“The two angels came to S’dom that evening, when Lot was sitting at the gate of S’dom. Lot saw them, got up to greet them and prostrated himself on the ground. He said, “Here now, my lords, please come over to your servant’s house. Spend the night, wash your feet, get up early, and go on your way.” “No,” they answered, “we’ll stay in the square.” But he kept pressing them; so they went home with him; and he made them a meal, baking unleavened bread for their supper, which they ate.”–Genesis 19:1-3
I would like to share two important points about the above verses that will enhance our understanding of the Scriptural terrain we will be traversing through as we travel ever deeper into the world of the Torah.
POINT ONE: Concerning the area where Lot was sitting when the angels came to him, many Canaanite cities had what was the equivalent of a large chamber at the gateway.
It was in this large public square that the townsfolk gathered to gossip and conduct business.
Even judicial trials were held in this square.
Since the business or trial was being conducted in a public area, this ensured there would be witnesses present which was a reassuring factor for all parties involved.
We will see many significant events take place at the town gate of various Canaanite towns such as Abraham negotiating to buy the Cave of Machpelah as a tomb for his wife or Boaz bargaining for the purchase of land on behalf of Ruth and the widowed Naomi.
POINT TWO: Depending on the translation, verse 3 says that Lot baked some “flat bread” or “unleavened bread“.
The Hebrew word used is MATZAH.
In other words, bread without yeast was usually prepared when something to eat had to be hastily whipped up.
It indicates a rushed situation.
Again, I know I’m being repetitive but it is very important that you understand that the Bible unfolds in patterns.
Here we have one important pattern established that will repeat itself.
Lot is making matzah in what will quickly become a tense and rushed situation and he and his family will soon have to make a speedy departure.
In the Book of Exodus, we will see a similar pattern unfold, when God will instruct the Israelites to make a final meal of matzah before having to make a quick departure from Egypt.
It’s all about the patterns folks.
Did Lot have 4 daughters or 2?
As far as the record goes, Lot had two daughters named Moab and Ben-Ammi.
Interestingly, Ben-Ammi was the name of the cafe I visited often during my stay in Jerusalem.
I thought Moab and Ben-Ammi were Lot’s grandchildren. (19:37-38) Or did they share the same names as their mothers?
Ben-Ami and Moah are Lots sons that his daughters had by him