Lot – Nephew of Abram

Some people simply drift through life. Their choices, when they can muster the will to choose, tend to follow the course of least resistance. Lot, Abram’s nephew, was such a person.

While still young, Lot lost his father. Although this must have been hard on him, he was not left without strong role models in his grandfather Terah and his uncle Abram, who raised him. Still, Lot did not develop their sense of purpose. Throughout his life, he was so caught up in the present moment that he seemed incapable of seeing the consequences of his actions. It is hard to imagine what his life would have been like without Abram’s careful attention and God’s intervention.

By the time Lot drifted out of the picture, his life had taken an ugly turn. He had so blended into the sinful culture of his day that he did not want to leave it. Then his daughters committed incest with him. His drifting finally took him in a very specific direction – destruction.

Lot, however, is called “righteous” in the New Testament (2 Peter 2:7,8). Ruth, a descendant of Moab, was an ancestor of Jesus, even though Moab was born as a result of Lot’s incestuous relationship with one of his daughters. Lot’s story gives hope to us that God forgives and often brings about positive circumstances from evil.

What is the direction of your life? Are you headed toward God or away from him? If you’re a drifter, the choice for God may seem difficult, but it is the one choice that outs all other choices in a different light.

Strengths and Accomplishments

• He was a successful businessman
• Peter calls him a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7,8)

Weakness and Mistakes of Lot

• When faced with decisions, he tended to put off deciding, then chose the easiest course of action
• When given a choice, his first reaction was to think of himself

Lesson from His Life

• God wants us to do more than drift through life; he wants us to be an influence for him

Vital Statistics for Lot

• Where: Lived first in Ur of the Chaldeans, then moved to Canaan with Abram. Eventually, he moved to the wicked city of Sodom
• Occupation: Wealthy sheep and cattle rancher; also a city official
• Relatives: Father: Haran. Adopted by Abram when his father died. The name of his wife, who turned into a pillar of salt, is not mentioned

Key Verse for Lot

“When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters and led them to safety out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them” (Genesis 19:16).

Lot’s story is told in Genesis 11-14; 19. He is also mentioned in Deuteronomy 2:9, Luke 17:28-32; 2 Peter 2:7,8.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Lot, and what is his significance in the Bible? Lot was the nephew of Abraham, who plays a significant role in the Book of Genesis. He is known for his association with Abraham, his journey to the land of Canaan, and his eventual escape from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.

What is the story of Lot in Sodom and Gomorrah? The story of Lot in Sodom and Gomorrah is found in Genesis chapters 18 and 19. Lot settled in Sodom, a city known for its wickedness, and lived there with his family. When God decided to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah due to their extreme sinfulness, Lot was warned by angels to flee the city with his family. However, his wife disobeyed and looked back, turning into a pillar of salt, while Lot and his daughters escaped to a cave.

What lessons can we learn from Lot’s choices and experiences? Lot’s story teaches lessons about the consequences of worldly associations, the importance of righteousness in the face of temptation, and the mercy of God in rescuing the righteous from judgment. It also serves as a warning against the dangers of compromising one’s faith and values for the sake of material gain or societal acceptance.

How does Lot’s story relate to contemporary issues or personal struggles? Lot’s story resonates with contemporary issues such as moral compromise, the consequences of living in morally corrupt environments, and the challenges of maintaining one’s faith in a secular world. It encourages readers to prioritize spiritual values over worldly comforts and to trust in God’s guidance even in difficult circumstances.

What is Lot’s legacy in the Bible, and how is he remembered? Lot’s legacy in the Bible is complex. While he made choices that led him into compromising situations, such as settling in Sodom, he is also described as a righteous man (2 Peter 2:7-8). Despite his flaws, Lot’s story highlights God’s faithfulness in delivering the righteous and serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and repentance in the face of trials.

Click here to print or download the Bible character study “Lot – Nephew of Abram“