Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Ben-Ammi in Genesis 19:38?
A: Ben-Ammi was the son born to Lot's younger daughter after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. According to Rashi, his name means 'son of my people,' indicating his close familial ties. He became the ancestor of the Ammonite nation, as the verse states: 'he is the father of the children of Ammon to this day.'
Q: Why did Lot's daughters name their sons Moab and Ben-Ammi?
A: The Torah (Genesis 19:30-38) explains that Lot's daughters believed they were the last survivors after Sodom's destruction and sought to preserve their father's lineage. The elder daughter named her son Moab ('from the father'), and the younger named hers Ben-Ammi ('son of my people'). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 51:8) discusses their intentions, though their actions were improper according to Jewish law.
Q: What is the significance of the Ammonites in the Torah?
A: The Ammonites, descendants of Ben-Ammi, became a neighboring nation to Israel. The Torah (Deuteronomy 23:4) later forbids Ammonites and Moabites from marrying into the Jewish people due to their lack of hospitality to the Israelites during the Exodus. However, Rambam (Hilchos Issurei Biah 12:25) notes that this prohibition applies only to males of these nations.
Q: How does Genesis 19:38 connect to later Jewish history?
A: This verse establishes the origins of the Ammonite nation, who frequently interacted with the Jewish people. King David's mother was a convert from Ammon (see Rashi on II Samuel 17:25), showing that individuals from Ammon could join the Jewish people through proper conversion. The Talmud (Yevamot 76b) discusses the status of Ammonite converts.
Q: Why does the Torah mention 'to this day' in Genesis 19:38?
A: The phrase 'to this day' indicates that the Ammonite nation still existed when the Torah was given. Rashi explains that such phrases demonstrate the Torah's truthfulness by referencing facts known to the generation receiving it. The Ramban adds that this also shows Divine foreknowledge of future events.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Genesis 19:38) describes the origins of the Ammonite nation, born from the younger daughter of Lot. This follows the narrative of Lot's escape from Sodom and the subsequent events where his daughters, believing they were the last survivors on earth, bore children through their father. The younger daughter names her son Ben-Ammi, meaning "son of my people," signifying his connection to their lineage.
Interpretation of the Name "Ben-Ammi"
Rashi explains that the name Ben-Ammi reflects the daughter's declaration that this child was born from "her own people" (i.e., her father Lot). The name later becomes the origin of the Ammonite nation (Bnei Ammon). The phrase "he is the father of the children of Ammon to this day" indicates that this lineage persisted into later generations.
Connection to Ammonite Identity
According to the Talmud (Berachot 28b), the Ammonites were later distinguished from the Moabites (descendants of Lot's older daughter) in halachic discussions, particularly regarding their status in relation to the Jewish people (see Deuteronomy 23:4). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 51:8) notes that despite their questionable origins, Hashem allowed their nations to form, as they would eventually produce righteous converts (e.g., Ruth the Moabite).
Moral and Historical Implications