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Genesis 19:30 - Lot's fearful mountain retreat

Genesis 19:30 - בראשית 19:30

Hebrew Text

וַיַּעַל לוֹט מִצּוֹעַר וַיֵּשֶׁב בָּהָר וּשְׁתֵּי בְנֹתָיו עִמּוֹ כִּי יָרֵא לָשֶׁבֶת בְּצוֹעַר וַיֵּשֶׁב בַּמְּעָרָה הוּא וּשְׁתֵּי בְנֹתָיו׃

English Translation

And Lot went up out of Żo῾ar, and dwelt in the mountain, and his two daughters with him; for he feared to dwell in Żo῾ar: and he dwelt in a cave, he and his two daughters.

Transliteration

Va'ya'al Lot miTzo'ar va'yeshev ba'har ush'tei v'notav imo ki yare lashevet b'Tzo'ar va'yeshev ba'me'ara hu ush'tei v'notav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּ֩עַל֩ ל֨וֹט מִצּ֜וֹעַר וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב בָּהָ֗ר וּשְׁתֵּ֤י בְנֹתָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ כִּ֥י יָרֵ֖א לָשֶׁ֣בֶת בְּצ֑וֹעַר וַיֵּ֙שֶׁב֙ בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה ה֖וּא וּשְׁתֵּ֥י בְנֹתָֽיו׃
וַיַּ֩עַל֩ ל֨וֹט מִצּ֜וֹעַר וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב בָּהָ֗ר וּשְׁתֵּ֤י בְנֹתָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ כִּ֥י יָרֵ֖א לָשֶׁ֣בֶת בְּצ֑וֹעַר וַיֵּ֙שֶׁב֙ בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה ה֖וּא וּשְׁתֵּ֥י בְנֹתָֽיו׃

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Parasha Commentary

Lot's Departure from Tzo'ar

The verse states that Lot "went up out of Tzo'ar" (וַיַּעַל לוֹט מִצּוֹעַר). Rashi explains that Lot initially sought refuge in Tzo'ar after fleeing Sodom, as it was a small city spared from destruction (Bereishit 19:20-22). However, he later left because he feared remaining there—either due to its proximity to the destroyed cities or because its inhabitants were also sinful, making it an unfit place to raise his daughters (Rashi on Bereishit 19:30).

Fear and Isolation in the Mountain

The phrase "כִּי יָרֵא לָשֶׁבֶת בְּצוֹעַר" ("for he feared to dwell in Tzo'ar") suggests that Lot recognized the spiritual danger of staying there. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 51:8) elaborates that Lot, despite his flaws, retained some righteousness and thus distanced himself from further corruption. His choice to dwell in a cave (הַמְּעָרָה) reflects a desire for isolation, but also hints at his diminished status—once a wealthy resident of Sodom, now reduced to living in a cave (Ramban on Bereishit 19:30).

The Role of Lot's Daughters

The repeated mention of "וּשְׁתֵּי בְנֹתָיו" ("and his two daughters") emphasizes their presence in this precarious situation. The Talmud (Nazir 23a) discusses the moral complexities of their later actions, contextualizing them as misguided attempts to preserve humanity. However, here, their inclusion highlights Lot's responsibility as a father—his fear for their safety and morality drove him to seek seclusion (Sforno on Bereishit 19:30).

Symbolism of the Cave

The cave (מְּעָרָה) carries symbolic weight in Jewish thought. The Zohar (Bereishit 108a) associates caves with hiddenness and spiritual introspection. Lot's retreat there may signify a withdrawal from society, but also a missed opportunity for repentance—unlike Avraham, who actively sought divine connection, Lot remained passive (Kli Yakar on Bereishit 19:30).

  • Geographical Note: The mountain (הָהָר) is traditionally identified as the same region where Avraham later bound Yitzchak (Har HaMoriah), adding irony to Lot's choice of dwelling (Pirkei D'Rabbi Eliezer 25).
  • Moral Lesson: The episode underscores the dangers of lingering near sin, even after narrow salvation (Meshech Chochmah on Bereishit 19:30).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Lot leave Zoar and go to the mountains?
A: Lot left Zoar because he was afraid to stay there after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Torah states 'כי ירא לשבת בצוער'—'for he feared to dwell in Zoar' (Genesis 19:30). Rashi explains that Lot was concerned Zoar might also be destroyed due to its proximity to Sodom, despite initially being spared.
Q: Why did Lot and his daughters live in a cave?
A: After leaving Zoar, Lot and his daughters settled in a cave in the mountains because they sought shelter and safety. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 51:8) suggests that Lot was humbled by the destruction of Sodom and chose a simple, isolated life in the cave, away from civilization.
Q: What is the significance of Lot's daughters being mentioned twice in this verse?
A: The Torah mentions Lot's daughters twice ('ושתי בנותיו עמו' and 'הוא ושתי בנותיו') to emphasize their presence with him in both locations—first when leaving Zoar and then when dwelling in the cave. The repetition highlights their role in the upcoming narrative (Genesis 19:31-38) and their isolation with Lot in the aftermath of Sodom's destruction.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Lot's decision to leave Zoar?
A: Lot's fear of staying in Zoar teaches the importance of distancing oneself from sinful environments, even if they seem temporarily safe. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 6:1) teaches that a person should avoid negative influences, and Lot's story reinforces this principle—he left Zoar to separate from any remnant of Sodom's corruption.
Q: How does this verse connect to the broader story of Lot?
A: This verse marks a turning point in Lot's story—his descent into isolation and the tragic events that follow with his daughters (Genesis 19:31-38). The Talmud (Nazir 23a) discusses the complexity of Lot's choices, showing how his earlier association with Sodom (Genesis 13:12) ultimately led to his downfall, despite being saved from destruction.