Genesis 19:36Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

We ought to leave behind a legacy through our good deeds, so that even after we leave this earthly realm, the excellence of our virtuous lives may serve as a reminder and encouragement for those who remember us. Those who maintain virtue and chastity not only hold great value for those who look up to them in this life but continue to benefit others even after their passing. Consider how many centuries have gone by; whenever we aim to inspire someone towards chastity, we point to the virtuous and handsome young Joseph, who, in his prime, demonstrated remarkable steadfastness in safeguarding his purity. This righteous man serves as an example to encourage others to emulate his virtue. Is it not astonishing that this blessed man, despite being enslaved and facing the passions of youth, displayed such bravery and resolutely committed to the challenge of chastity, fleeing from his mistress in a moment of temptation, losing his garments but retaining his purity? Here we witness something remarkable: a lamb ensnared by a lioness escapes unscathed. Much like a dove evading a hawk, the righteous man eludes the grasp of that woman. I am not as amazed by the three youths overcoming the flames of the Babylonian furnace, emerging unharmed, as I am by this righteous man, who encountered an even more fearsome trial—the lasciviousness of an Egyptian woman—yet remained unharmed and retained his chastity. Do not be astonished, dear ones; while he exerted all his strength, he also received assistance from on high, quenching the flames and sending forth the dew of the Holy Spirit within the furnace. Do you see how virtuous individuals, in both this life and the life to come, serve as examples for our edification? Having presented Joseph as a model for all to follow, let us strive to emulate him, rising above sensual temptations, and recognizing that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world” (Eph. 6:12). Let us prepare ourselves accordingly. Imagining that, while clothed in flesh, we must combat unseen forces, we must take up spiritual armaments. While we are enveloped in our physical bodies, we engage in battle against invisible adversaries. The loving God has provided us with unseen weapons through which we can conquer the very nature of our foes. Thus, placing our trust in the power of these spiritual armaments, let us also focus on fulfilling our responsibilities. Then, shielded by this spiritual armor, we can confront the devil directly. He cannot withstand the brilliance that emanates from such a weapon; any effort to resist renders him blind. Abundant grace from the Spirit descends where purity, integrity, and other virtues align; hence Paul instructs us to “follow peace with all men, and holiness” (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14). Therefore, I urge you to cleanse our consciences and thoughts so that, liberated from every unclean notion, we may attract the grace of the Spirit, thwart the schemes of the devil, and attain the joy of everlasting, ineffable blessings which we may all share through the grace and compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom with the Father and the Holy Spirit be glory, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Nonetheless, the conscientiousness of the righteous husband remains innocent of this charge: inebriated by wine, he was oblivious to his actions. It is not surprising that the daughters were similarly deceived, believing that all nations had perished, but Lot had no such excuse, for he had been warned by angels that only this region was destined for destruction. We must be cautious of excessive drinking, as it can lead us into sin. What we avoid while sober may unwittingly ensnare us in moments of drunkenness. Not only does wine inflame carnal desires, but it also clouds the mind, seizing one’s spirit and dulling the senses. Those who indulge in it excessively often lose awareness of what they are saying and act as if they are in a stupor. In instances where guilt has led to wrongdoing, wise judges tend to show mercy toward the actions taken, critiquing only the thoughtlessness of the offenders. Their unsteady demeanor and uncoordinated movements are shameful. Many consider themselves strong; however, can they claim to be stronger than Lot or more disciplined than Noah? Scripture does not aim to highlight the flaws of the patriarchs—who, as recounted, succumbed to intoxication—but rather serves as a warning for us. One lay exposed, while the other was deceived by his daughters. Even the righteous Noah was misled, unaware of the effects of wine; yet we are forewarned, so that we do not remain oblivious. Lot placed his trust in his daughters, and in his age and drunkenness, unwittingly permitted incest; but you should drink so as not to fall into sin. The patriarchs serve as a cautionary reminder, not simply to instruct, but to guide you away from similar pitfalls. This is why the lessons of intoxication are reiterated, to reinforce the call for vigilance.

Faced with such devastation and anticipating their own aging, they sought to ensure the continuation of their family line and find comfort. With this thought process, and not out of a base desire for pleasure, they used wine to impair their father’s awareness, ultimately leading him to father their offspring.

Why did God allow this unlawful act to occur? He anticipated the wickedness that would arise from that generation, as the Moabites worshipped Chemosh and the Ammonites served Moloch. To prevent the Israelites from adopting the immoral practices of these nations as they had done with others, God sought to deter such illicit unions, intending to render them despised and detestable to the Jewish people. This directive was articulated by God through the prophet Moses, who proclaimed: "No Ammonite or Moabite shall enter the assembly of the Lord; even to the tenth generation, none of them shall enter the assembly of the Lord forever" (Deuteronomy 23:3).