2.) The terrors of
the Lord. See what a fearful thing it is to fall into the hands of
the living God!</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xx-p21.16" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.26" parsed="|Gen|19|26|0|0" passage="Ge 19:26" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.19.26">
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xx-p22">26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and
she became a pillar of salt.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p23">This also is written for our admonition.
Our Saviour refers to it (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p23.1" osisRef="Bible:Luke.17.32" parsed="|Luke|17|32|0|0" passage="Lu 17:32">Luke xvii.
32</scripRef>), <i>Remember Lot's wife.</i> As by the example of
Sodom the wicked are warned to turn from their wickedness, so by
the example of Lot's wife the righteous are warned not to turn from
their righteousness. See <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p23.2" osisRef="Bible:Ezek.3.18 Bible:Ezek.3.20" parsed="|Ezek|3|18|0|0;|Ezek|3|20|0|0" passage="Eze 3:18,20">Ezek. iii.
18, 20</scripRef>. We have here,</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p24">I. The sin of Lot's wife: <i>She looked
back from behind him.</i> This seemed a small thing, but we are
sure, by the punishment of it, that it was a great sin, and
exceedingly sinful. 1. She disobeyed an express command, and so
sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, which ruined
us all. 2. Unbelief was at the bottom of it; she questioned whether
Sodom would be destroyed, and thought she might still have been
safe in it. 3. She looked back upon her neighbours whom she had
left behind with more concern than was fit, now that their day of
grace was over, and divine justice was glorifying itself in their
ruin. See <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p24.1" osisRef="Bible:Isa.66.24" parsed="|Isa|66|24|0|0" passage="Isa 66:24">Isa. lxvi. 24</scripRef>.
4. Probably she hankered after her house and goods in Sodom, and
was loth to leave them. Christ intimates this to be her sin
(<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p24.2" osisRef="Bible:Luke.17.31-Luke.17.32" parsed="|Luke|17|31|17|32" passage="Lu 17:31,32">Luke xvii. 31, 32</scripRef>); she
too much regarded her <i>stuff.</i> 5. Her looking back evinced an
inclination to go back; and therefore our Saviour uses it as a
warning against apostasy from our Christian profession. We have all
renounced the world and the flesh, and have set our faces
heaven-ward; we are in the plain, upon our probation; and it is at
our peril if we return into the interests we profess to have
abandoned. Drawing back is to perdition, and looking back is
towards it. <i>Let us therefore fear,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p24.3" osisRef="Bible:Heb.4.1" parsed="|Heb|4|1|0|0" passage="Heb 4:1">Heb. iv. 1</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p25">II. The punishment of Lot's wife for this
sin. She was struck dead in the place; yet her body did not fall
down, but stood fixed and erect like a pillar, or monument, not
liable to waste nor decay, as human bodies exposed to the air are,
but metamorphosed into a metallic substance which would last
perpetually. Come, behold the goodness and severity of God
(<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p25.1" osisRef="Bible:Rom.11.22" parsed="|Rom|11|22|0|0" passage="Ro 11:22">Rom. xi. 22</scripRef>), towards Lot,
who went forward, goodness; towards his wife, who looked back,
severity. Though she was nearly related to a righteous man, though
better than her neighbours, and though a monument of distinguishing
mercy in her deliverance out of Sodom, yet God did not connive at
her disobedience; for great privileges will not secure us from the
wrath of God if we do not carefully and faithfully improve them.
This pillar of salt should season us. Since it is such a dangerous
thing to look back, let us always press forward, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p25.2" osisRef="Bible:Phil.3.13-Phil.3.14" parsed="|Phil|3|13|3|14" passage="Php 3:13,14">Phil. iii. 13, 14</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xx-p25.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.27-Gen.19.29" parsed="|Gen|19|27|19|29" passage="Ge 19:27-29" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.19.27-Gen.19.29">
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xx-p26">27 And Abraham gat up early in the morning to
the place where he stood before the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p26.1">Lord</span>:   28 And he looked toward Sodom and
Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and beheld, and,
lo, the smoke of the country went up as the smoke of a furnace.
  29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the
plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst
of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot
dwelt.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p27">Our communion with God consists in our
gracious regard to him and his gracious regard to us; we have here
therefore the communion that was between God and Abraham, in the
event concerning Sodom, as before in the consultation concerning
it, for communion with God is to be kept up in providences as well
as in ordinances.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p28">I. Here is Abraham's pious regard to God in
this event, in two things:—1. A careful expectation of the event,
<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p28.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.27" parsed="|Gen|19|27|0|0" passage="Ge 19:27"><i>v.</i> 27</scripRef>. <i>He got up
early</i> to look towards Sodom; and, to intimate that his design
herein was to see what became of his prayers, he went to the very
place where he had stood before the Lord, and set himself there, as
upon his watch tower, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p28.2" osisRef="Bible:Hab.2.1" parsed="|Hab|2|1|0|0" passage="Hab 2:1">Hab. ii.
1</scripRef>. Note, When we have prayed we must look after our
prayers, and observe the success of them. We must direct our prayer
as a letter, and then look up for an answer, direct our prayer as
an arrow, and then look up to see whether it reach the mark,
<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p28.3" osisRef="Bible:Ps.5.3" parsed="|Ps|5|3|0|0" passage="Ps 5:3">Ps. v. 3</scripRef>. Our enquiries after
news must be in expectation of an answer to our prayers. 2. An
awful observation of it: <i>He looked towards Sodom</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p28.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.28" parsed="|Gen|19|28|0|0" passage="Ge 19:28"><i>v.</i> 28</scripRef>), not as Lot's wife did,
tacitly reflecting upon the divine severity, but humbly adoring it
and acquiescing in it. Thus the saints, when they see the smoke of
Babylon's torment rising up for ever (like Sodom's here), will say
again and again, <i>Alleluia,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p28.5" osisRef="Bible:Rev.19.3" parsed="|Rev|19|3|0|0" passage="Re 19:3">Rev.
xix. 3</scripRef>. Those that have, in the day of grace, most
earnestly interceded for sinners, will, in the day of judgment, be
content to see them perish, and will glorify God in their
destruction.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p29">II. Here is God's favourable regard to
Abraham, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p29.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.29" parsed="|Gen|19|29|0|0" passage="Ge 19:29"><i>v.</i> 29</scripRef>. As
before, when Abraham prayed for Ishmael, God heard him for Isaac,
so now, when he prayed for Sodom, he heard him for Lot. <i>He
remembered Abraham, and,</i> for his sake, <i>sent Lot out of the
overthrow.</i> Note, 1. God will certainly give an answer of peace
to the prayer of faith, in his own way and time; though, for a
while, it seem to be forgotten, yet, sooner or later, it will
appear to be remembered. 2. The relations and friends of godly
people fare the better for their interest in God and intercessions
with him; it was out of respect to Abraham that Lot was rescued:
perhaps this word encouraged Moses long afterwards to pray
(<scripRef id="Gen.xx-p29.2" osisRef="Bible:Exod.32.13" parsed="|Exod|32|13|0|0" passage="Ex 32:13">Exod. xxxii. 13</scripRef>), <i>Lord,
remember Abraham;</i> and see <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p29.3" osisRef="Bible:Isa.63.11" parsed="|Isa|63|11|0|0" passage="Isa 63:11">Isa.
lxiii. 11</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xx-p29.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.30-Gen.19.38" parsed="|Gen|19|30|19|38" passage="Ge 19:30-38" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.19.30-Gen.19.38">
<h4 id="Gen.xx-p29.5">Lot's Disgrace. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xx-p29.6">b. c.</span> 1898.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xx-p30">30 And Lot went up out of Zoar, and dwelt in the
mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in
Zoar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.   31
And the firstborn said unto the younger, Our father <i>is</i> old,
and <i>there is</i> not a man in the earth to come in unto us after
the manner of all the earth:   32 Come, let us make our father
drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of
our father.   33 And they made their father drink wine that
night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with her father; and he
perceived not when she lay down, nor when she arose.   34 And
it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said unto the
younger, Behold, I lay yesternight with my father: let us make him
drink wine this night also; and go thou in, <i>and</i> lie with
him, that we may preserve seed of our father.   35 And they
made their father drink wine that night also: and the younger
arose, and lay with him; and he perceived not when she lay down,
nor when she arose.   36 Thus were both the daughters of Lot
with child by their father.   37 And the firstborn bare a son,
and called his name Moab: the same <i>is</i> the father of the
Moabites unto this day.   38 And the younger, she also bare a
son, and called his name Ben-ammi: the same <i>is</i> the father of
the children of Ammon unto this day.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p31">Here is, I. The great trouble and distress
that Lot was brought into after his deliverance, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p31.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.30" parsed="|Gen|19|30|0|0" passage="Ge 19:30"><i>v.</i> 30</scripRef>. 1. He was frightened out of
Zoar, durst not dwell there; probably because he was conscious to
himself that it was a refuge of his own choosing and that herein he
had foolishly prescribed to God, and therefore he could not but
distrust his safety in it; or because he found it as wicked as
Sodom, and therefore concluded it could not long survive it; or
perhaps he observed the rise and increase of those waters which
after the conflagration, perhaps from Jordan, began to overflow the
plain, and which, mixing with the ruins, by degrees made the Dead
Sea; in those waters he concluded Zoar must needs perish (though it
had escaped the fire) because it stood upon the same flat. Note,
Settlements and shelters of our own choosing, and in which we do
not follow God, commonly prove uneasy to us. 2. He was forced to
betake himself to the mountain, and to take up with a cave for his
habitation there. Methinks it was strange that he did not return to
Abraham, and put himself under his protection, to whom he had once
and again owed his safety: but the truth is there are some good men
that are not wise enough to know what is best for themselves.
Observe, (1.) He was now glad to go to the mountain, the place
which God had appointed for his shelter. Note, It is well if
disappointment in our way drive us at last to God's way. (2.) He
that, awhile ago, could not find room enough for himself and his
stock in the whole land, but must jostle with Abraham, and get as
far from him as he could, is now confined to a hole in a hill,
where he has scarcely room to turn himself, and there he is
solitary and trembling. Note, It is just with God to reduce those
to poverty and restraint who have abused their liberty and plenty.
See also in Lot what those bring themselves to, at last, that
forsake the communion of saints for secular advantages; they will
be beaten with their own rod.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p32">II. The great sin that Lot and his
daughters were guilty of, when they were in this desolate place. It
is a sad story.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p33">1. His daughters laid a very wicked plot to
bring him to sin; and theirs was, doubtless, the greater guilt.
They contrived, under pretence of cheering up the spirits of

<pb id="Gen.xx-Page_127" n="127"/>

their father in his present condition, to make
him drunk, and then to lie with him, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p33.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.31-Gen.19.32" parsed="|Gen|19|31|19|32" passage="Ge 19:31,32"><i>v.</i> 31, 32</scripRef>. (1.) Some think that
their pretence was plausible. Their father had no sons, they had no
husbands, nor knew they where to have any of the holy seed, or, if
they had children by others, their father's name would not be
preserved in them. Some think that they had the Messiah in their
eye, who, they hoped, might descend form their father; for he came
from Terah's elder son, who separated from the rest of Shem's
posterity as well as Abraham, and was now signally delivered out of
Sodom. Their mother, and the rest of the family, were gone; they
might not marry with the cursed Canaanites; and therefore they
supposed that the end they aimed at and the extremity they were
brought to, would excuse the irregularity. Thus the learned
Monsieur Allix. Note, Good intentions are often abused to patronise
bad actions. But, (2.) Whatever their pretence was, it is certain
that their project was very wicked and vile, and an impudent
affront to the very light and law of nature. Note, [1.] The sight
of God's most tremendous judgments upon sinners will not of itself,
without the grace of God, restrain evil hearts from evil practices:
one would wonder how the fire of lust could possibly kindle upon
those, who had so lately been the eye-witnesses of Sodom's flames.
[2.] Solitude has its temptations as well as company, and
particularly to uncleanness. When Joseph was alone with his
mistress he was in danger, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p33.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.39.11" parsed="|Gen|39|11|0|0" passage="Ge 39:11"><i>ch.</i>
xxxix. 11</scripRef>. Relations that dwell together, especially if
solitary, have need carefully to watch even against the least evil
thought of this kind, lest Satan get an advantage.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p34">2. Lot himself, by his own folly and
unwariness, was wretchedly overcome, and suffered himself so far to
be imposed upon by his own children as, two nights together, to be
drunk, and to commit incest, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p34.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.19.33" parsed="|Gen|19|33|0|0" passage="Ge 19:33"><i>v.</i>
33</scripRef>, &amp;c. <i>Lord, what is man!</i> What are the best
of men, when God leaves them to themselves! See here, (1.) The
peril of security. Lot, who not only kept himself sober and chaste
in Sodom, but was a constant mourner for the wickedness of the
place and a witness against it, was yet, in the mountain, where he
was alone, and as he thought quite out of the way of temptation,
shamefully overtaken. Let him therefore that thinks he stands,
stands high and stands firm, <i>take heed lest he fall.</i> No
mountain, on this side the holy hill above, can set us out of the
reach of Satan's fiery darts. (2.) The peril of drunkenness. It is
not only a great sin itself, but it is the inlet of many sins; it
may prove the inlet of the worst and most unnatural sins, which may
be a perpetual wound and dishonour. Excellently does Mr. Herbert
describe it,</p>
<verse id="Gen.xx-p34.2">
<l class="t1" id="Gen.xx-p34.3">"He that is drunken may his mother kill</l>
<l class="t1" id="Gen.xx-p34.4">Big with his sister."—————————</l>
</verse>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p35">A man may do that without reluctance, when
he is drunk, which, when he is sober, he could not think of without
horror. (3.) The peril of temptation from our dearest relations and
friends, whom we love, and esteem, and expect kindness from. Lot,
whose temperance and chastity were impregnable against the
batteries of foreign force, was surprised into sin and shame by the
base treachery of his own daughters: we must dread a snare wherever
we are, and be always upon our guard.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p36">3. In the close we have an account of the
birth of the two sons, or grandsons (call them which you will), of
Lot, Moab and Ammon, the fathers of two nations, neighbours to
Israel, and which we often read of in the Old Testament; both
together are called <i>the children of Lot,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p36.1" osisRef="Bible:Ps.83.8" parsed="|Ps|83|8|0|0" passage="Ps 83:8">Ps. lxxxiii. 8</scripRef>. Note, Though prosperous births
may attend incestuous conceptions, yet they are so far from
justifying them that they rather perpetuate the reproach of them
and entail infamy upon posterity; yet the tribe of Judah, of which
our Lord sprang, descended from such a birth, and Ruth, a
Moabitess, has a name in his genealogy, <scripRef id="Gen.xx-p36.2" osisRef="Bible:Matt.1.3 Bible:Matt.1.5" parsed="|Matt|1|3|0|0;|Matt|1|5|0|0" passage="Mt 1:3,5">Matt. i. 3, 5</scripRef>.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xx-p37"><i>Lastly,</i> Observe that, after this, we
never read any more of Lot, nor what became of him: no doubt he
repented of his sin, and was pardoned; but from the silence of the
scripture concerning him henceforward we may learn that
drunkenness, as it makes men forgetful, so it makes them forgotten;
and many a name, which otherwise might have been remembered with
respect, is buried by it in contempt and oblivion.</p>
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