1)

What did Lot mean with his strange introductory comment, "Hinei Na Adonai!"?

1.

Rashi #1: Following in the footsteps of his uncle Avraham, he was informing the angels that, having reached his abode, he was at their service 1 (in spite of the dangers involved should the men of Sedom discover what he was doing).

2.

Rashi #2: He was warning them to take precautions against the Sedomians finding out that they were there. 2


1

According to the Ramban and Targum Yonasan, he was actually pleading with them to be his guests.

2

Gur Aryeh: The word "Na" implies something that happens at this moment. Rashi explains, a) 'You have now become my masters - I will host and serve you, since you have come my way;' b) 'Now the time has come to ensure that these wicked people will not notice you.'

2)

Why did Lot suggest that they wash their feet only after having stayed overnight, as opposed to Avraham - in 18:4 - who suggested that they wash their feet immediately?

1.

Rashi: To protect himself. So that, should the Sedomians arrive and see that they had not yet washed their feet, he would be able to claim that that they had only just arrived, thereby minimizing their anger.

2.

Rashi (to 18:4): Mistaking the angels as Arabs, who bow down to the dust of their feet, Avraham had asked them to wash their feet prior to entering, because he was particular about allowing Avodah-Zarah into his house, whereas Lot was not fussy.

3.

Hadar Zekenim (to 18:4): Lot wanted them to enter his house as quickly as possible, due to the danger if people of Sedom were to see them.

3)

Why did he tell the angels to leave first thing in the morning?

1.

Ramban #1: Lot foresaw what the men of Sedom would likely do to them, only he assumed that they would arrive only in the morning.

2.

Ramban #2: He saw them as travelers, who, he assumed, did not want to sojourn in Sedom, so he informed them that they were welcome to leave should they so wish.

4)

Considering that they immediately accepted Avraham's invitation, why did they initially decline that of Lot?

1.

Rashi: The Midrash learns from here that 'One refuses the offer of a 'Katan' but not that of an Adam Gadol.'

2.

Ramban: Knowing that Lot would persist, the angels initially refused, in order to gain him more reward, for his amazing display of Hachnasas Orechim.

Sefer: Perek: Pasuk:
Month: Day: Year:
Month: Day: Year:

KIH Logo
D.A.F. Home Page
Sponsorships & DonationsReaders' FeedbackMailing ListsTalmud ArchivesAsk the KollelDafyomi WeblinksDafyomi CalendarOther Yomi calendars