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Genesis 19:34 - Preserving lineage through deception?

Genesis 19:34 - בראשית 19:34

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי מִמָּחֳרָת וַתֹּאמֶר הַבְּכִירָה אֶל־הַצְּעִירָה הֵן־שָׁכַבְתִּי אֶמֶשׁ אֶת־אָבִי נַשְׁקֶנּוּ יַיִן גַּם־הַלַּיְלָה וּבֹאִי שִׁכְבִי עִמּוֹ וּנְחַיֶּה מֵאָבִינוּ זָרַע׃

English Translation

And it came to pass on the morrow, that the firstborn said to the younger, Behold, I lay last night with my father: let us make him drink wine this night also; and go thou in, and lie with him, that we may preserve seed of our father.

Transliteration

Vayihi mimacharat vatomer habechira el-hatze'ira hen-shachavti emesh et-avi nashkenu yayin gam-halayla uvo'i shichvi imo unechaye me'avinu zara.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַֽיְהִי֙ מִֽמׇּחֳרָ֔ת וַתֹּ֤אמֶר הַבְּכִירָה֙ אֶל־הַצְּעִירָ֔ה הֵן־שָׁכַ֥בְתִּי אֶ֖מֶשׁ אֶת־אָבִ֑י נַשְׁקֶ֨נּוּ יַ֜יִן גַּם־הַלַּ֗יְלָה וּבֹ֙אִי֙ שִׁכְבִ֣י עִמּ֔וֹ וּנְחַיֶּ֥ה מֵאָבִ֖ינוּ זָֽרַע׃
וַֽיְהִי֙ מִֽמׇּחֳרָ֔ת וַתֹּ֤אמֶר הַבְּכִירָה֙ אֶל־הַצְּעִירָ֔ה הֵן־שָׁכַ֥בְתִּי אֶ֖מֶשׁ אֶת־אָבִ֑י נַשְׁקֶ֨נּוּ יַ֜יִן גַּם־הַלַּ֗יְלָה וּבֹ֙אִי֙ שִׁכְבִ֣י עִמּ֔וֹ וּנְחַיֶּ֥ה מֵאָבִ֖ינוּ זָֽרַע׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 19:34) describes the actions of Lot's daughters after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Believing they were the only survivors, they sought to perpetuate their father's lineage through unconventional means. The verse raises moral and theological questions, which are addressed by traditional Jewish commentators.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Lot's daughters mistakenly believed the entire world had been destroyed, similar to the generation of the Flood. They reasoned that their actions were necessary to preserve humanity. Rashi notes that their intentions were לשם שמים (for the sake of Heaven), though their method was improper.

Rambam's Perspective

In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah 5:6), Rambam discusses how even well-intentioned actions must align with halachah. While Lot's daughters may have acted out of perceived necessity, their approach violated Torah principles. This serves as a lesson in proper decision-making even under extreme circumstances.

Midrashic Interpretation

The Midrash (Genesis Rabbah 51:8) states that the wine mentioned in the verse was actually from the grapes of Sodom, which were exceptionally intoxicating. This explains how Lot, who was previously righteous, could have been unaware of their actions.

Moral Lessons

  • The importance of proper judgment even in desperate situations
  • The danger of acting based on assumptions rather than verified facts
  • The need to consult halachic authorities before taking drastic measures

Nachmanides' Insight

Nachmanides (Ramban) notes that while the Torah records these events factually, it does not endorse the actions. The resulting nations of Moab and Ammon (descendants of this union) later caused difficulties for Israel, demonstrating that improper means cannot lead to truly positive ends.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is happening in Genesis 19:34?
A: In Genesis 19:34, Lot's older daughter speaks to her younger sister after they had fled Sodom. Fearing they were the only survivors and wanting to preserve their father's lineage, they devised a plan to intoxicate Lot and lie with him to conceive children. This event follows the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Q: Why did Lot's daughters do this?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, Lot's daughters mistakenly believed that the entire world had been destroyed (like in the generation of the Flood) and that they were the only survivors. They felt a responsibility to continue their father's lineage, though their method was improper. The Talmud (Nazir 23a) discusses the complexity of their intentions.
Q: What is the Jewish view on the actions of Lot's daughters?
A: Traditional Jewish sources (like Rashi and Midrash) explain that while their intention to preserve humanity was understandable, their actions were still sinful. The Torah later forbids such relations (Leviticus 18:7). However, some commentaries note that their desperation stemmed from their upbringing in the morally corrupt Sodom.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse?
A: This episode teaches the importance of proper moral conduct even in difficult circumstances. While the daughters thought they were doing a noble act, the ends don't justify forbidden means. The Rambam (Mishneh Torah) emphasizes that we must follow Torah law in all situations, even when our intentions seem good.
Q: How does this story connect to Jewish history?
A: From this union came Moab and Ammon, nations that would later interact with the Jewish people. Ruth the Moabite, ancestor of King David, descended from Moab, showing how even from difficult beginnings, positive outcomes can emerge through repentance and righteous conversion (as discussed in Talmud Yevamot 77b).