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Genesis 19:16 - Divine mercy rescues reluctant Lot

Genesis 19:16 - בראשית 19:16

Hebrew Text

וַיִּתְמַהְמָהּ וַיַּחֲזִקוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים בְּיָדוֹ וּבְיַד־אִשְׁתּוֹ וּבְיַד שְׁתֵּי בְנֹתָיו בְּחֶמְלַת יְהוָה עָלָיו וַיֹּצִאֻהוּ וַיַּנִּחֻהוּ מִחוּץ לָעִיר׃

English Translation

And while he lingered, the men laid hold upon his hand, and upon the hand of his wife, and upon the hand of his two daughters; the Lord being merciful to him: and they brought him out, and set him outside the city.

Transliteration

Vayitmahmah vayachaziku ha'anashim b'yado uv'yad-ishto uv'yad shtei b'notav b'chemlat Adonai alav vayotzi'uhu vayani'hu michutz la'ir.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיִּתְמַהְמָ֓הּ <b>׀</b> וַיַּחֲזִ֨יקוּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֜ים בְּיָד֣וֹ וּבְיַד־אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ וּבְיַד֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י בְנֹתָ֔יו בְּחֶמְלַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה עָלָ֑יו וַיֹּצִאֻ֥הוּ וַיַּנִּחֻ֖הוּ מִח֥וּץ לָעִֽיר׃
וַֽיִּתְמַהְמָ֓הּ ׀ וַיַּחֲזִ֨יקוּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֜ים בְּיָד֣וֹ וּבְיַד־אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ וּבְיַד֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י בְנֹתָ֔יו בְּחֶמְלַ֥ת יְהֹוָ֖ה עָלָ֑יו וַיֹּצִאֻ֥הוּ וַיַּנִּחֻ֖הוּ מִח֥וּץ לָעִֽיר׃

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Parasha Commentary

Understanding Lot's Hesitation

The verse states, "And while he lingered (וַיִּתְמַהְמָהּ)", indicating Lot's reluctance to leave Sodom despite the imminent destruction. Rashi (Bereshit 19:16) explains that Lot hesitated because he was attached to his wealth and possessions, which he was unwilling to abandon. This hesitation reflects the spiritual danger of materialism, as Lot prioritized his property over his own safety and spiritual well-being.

The Mercy of Hashem

The phrase "the Lord being merciful to him (בְּחֶמְלַת יְהוָה עָלָיו)" highlights divine compassion. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 50:8) teaches that this mercy was extended to Lot in the merit of Avraham Avinu, as Lot had initially accompanied Avraham on his journey (Bereshit 12:4). Additionally, the Ramban (Bereshit 19:16) notes that Hashem's mercy was evident in the angels physically removing Lot and his family, ensuring their survival despite Lot's hesitation.

The Role of the Angels

The verse describes how the angels "laid hold upon his hand" and those of his family. The Talmud (Pesachim 54a) explains that the angels acted with urgency because the decree of destruction was already in motion. The Malbim (Bereshit 19:16) adds that Lot's delay endangered his entire family, necessitating forceful intervention. This teaches the importance of heeding divine warnings without delay.

Lessons in Divine Justice and Mercy

  • Attachment to Material Wealth: Lot's hesitation serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of valuing possessions over spiritual survival (Sforno, Bereshit 19:16).
  • Intercession of the Righteous: Lot was saved in the merit of Avraham, illustrating the concept of zechut avot (merit of the fathers) (Rashi, Bereshit 19:29).
  • Divine Compassion: Even when humans falter, Hashem's mercy can manifest through unexpected means, as seen in the angels' actions (Rambam, Hilchot Teshuva 3:5).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lot hesitate (וַיִּתְמַהְמָהּ) when the angels told him to leave Sodom?
A: Rashi explains that Lot hesitated because he was reluctant to leave his wealth and property behind in Sodom. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 50:11) adds that he also doubted whether the destruction was truly imminent, showing a lack of complete trust in Hashem's warning.
Q: What does 'in Hashem's mercy' (בְּחֶמְלַת יְהוָה) mean in this verse?
A: The phrase teaches that Lot was saved only due to Hashem's kindness, not because he deserved it. Ramban notes that Lot had assimilated into Sodom's wicked society, but Hashem showed mercy because of Avraham's merit (as hinted in Genesis 19:29). The angels had to physically remove him, showing he wouldn't have left on his own.
Q: Why did the angels take Lot's family by the hand?
A: The Talmud (Pesachim 54a) learns from here that when saving lives, we must act decisively. Since Lot delayed, the angels had to forcefully lead him and his family out. This demonstrates how Hashem sometimes intervenes forcefully to save people even when they resist doing what's right for themselves.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Lot being placed outside the city?
A: The Sforno explains that being placed outside the city symbolizes complete separation from evil. Just as Lot needed physical removal from Sodom to break its influence, we must sometimes make clean breaks from negative environments. The verse shows that true rescue sometimes requires being taken away from familiar places.
Q: Why does the Torah mention Lot's wife and daughters being led out?
A: Rashi points out that the verse emphasizes the entire family being saved to show that Hashem's mercy extends to saving entire households when there is merit (in this case, Avraham's). However, the Torah later shows that while they were physically removed, not all were spiritually saved (as seen with Lot's wife looking back).