Genesis 19:32
“Let’s get our father to drink wine and then sleep with him and preserve our family line through our father.”
Genesis 19:32 Meaning
Genesis 19:32 describes the deceitful actions of Lot’s daughters after they had escaped from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. They believed that there was no one left on earth to father their children, so they resorted to trickery in order to preserve their family line.
Genesis 19:32 Commentary and Explanation
In Genesis 19:32, we encounter a rather distressing and morally complex passage within the biblical narrative. It tells the story of Lot’s daughters, who, in a desperate and misguided attempt to preserve their family line, get their father drunk and sleep with him. This episode raises significant ethical questions and challenges our understanding of righteousness within the context of the Bible.
First, let’s acknowledge the troubling nature of this event. The actions of Lot’s daughters can be seen as a response to their perception that the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah had left them without any future husbands to continue their family line. This perceived necessity led them to a drastic, sinful course of action.
However, it is crucial to emphasize that this passage does not condone or promote incestuous relationships. In fact, throughout the Bible, incest is consistently portrayed as sinful and forbidden. Leviticus 18:6-18 and Leviticus 20:11-12 explicitly prohibit such relationships, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sexual purity and familial boundaries.
Genesis 19:32 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of living in a sinful and corrupt environment, as Lot and his daughters had been residing in Sodom, a city characterized by its wickedness. Their actions, born out of desperation and a lack of faith, highlight the moral decay that can result from immersion in a sinful society.
Furthermore, this incident underscores the importance of discerning God’s will and relying on His guidance in times of adversity. Lot’s decision to live in Sodom had already exposed his family to a corrupt environment, and this tragic event serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of compromising one’s faith and values.
Genesis 19:32 is a challenging passage that forces us to confront the dark consequences of sin and the dangers of compromising our faith in the face of adversity. It reminds us of the importance of upholding moral principles, maintaining sexual purity, and seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of our lives. While it is a difficult story to grapple with, it serves as a powerful lesson about the consequences of straying from the path of righteousness and the importance of staying true to our faith in God.
It is important to note that their actions were not condoned by God. In fact, this incident serves as a cautionary example of the consequences of acting out of desperation and ignoring God’s moral boundaries. Lot’s daughters acted impulsively and without considering the potential harm and long-term consequences of their actions.
Also Read: Proverbs 30:11 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 19:32
Genesis 19 tells the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the rescue of Lot and his family. The cities were incredibly wicked, and God decided to destroy them. However, because of Abraham’s intercession, God allowed Lot and his family to escape before the destruction took place.
Shortly after their escape, Lot and his daughters settled in a cave in the mountains. It is in this context that Lot’s daughters, overcome by fear and a desire to preserve their family line, decided to deceive their father in order to conceive children.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 19:32
“Come, let us make our father drink wine”: Lot’s daughters propose a plan to get their father drunk in order to carry out their deceitful intentions. This highlights their flawed thinking and lack of consideration for the consequences of their actions.
“We will lie with him”: This phrase reveals the daughters’ intention to commit incest with their father, an act that is strictly condemned in the Bible.
“That we may preserve offspring from our father”: The daughters believed that by bearing children from their father, they could keep their family line intact, unaware that God had a greater plan for them.
Lessons From Genesis 19:32
This passage teaches us several important lessons. Firstly, it reminds us of the dangers of desperation and fear. Instead of trusting in God’s providence and having faith that He will fulfill His promises, the daughters of Lot took matters into their own hands. Their actions serve as a warning against attempting to manipulate or deceive our way out of difficult circumstances.
Secondly, this passage highlights the consequences of ignoring God’s moral boundaries. Incest is categorically condemned in the Bible (Leviticus 18:6-18) and is seen as a distortion of God’s original design for family relationships. Lot’s daughters were willing to compromise their integrity and engage in sinful behavior in order to achieve what they perceived as a higher end. This serves as a reminder that we should always remain faithful to God’s commands, even in the face of adversity.
Lastly, this story demonstrates God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring about His purposes despite human failings. Despite the deceptive actions of Lot’s daughters, God would eventually bless the family line through other means, preserving the descendants of Lot.
Biblical Translations of Genesis 19:32
Genesis 19:32 King James Version (KJV)
“Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.”
Genesis 19:32 New American Standard Bible (NASB)
“Come, let us make our father drink wine, and let us lie with him that we may preserve our family through our father.”
Genesis 19:32 English Standard Version (ESV)
“Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.”
Genesis 19:32 New King James Version (NKJV)
“Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve the lineage of our father.”
Genesis 19:32 Revised Standard Version (RSV)
“Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring through our father.”
Final Thoughts
Genesis 19:32 reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s faithfulness and not resorting to desperate or sinful actions in order to achieve our desired outcomes. It serves as a cautionary tale, urging us to rely on God’s promises and follow His moral teachings.
Even when we face difficult circumstances, we can trust that God has a plan and will work things out for our good (Romans 8:28). Let us draw closer to Him, seek His wisdom and guidance, and confidently rest in His provision.