For he feared to dwell in Zoar— We have here another proof (see Genesis 19:19.) of the weakness of Lot's faith. He seems to have been very timorous, and to have had but little of the fortitude of his uncle Abraham. God had lately preserved Zoar for his sake, and yet he is scarcely arrived there, before he thinks himself not in sufficient safety. Some suppose, to justify him, that he found the inhabitants of Zoar extremely wicked, and could not reform them; and, therefore, fearing the destruction of their city also, he fled from it.
Dwelt in a cave— That country, being very mountainous, abounded with large caves, which the people often used for dwellings, especially in times of danger: the Scripture and Jewish histories afford numberless examples. In one of these caves Lot took up his abode with his daughters, terrified at the dire calamity which they had so marvellously escaped. It is most probable, that this cave was in that mountain to which the angel had directed him, Genesis 19:17 which was one of a range of mountains that lay in the country beyond the Dead-sea, and which was afterwards called Moab, from one of the children begotten here.
Note; Lot's plenty, which the land could not hold, is now gone, and a hole in a mountain contains his little all. Remember, those who for secular advantage leave God's people, will smart for it usually in grievous disappointments.