And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. And Lot went out at the door unto them, and shut the door after him, and said, I pray you, brethren, do not so wickedly. 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: only unto these men do nothing; for therefore came they under the shadow of my roof.
In this passage from the Bible, Lot is confronted by a group of men outside his house in Sodom who demand to have sexual relations with the two angels that had come to stay with him. Lot is so determined to protect his guests that he offers his own daughters instead, showcasing the extreme hospitality and protection of guests that was valued in ancient times. This story highlights the severe wickedness and lack of hospitality in Sodom, which eventually led to its downfall. Lot’s willingness to sacrifice his own daughters rather than betray his guests shows his commitment to the principles of hospitality and protection, even in the face of extreme adversity.
Image by Ai Junkie
