Genesis 19:30Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The just individual, filled with profound dread due to the impending destruction faced by the people of Sodom, withdrew and took refuge 'in the mountain,' as it is written, along with his daughters. In this way, he found himself in complete desolation and isolation, living solely with his two daughters on the mountain.

Fearful of remaining in the abandoned city, Lot's daughters urged their father to escape to the mountains.

A question arises: why did Lot initially choose Segor over the mountains for refuge and request that it be spared for his residence (Gen. 19:18-22), only to later retreat to the mountains? The explanation from Jewish tradition regarding Segor provides clarity; the city was originally known as Bela and later as Salisa, due to its frequent destruction from earthquakes. Lot was overtaken by fear and reasoned, ‘If this city has repeatedly faced ruin while the others have survived, how can he expect mercy now, given the impending widespread devastation?’ The Jewish understanding suggests that this dire situation prompted him to take his daughters with him.

The account of Lot's descendants serves two main functions: to clarify the final conclusion of the previous account, emphasizing that Lot was spared for Abraham's benefit, and to provide the Israelites with an understanding of the origins of the Moabites (Genesis 19:37) and Ammonites (Genesis 19:38). Lot hesitated to remain in Tzoar, possibly feeling apprehensive due to the nearby destruction of Sodom and the immoral practices of Tzoar's inhabitants. However, since God had already assured him of the city's safety (Genesis 19:21), his departure was an expression of doubt, leading to further confusion. He settled in a cave, a form of accommodation that, while driven by necessity, was not uncommon in the regions surrounding Judea (Hab. 1:3).