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Genesis 19:6 - Lot's dangerous hospitality dilemma

Genesis 19:6 - בראשית 19:6

Hebrew Text

וַיֵּצֵא אֲלֵהֶם לוֹט הַפֶּתְחָה וְהַדֶּלֶת סָגַר אַחֲרָיו׃

English Translation

And Lot went out at the door to them, and shut the door after him,

Transliteration

Vayetze alehem Lot hapetachah vehadelt sagar acharav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֵּצֵ֧א אֲלֵהֶ֛ם ל֖וֹט הַפֶּ֑תְחָה וְהַדֶּ֖לֶת סָגַ֥ר אַחֲרָֽיו׃
וַיֵּצֵ֧א אֲלֵהֶ֛ם ל֖וֹט הַפֶּ֑תְחָה וְהַדֶּ֖לֶת סָגַ֥ר אַחֲרָֽיו׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Lot's Actions at the Door

The verse states: "וַיֵּצֵא אֲלֵהֶם לוֹט הַפֶּתְחָה וְהַדֶּלֶת סָגַר אַחֲרָיו" ("And Lot went out at the door to them, and shut the door after him"). This occurs when the men of Sodom demand that Lot hand over his guests (the angels in disguise). Rashi explains that Lot went outside to speak to the mob, closing the door behind him to protect his guests. This demonstrates his commitment to the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (hospitality), even at great personal risk.

Symbolism of the Closed Door

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 50:5) highlights that Lot's closing of the door signifies his attempt to separate himself from the wickedness of Sodom. By shutting the door, he symbolically distances himself from their corrupt ways, even though he had chosen to live among them. The Ramban adds that this act shows Lot's recognition of the moral boundary between his household and the depravity outside.

Contrast with Avraham's Hospitality

  • Avraham actively ran to greet guests (Bereishit 18:2), whereas Lot merely went out to confront the mob.
  • Avraham's tent was open on all sides to welcome travelers (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayera 1), while Lot's door was closed to keep evil out.

This contrast underscores the difference in their spiritual levels—Avraham proactively sought opportunities for kindness, while Lot reacted defensively.

Halachic Implications of Closing the Door

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) discusses how the people of Sodom had decreed that hospitality was punishable by death. By closing the door, Lot not only protected his guests but also defied the immoral laws of his society. The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 427:8) later derives from this episode the principle that one must resist unjust decrees, even at personal risk, to uphold righteousness.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lot go out to the people of Sodom and close the door behind him?
A: According to Rashi, Lot went out to the people of Sodom to try to reason with them and prevent them from harming his guests (Genesis 19:6-7). He closed the door behind him to protect his guests inside, showing hospitality even at personal risk.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Lot's action of closing the door?
A: The Midrash teaches that Lot's action demonstrates the importance of protecting guests (hachnasat orchim), even in difficult circumstances. Though Lot had flaws, this act showed he retained some virtues learned from Abraham (Genesis Rabbah 50:4).
Q: Why is this verse about Lot important in the Torah?
A: This verse highlights the contrast between Sodom's wickedness and Lot's attempt to do right. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) explains that while Sodom was destroyed for their cruelty, Lot was saved in merit of this act of protecting his guests.