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Genesis 19:19 - Mercy saves, yet fear lingers.

Genesis 19:19 - בראשית 19:19

Hebrew Text

הִנֵּה־נָא מָצָא עַבְדְּךָ חֵן בְּעֵינֶיךָ וַתַּגְדֵּל חַסְדְּךָ אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂיתָ עִמָּדִי לְהַחֲיוֹת אֶת־נַפְשִׁי וְאָנֹכִי לֹא אוּכַל לְהִמָּלֵט הָהָרָה פֶּן־תִּדְבָּקַנִי הָרָעָה וָמַתִּי׃

English Translation

behold now, thy servant has found favour in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast shown to me in saving my life; I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me, and I die:

Transliteration

Hine-na matza avdecha chen be'einecha vatagdel chasdecha asher asita imadi lehachayot et-nafshi ve'anochi lo uchal lehimaleit haharah pen tidbakeni hara'ah vamati.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִנֵּה־נָ֠א מָצָ֨א עַבְדְּךָ֣ חֵן֮ בְּעֵינֶ֒יךָ֒ וַתַּגְדֵּ֣ל חַסְדְּךָ֗ אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשִׂ֙יתָ֙ עִמָּדִ֔י לְהַחֲי֖וֹת אֶת־נַפְשִׁ֑י וְאָנֹכִ֗י לֹ֤א אוּכַל֙ לְהִמָּלֵ֣ט הָהָ֔רָה פֶּן־תִּדְבָּקַ֥נִי הָרָעָ֖ה וָמַֽתִּי׃
הִנֵּה־נָ֠א מָצָ֨א עַבְדְּךָ֣ חֵן֮ בְּעֵינֶ֒יךָ֒ וַתַּגְדֵּ֣ל חַסְדְּךָ֗ אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשִׂ֙יתָ֙ עִמָּדִ֔י לְהַחֲי֖וֹת אֶת־נַפְשִׁ֑י וְאָנֹכִ֗י לֹ֤א אוּכַל֙ לְהִמָּלֵ֣ט הָהָ֔רָה פֶּן־תִּדְבָּקַ֥נִי הָרָעָ֖ה וָמַֽתִּי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 19:19) is spoken by Lot to the angel who rescued him from the destruction of Sodom. Lot expresses gratitude for being saved but expresses fear about fleeing to the mountains, as instructed, due to his perceived vulnerability.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Lot acknowledges the kindness (chesed) shown to him by the angels, saving his life. However, he argues that he lacks the strength to flee to the mountains, as the journey would be too difficult for him. Rashi notes that Lot's hesitation reflects his attachment to material comforts, as he later chooses to settle in Zoar instead (Genesis 19:20-22).

Rambam's Perspective on Divine Mercy

Rambam (Maimonides) discusses divine mercy (rachamim) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed), emphasizing that divine kindness is not arbitrary but aligned with divine wisdom. Lot's recognition of mercy (chesed) highlights that his survival was not due to his own merit but rather Hashem's compassion.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Rabbah (Bereishit 51:7): Suggests that Lot's plea reflects his lack of complete trust in Hashem's protection. Despite witnessing miracles, he still fears "lest some evil take me," indicating spiritual weakness.
  • Tanchuma (Vayeira 12): Contrasts Lot's hesitation with Avraham’s unwavering faith. While Avraham followed Hashem’s command without question (Genesis 12:1), Lot negotiates due to his attachment to worldly security.

Halachic Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 108a) discusses Lot’s rescue in the context of divine justice, noting that he was spared only in the merit of Avraham (Genesis 19:29). This reinforces the principle of zechut avot (merit of the fathers) and the importance of righteous ancestors.

Spiritual Lessons

  • Gratitude vs. Self-Reliance: Lot acknowledges divine mercy but fails to fully trust in Hashem’s plan, preferring the perceived safety of a small city (Zoar) over complete obedience.
  • Attachment to Materialism: His reluctance to flee to the mountains reflects his prioritization of comfort over spiritual growth, a cautionary lesson for avoiding worldly distractions.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Lot mean when he says 'I cannot escape to the mountain' in Genesis 19:19?
A: Lot expresses fear that he won't survive if he has to flee to the mountains, as the destruction of Sodom is imminent. Rashi explains that Lot felt physically weak and doubted his ability to reach safety in the mountainous terrain, preferring instead the nearby city of Zoar (which was later spared).
Q: Why does Lot say 'thy servant has found favour in thy sight' in Genesis 19:19?
A: Lot acknowledges that the angels showed him extraordinary kindness by saving him from Sodom's destruction. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 50:11) notes that this was due to Abraham's merit, as Lot was spared for Abraham's sake despite living among the wicked people of Sodom.
Q: What is the significance of Lot saying 'lest some evil take me' in Genesis 19:19?
A: Lot feared that if he had to flee to the mountains, he might encounter dangers like wild animals or the aftershocks of Sodom's destruction. Ramban explains that this shows Lot's lack of complete trust in Hashem's protection, despite being saved miraculously from Sodom.
Q: How does Lot's request in Genesis 19:19 relate to Jewish concepts of gratitude?
A: Lot begins by expressing gratitude ('found favour in thy sight') before making his request to go to Zoar instead of the mountains. This follows the Jewish principle of hakarat hatov (recognizing kindness), as taught in the Talmud (Berachot 7b) - one should always acknowledge good done for them before asking for further help.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Lot's hesitation in Genesis 19:19?
A: The verse teaches about the danger of spiritual compromise. Though saved from Sodom, Lot still clings to city life (Zoar) rather than fully separating from evil. As the Sforno notes, this hesitation ultimately led to his later troubles, teaching us the importance of complete separation from negative influences when necessary.