The Fertility and Appeal of the Plain of the Jordan
Genesis 13:10 describes Lot’s decision to choose the Plain of the Jordan as his dwelling place after separating from Abram: “Lot looked up and saw the whole plain of the Jordan as far as Zoar, that it was well watered everywhere—like the garden of Jehovah, like the land of Egypt.” This passage portrays the region as an exceptionally fertile and desirable area. Its comparison to the Garden of Eden and Egypt highlights its abundant resources and suitability for sustaining large flocks and herds. The lushness of the Jordan Valley made it an ideal choice for Lot, whose wealth in livestock necessitated ample grazing land and water sources.
The reference to the garden of Jehovah evokes the imagery of Eden, a place of divine provision and life-giving abundance (Genesis 2:8-10). Similarly, the comparison to Egypt, particularly the Nile Delta region, reflects the Jordan Plain’s prominence as a verdant and agriculturally rich location. The land was watered by the Jordan River, the most significant waterway in the region, and its surrounding fertile plains provided ideal conditions for agriculture and herding.
However, the attractiveness of the land obscured its spiritual dangers. Genesis 13:13 warns, “Now the men of Sodom were wicked, great sinners against Jehovah.” Lot’s decision, based primarily on material benefits, brought him into proximity with a society whose practices were abhorrent to God. This tension between material prosperity and spiritual peril would later play a central role in Lot’s life.
Geographical and Environmental Features of the Plain
The Plain of the Jordan lies in the southern portion of the Jordan Rift Valley, a significant geographical feature that extends from the Sea of Galilee in the north to the Dead Sea in the south. In Lot’s time, the area near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah was characterized by lush vegetation, fertile soil, and a temperate climate conducive to settlement and agricultural prosperity. Archaeological evidence and biblical descriptions suggest that this region supported thriving communities.
The Jordan River itself played a critical role in maintaining the fertility of the region. Flowing from Mount Hermon in the north, the river supplied water for irrigation and sustained the ecosystem of the plain. This made the Jordan Valley a critical resource in an otherwise arid environment, attracting settlers seeking to benefit from its natural advantages.
Lot’s Choice: Materialism Versus Faith
Lot’s decision to dwell in the Plain of the Jordan reflects the broader theme of choosing between material gain and spiritual well-being. The text emphasizes that Lot “lifted his eyes” (Genesis 13:10) and made his choice based on what he saw. Unlike Abram, who relied on God’s promises (Genesis 13:14-17), Lot’s decision was driven by the immediate allure of the land’s prosperity.
The proximity of the plain to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah introduced a moral and spiritual danger. The inhabitants of these cities were characterized by wickedness and rebellion against Jehovah, as seen in Genesis 13:13. Lot’s decision ultimately led to significant consequences for his family, including the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the loss of his wife (Genesis 19:23-26).
Abram’s Faithful Response
In contrast to Lot, Abram demonstrated faith and selflessness in allowing his nephew to choose first. Abram’s trust in Jehovah’s promise to give him the land of Canaan (Genesis 12:7; 13:15) freed him from anxiety over the division of the land. After Lot’s departure, Jehovah reaffirmed His covenant with Abram, emphasizing the vastness of the inheritance that would belong to his descendants (Genesis 13:14-17).
Abram’s willingness to rely on God’s provision underscores the principle that spiritual blessings outweigh material prosperity. This lesson is consistent throughout Scripture, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
A Foreshadowing of Divine Judgment
The description of the Plain of the Jordan also serves as a prelude to the account of Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction in Genesis 19. While the land was initially described as resembling Eden, its association with sin and judgment highlights the impermanence of material wealth and human achievement when separated from God’s righteousness. The once-lush plains became a desolate wasteland after Jehovah’s judgment, with the Dead Sea region standing as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin.
The comparison between the Jordan Plain and the Garden of Eden further underscores the tragic loss of divine blessing when humanity turns away from God. Like Eden, the Jordan Plain was initially a place of abundance, but its inhabitants’ rejection of Jehovah led to its downfall.
Spiritual Lessons from the Plain of the Jordan
The account of the Plain of the Jordan provides timeless lessons about the importance of prioritizing spiritual values over material gain. Lot’s choice, based on outward appearances, contrasts sharply with Abram’s faith-driven reliance on God’s promises. This contrast serves as a reminder to evaluate decisions through the lens of faith rather than worldly advantage.
Additionally, the moral decline of Sodom and Gomorrah highlights the dangers of compromising spiritual integrity for material benefits. Lot’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for believers, urging them to consider the long-term spiritual consequences of their choices.
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
Online Guided Bible Study Courses
SCROLL THROUGH THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES BELOW
BIBLE TRANSLATION AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM
BIBLICAL STUDIES / BIBLE BACKGROUND / HISTORY OF THE BIBLE/ INTERPRETATION
