Behold now, I haue two daughters, which haue not knowen man; let mee, I pray you, bring them out vnto you, and doe ye to them, as is good in your eyes: onely vnto these men do nothing: for therefore came they vnder the shadow of my roofe. Genesis 19:8 (KJV)
This verse is part of the narrative of the account of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Let us delve into the context and explore the meaning of this verse in its biblical setting.
The story of Sodom and Gomorrah begins in Genesis 18 when three visitors, later revealed to be angels, come to Abraham and announce the impending judgment on the cities because of their great wickedness. Abraham intercedes, pleading with God that the cities be spared if even ten righteous people are found there. In Genesis 19 the two angels arrive in Sodom and are welcomed by Lot, Abraham’s nephew, who lives in the city.
The men of Sodom surround Lot’s house and demand that the visitors be brought out so that they may engage in sexual acts with them. Lot, being aware of the wickedness of the crowd, offers his two daughters to the men in an attempt to protect the angels. He says, “Behold now, I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out unto you, and do ye to them as is good in your eyes.”
It is crucial to understand the cultural context of hospitality in the ancient Near East. Hospitality was highly valued, and it was considered a grave offense to mistreat or harm guests who were under one’s roof. Lot’s offer, although perplexing to modern readers, can be seen as an extreme act of protecting the sanctity of hospitality, even at great personal cost.
Nevertheless, Lot’s actions in offering his daughters should not be seen as morally justified or endorsed by the biblical narrative. The Bible often records the actions of its characters without explicitly approving them. The text provides an account of Lot’s desperate attempt to protect the guests under his care, but it does not portray his offer as a righteous or praiseworthy act. Rather, the passage highlights the moral depravity of the men of Sodom and the dire consequences of their behavior.
As we examine this verse, we should remember that the Bible frequently depicts flawed individuals who make mistakes and act contrary to God’s will. It is essential to approach such passages with discernment and to consider the broader biblical message of justice, love, and righteousness.
