Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Lot's daughters have children with their father?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 51:8), 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 thought it was their responsibility to repopulate the world, so they made their father drunk to continue the human race. However, their actions were misguided, as the world had not been completely destroyed.
Q: What can we learn from the story of Lot's daughters?
A: The Talmud (Nazir 23a) discusses this episode to teach that sometimes people perform wrong actions with good intentions. While Lot's daughters thought they were doing the right thing, their method was improper. This teaches us the importance of seeking proper guidance (like from Torah scholars) before making major decisions, especially in confusing situations.
Q: Who were the descendants of Lot's daughters?
A: The Torah (Genesis 19:37-38) tells us that the older daughter gave birth to Moav (ancestor of the Moabites) and the younger daughter gave birth to Ben-Ami (ancestor of the Ammonites). These nations would later interact with the Jewish people, with Ruth the Moabite becoming the ancestor of King David (as explained in Megillat Ruth).
Q: Why does the Torah include this difficult story?
A: The Rambam (Guide for the Perplexed 3:50) explains that the Torah includes such stories to teach us moral lessons and show human nature. This story demonstrates how even well-intentioned people can make serious mistakes when they act without proper knowledge. It also explains the origins of nations that would later be significant in Jewish history.
Q: How does Jewish tradition view Lot's daughters' actions?
A: While their intentions may have been to preserve humanity, the Talmud and commentators view their actions as improper. The Torah prohibits such relations (Leviticus 18:6-18), showing that even in extreme situations, certain boundaries must not be crossed. The story serves as a cautionary tale about proper conduct even in difficult circumstances.
Context and Background
The verse (Bereshit 19:36) describes the aftermath of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, where Lot's daughters, believing they were the last survivors on earth, made their father intoxicated and conceived children with him. This event led to the birth of Moav and Ben-Ami, ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Bereshit 19:32) explains that Lot's daughters mistakenly believed the entire world had been destroyed, similar to the generation of the Flood. They acted out of a perceived necessity to repopulate humanity, though their understanding was flawed. Rashi notes that their intentions were לשם מצוה ("for the sake of a mitzvah"), albeit misguided.
Midrashic Perspectives
Halachic and Ethical Considerations
The Rambam (Hilchot Issurei Biah 1:7) cites this incident as a biblical source for the prohibition of incestuous relationships, underscoring that even in extreme circumstances, such unions are forbidden. The daughters' error was in assuming the ends justify the means, disregarding Torah law.
Moral Lessons
This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of moral relativism and acting based on personal reasoning without proper Torah guidance. The daughters' tragic miscalculation highlights the importance of seeking halachic clarity, especially in moments of crisis.