Genesis 19:8 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

Bible Comments

Behold now, I have two daughters, &c.— See Judges 19:23-24. Nothing can afford us a stronger proof of the sacredness of hospitality, than this proposal of Lot's, to which that in Judges is similar. Yet at the same time it must be allowed, that the proposal was highly blameable, as it is an eternal maxim in morals, that we are not to do evil, that good may come. Some justification, however, of the good man's conduct may fairly be drawn from his zeal, and the peculiar circumstances of the case: while it has been urged, that he made this offer upon a certainty that they durst not accept it, as his daughters were betrothed to two of the citizens, probably two of the leaders; but this is only conjecture at best. We may, I conceive, fairly grant, that Lot's zeal for his guest led him to speak unadvisedly, in the hurry and perturbation of mind, which such a brutal insult must have occasioned.

Genesis 19:8

8 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.