Genesis 19:38Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In that early time of humanity, there was a profound desire to ensure their legacies would endure through their lineage, prompting the righteous daughters to invest great care in this matter. However, now that faith has been elevated by God’s grace, and as the Apostle Paul expressed, "the fashion of this world passeth away" (1 Cor. 7:31), we must create a lasting legacy for ourselves through our good deeds. Such actions will serve as reminders and encouragement for those who reflect on our lives after we depart from this world, allowing our virtuous existence to shine forth.

Those who embody virtue and maintain chastity not only contribute positively during their earthly lives but also leave a lasting impact beyond their time. We can see the validity of this through the passage of centuries. Whenever we wish to inspire someone toward chastity, we often highlight the example of the handsome and young Joseph. Even in the bloom of youth, he demonstrated remarkable steadfastness in upholding his chastity, motivating others to emulate his virtuous example.

Is it not astounding to consider this blessed man, who was enslaved and at the peak of his youth—when desires are most fierce—and yet remained courageous as he faced an ardent pursuit by his mistress? He resolved to flee from her temptation, losing his garment but preserving his purity. Here, we witness something remarkable: like a lamb ensnared by a wolf, or a dove escaping from a hawk, this righteous man eluded the clutches of that woman.

While I find it less surprising that the three youths triumphed over the flames of the Babylonian furnace, their bodies unharmed, it is indeed extraordinary that this righteous man, confronted by an indecency more perilous than Babylon’s fire, emerged unscathed, retaining his chastity. Let us not be astonished, beloved; he drew upon all his strength, but he also received divine assistance from above, which quelled the fiery trials and provided him with refreshment from the Holy Spirit amid those temptations.

Consider how examples of virtuous individuals guide us both during their lives and after they have departed. We have now 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). We must prepare ourselves accordingly. Aware that, while we inhabit physical bodies, our struggle is with unseen forces, the loving God has supplied us with spiritual armor to prevail against our adversaries.

With confidence in the strength of this armor, we must also engage in those actions essential to our readiness. Thus, equipped with this divine protection, we can confront the devil directly. He cannot withstand the brilliance of such weaponry, and even if he attempts to counter it, he is rendered blind by its light. The grace of the Spirit abundantly descends where chastity, integrity, and other virtues converge; hence, Paul admonishes us to "pursue peace with all men, and holiness" (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14).

Therefore, I encourage you to cleanse your consciences and thoughts, allowing purity to draw upon us the grace of the Spirit. This will enable us to triumph over the cunning of the devil and attain the enjoyment of eternal, ineffable blessings. May we all experience these blessings through the grace and mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory, alongside the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

However, Lot received divine warning from angels that only his region would face doom, leaving him without excuse. This serves as a clear reminder to avoid drunkenness, which can lead to immoral conduct and cloud our judgment. When sober, individuals are cautious about their actions, yet in a state of intoxication, they may act carelessly without realization. Excessive drinking not only stirs desires and passions but can also diminish rational thought, overwhelming the mind. Those who partake too heavily lose control over their words and actions, raising the stakes for potential wrongdoing. While judges may treat such lapses with leniency due to circumstances, it highlights the folly of excessive indulgence, as even revered figures like Lot and Noah fell victim to intoxication. Scripture does not merely pinpoint the flaws of these patriarchs, but rather serves as a cautionary tale. One lay exposed, while the other unwittingly allowed his daughters to deceive him. Even the righteous Noah was caught off guard by the effects of wine, providing a lesson for future generations to heed.

Lot, trusting his daughters and relaxed by age and drink, unwittingly permitted incest. But you have been warned to drink wisely, lest you fall into sin. The examples of these patriarchs serve not only as a teaching tool but also as a caution against carelessness. The repetition of these intoxication narratives emphasizes the importance of vigilance in one's conduct.

Faced with such desolation and recognizing the frailty of old age, they sought to ensure the continuance of their lineage and provide solace for themselves. With this in mind, and without lustful motives, they utilized the wine to impair their father’s awareness, leading him to unknowingly father children.

Why did God not intervene to prevent incestuous acts? He foresaw the wickedness of that generation, as the Moabites worshipped Chemosh and the Ammonites Moloch. To prevent the Israelites from adopting the immoral practices of these peoples, as they had with other related nations, God discouraged such unions, intending to render them detestable to the Jews. This intention was communicated by the Almighty through Moses, who commanded, "No Ammonite or Moabite shall enter the assembly of the Lord, even to the tenth generation" (Deuteronomy 23:3).