Genesis 13:10 - Lot's choice: beauty or holiness?

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Hebrew Text

וַיִּשָּׂא־לוֹט אֶת־עֵינָיו וַיַּרְא אֶת־כָּל־כִּכַּר הַיַּרְדֵּן כִּי כֻלָּהּ מַשְׁקֶה לִפְנֵי שַׁחֵת יְהוָה אֶת־סְדֹם וְאֶת־עֲמֹרָה כְּגַן־יְהוָה כְּאֶרֶץ מִצְרַיִם בֹּאֲכָה צֹעַר׃

English Translation

And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of the Yarden, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sedom and ῾Amora, like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Miżrayim, as thou comest to Żo῾ar.

Transliteration

Va'yisa Lot et-einav va'yar et-kol-kikar ha'Yarden ki kula mashke lifnei shachet Adonai et-Sdom ve'et-Amora ke'gan-Adonai ke'eretz Mitzrayim bo'acha Tzo'ar.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּשָּׂא־ל֣וֹט אֶת־עֵינָ֗יו וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת־כׇּל־כִּכַּ֣ר הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן כִּ֥י כֻלָּ֖הּ מַשְׁקֶ֑ה לִפְנֵ֣י ׀ שַׁחֵ֣ת יְהֹוָ֗ה אֶת־סְדֹם֙ וְאֶת־עֲמֹרָ֔ה כְּגַן־יְהֹוָה֙ כְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בֹּאֲכָ֖ה צֹֽעַר׃

Parasha Commentary

Lot's Vision of the Jordan Plain

The verse describes Lot lifting his eyes and seeing the entire plain of the Jordan as well-watered, comparing it to the "garden of Hashem" and the land of Egypt. Rashi (Bereshit 13:10) explains that this comparison highlights the fertility and lushness of the region before its destruction. The phrase "כְּגַן־יְהוָה" ("like the garden of Hashem") refers to Gan Eden (the Garden of Eden), emphasizing its unparalleled beauty and abundance.

The Comparison to Egypt

Ramban (Nachmanides, Bereshit 13:10) notes that the comparison to Egypt is significant because Egypt was known for its agricultural prosperity due to the Nile's irrigation. Lot saw the Jordan plain as similarly fertile, making it an attractive place for settlement. However, the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 41:7) warns that this comparison also hints at moral corruption—just as Egypt was steeped in decadence, so too were Sodom and Gomorrah.

Before the Destruction

The phrase "לִפְנֵי שַׁחֵת יְהוָה" ("before Hashem destroyed") suggests that Lot was witnessing the land in its prime, unaware of its impending judgment. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) elaborates that the people of Sodom were wealthy but morally corrupt, leading to their downfall. Their prosperity blinded them to ethical responsibilities, a lesson reinforced by Lot’s initial attraction to the land.

Zoar as a Contrast

The mention of Zoar ("צֹעַר") at the end of the verse is significant. Rashi explains that Zoar was spared destruction due to its relative righteousness compared to Sodom. The Midrash (Pirkei DeRabbi Eliezer 25) adds that Zoar was a smaller city, implying that its inhabitants were less entrenched in the wickedness that defined Sodom.

Moral Lessons from Lot's Choice

Material Wealth vs. Spiritual Integrity: Lot prioritized fertile land over moral environment, leading him to settle near Sodom (Rambam, Hilchot De'ot 6:1).
Divine Judgment: The verse foreshadows the destruction of Sodom, teaching that prosperity without righteousness is fleeting (Talmud, Chullin 89a).
Human Perception: Lot saw only physical beauty, failing to recognize spiritual decay (Sforno, Bereshit 13:10).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lot choose the plain of the Jordan?
A: Lot chose the plain of the Jordan because it appeared lush and well-watered, resembling the fertility of Egypt (Rashi on Genesis 13:10). He prioritized material wealth over spiritual values, which later led to his association with the sinful cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Q: What does 'like the garden of the Lord' mean in this verse?
A: The phrase 'like the garden of the Lord' refers to the Garden of Eden, emphasizing the exceptional fertility and beauty of the Jordan plain before its destruction (Ramban on Genesis 13:10). This comparison highlights how attractive the land appeared to Lot.

Q: Why is the comparison to Egypt mentioned?
A: The Torah compares the Jordan plain to Egypt because both were known for their advanced irrigation systems and agricultural productivity (Rashi on Genesis 13:10). This comparison would have been meaningful to the Israelites who experienced Egypt's fertility firsthand.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Lot's decision?
A: Lot's choice teaches the danger of prioritizing material comfort over spiritual and moral considerations (Midrash Tanchuma). By choosing based on appearances rather than values, Lot placed himself in a morally corrupt environment that would later face destruction.

Q: How was the Jordan plain different before and after the destruction?
A: Before the destruction, the plain was lush and fertile ('well watered everywhere'), but after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, it became barren and inhospitable (Genesis 19:24-25). This transformation serves as a warning about the consequences of widespread corruption.