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Genesis 13:12 - Lot's fateful Sedom choice

Genesis 13:12 - בראשית 13:12

Hebrew Text

אַבְרָם יָשַׁב בְּאֶרֶץ־כְּנָעַן וְלוֹט יָשַׁב בְּעָרֵי הַכִּכָּר וַיֶּאֱהַל עַד־סְדֹם׃

English Translation

Avram dwelt in the land of Kena῾an, and Lot dwelt in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sedom.

Transliteration

Avram yashav be'eretz Kna'an v'Lot yashav b'arei hakikar vaye'ehal ad-Sdom.

Hebrew Leining Text

אַבְרָ֖ם יָשַׁ֣ב בְּאֶֽרֶץ־כְּנָ֑עַן וְל֗וֹט יָשַׁב֙ בְּעָרֵ֣י הַכִּכָּ֔ר וַיֶּאֱהַ֖ל עַד־סְדֹֽם׃
אַבְרָ֖ם יָשַׁ֣ב בְּאֶֽרֶץ־כְּנָ֑עַן וְל֗וֹט יָשַׁב֙ בְּעָרֵ֣י הַכִּכָּ֔ר וַיֶּאֱהַ֖ל עַד־סְדֹֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Avram's Dwelling in Eretz Kena'an

Rashi (Bereshit 13:12) explains that Avram remained steadfast in Eretz Kena'an, the land promised to him by Hashem, despite its challenges. This demonstrates his unwavering faith and commitment to divine providence. The Ramban (Bereshit 13:12) adds that Avram's choice to dwell in the land, even before it was formally given to his descendants, reflects his deep understanding of its future sanctity.

Lot's Choice to Dwell Near Sedom

The verse contrasts Avram's choice with Lot's decision to dwell near Sedom. Rashi notes that Lot "pitched his tent toward Sedom," indicating his gradual spiritual decline. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 41:7) explains that Lot was drawn to Sedom's material wealth and comfort, despite its reputation for wickedness (as later described in Bereshit 13:13). This foreshadows the moral dangers he would face.

The Spiritual Significance of Their Choices

  • Avram's Separation: The Sforno (Bereshit 13:12) highlights that Avram deliberately distanced himself from Lot after their dispute (Bereshit 13:8-9), recognizing that Lot's values were no longer aligned with his own. This separation was necessary to preserve Avram's spiritual integrity.
  • Lot's Downfall: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109a) discusses how Lot's proximity to Sedom led to his eventual assimilation into its corrupt society, culminating in his capture during the war of the kings (Bereshit 14:12) and the later destruction of Sedom.

Lessons in Choosing a Dwelling Place

The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 13:12) emphasizes that one's physical surroundings influence spiritual growth. Avram's choice of Eretz Kena'an, a land conducive to holiness, contrasts with Lot's attraction to Sedom's materialism. This teaches the importance of selecting a community and environment that align with Torah values.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lot choose to live near Sodom?
A: Lot chose to live near Sodom because he was attracted to the wealth and fertile land of the area (Genesis 13:10). Rashi explains that Lot separated from Avram and moved toward Sodom despite knowing its wickedness, showing his misplaced priorities.
Q: What is the significance of Avram staying in Canaan while Lot moved away?
A: Avram remained in Canaan because it was the land Hashem promised to him and his descendants (Genesis 12:7). Lot's move toward Sodom symbolizes distancing himself from Avram's spiritual path. The Ramban teaches that this separation was necessary to keep Avram's household pure.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Lot pitching his tent toward Sodom?
A: The Midrash teaches that Lot's gradual approach to Sodom (first near it, then inside it) shows how people can be drawn to negative influences step by step. This teaches us to be careful about our environment and associations, as they shape our character.
Q: Why does the Torah mention where Avram and Lot lived?
A: The contrast between Avram in Canaan and Lot near Sodom highlights their different spiritual paths. Rashi explains this sets the stage for later events (like Sodom's destruction) and shows the consequences of their choices. The Torah emphasizes location because environment impacts spiritual growth.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish values today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of choosing a spiritually healthy environment. The Talmud (Kiddushin 39b) says 'a person should always live in a place of Torah,' echoing Avram's choice of Canaan over Sodom. Where we live influences our ability to grow in mitzvot and righteousness.