Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the men pull Lot into the house and shut the door in Genesis 19:10?
A: According to Rashi, the 'men' were actually angels sent to save Lot from the wicked people of Sodom. They pulled him inside and shut the door to protect him from the mob outside who wanted to harm his guests (a grave sin in Jewish law). This shows how far the people of Sodom had strayed from basic morality.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 19:10 about hospitality?
A: The verse teaches the importance of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests), a fundamental Jewish value. Lot risked his life to protect his guests, following in Abraham's tradition of hospitality. The Talmud (Shabbat 127a) states that welcoming guests is greater than receiving the Divine Presence.
Q: Why is the detail about shutting the door mentioned in Genesis 19:10?
A: The Midrash explains that shutting the door symbolizes complete protection. Just as the door separated Lot from danger, we learn that when doing a mitzvah (like protecting guests), one should take complete measures to fulfill it properly. The Rambam teaches that saving a life overrides nearly all other considerations.
Q: How does Genesis 19:10 show G-d's mercy?
A: Despite Sodom's wickedness, G-d showed mercy to Lot because of his connection to Abraham. The angels' intervention demonstrates that G-d protects the righteous even in evil environments. This aligns with the Jewish concept that G-d never completely abandons His people, even during difficult times.
Q: What does Genesis 19:10 teach us about standing up for what's right?
A: The verse shows that defending morality sometimes requires bold action. Jewish tradition teaches that one must protest against wrongdoing (based on Leviticus 19:17). Lot, though flawed, stood up for his guests against his neighbors, teaching us the importance of moral courage even when it's unpopular.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 19:10) describes the actions of the malachim (angels) who came to Sodom to rescue Lot before the city's destruction. The men of Sodom had surrounded Lot's house, demanding he hand over his guests, but the angels intervened by pulling Lot inside and shutting the door.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Bereshit 19:10) explains that the phrase "וַיִּשְׁלְחוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים אֶת־יָדָם" ("the men put out their hand") refers to the angels extending their hands miraculously to save Lot. He notes that the angels did this to protect Lot from the mob, demonstrating that they were sent not only to destroy Sodom but also to fulfill the merit of Avraham by saving his nephew.
Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective
In Moreh Nevuchim (2:42), Rambam discusses the nature of angels as divine emissaries carrying out specific missions. Here, their actions—physically pulling Lot inside—demonstrate that angels can interact with the physical world when executing Hashem's will, reinforcing the idea of hashgacha pratit (divine providence) in Lot's rescue.
Halachic and Ethical Lessons