“Lot went up from Zoar with his two daughters and settled in the mountains because he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters.” –Genesis 19:30, NET
Lot escaped to his requested refuge Zoar, but he soon departs. It was wrong to seek safety among the wicked (Isa 30:1-3), and so I think it was right for Lot to depart from Zoar. Yet he leaves due to fear (not faith), filled with worldly regret rather than true repentance (2Co 7:10). He now fails a second time to look to the proper hills for protection (Psa 121)—God, who is the holy Hill to which we cry (Psa 3:4) and the high Ridge to which we flee (Psa 18:2). Thus, like faithless Israel when they saw the judgment on their doubt (Num 14:40-45), Lot’s mountain advance is in the wrong direction, further into defeat.
And so he takes refuge in a cave.
Let us examine “cave” throughout scripture, and see the image that is drawn through these scripture references:
A cave is used often as a tomb (Gen 23:9; 49:29-31; Joh 11:38), signifying death to all who seek refuge in walling themselves in (Jos 10:16-27; Mar 5:3-5). It is a means at self-protection (Jdg 6:2; 1Sa 13:6); a lonely and dark prisons for those who are “looted and plundered” (Isa 42:22). It is the appropriate den for animals (Job 38:39-40), and those “banished from the community” (Job 30:5-6). It is the place we store our idols (Isa 2:20) and hide from God’s judgment (Isa 2:10,19,21; Rev 6:15), though it is a futile act (Eze 33:27). It is the place one finds themselves when revenge has taken hold of our heart (Jdg 15:6-8), or depression has crushed our spirit (1Ki 19:3-10).
Have you found yourself in a cave? May our examination of Lot’s folly bring to light our own.
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