The Appearance of False Prophets
Shimon Kefa Bet perek Sheni Messianic Jewish Perspective
2:1 ¶ Now there were also Nevi'ei Sheker among the people, just as there will also be morei sheker among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves.
2:2 Many will follow their indecent behaviour; and because of them, the True Way will be libeled with lashon Hara (blasphemed βλασφημηθησεται).
2:3 ¶ and in their greed they will exploit you with fabricated stories ; their judgment from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
2:4 For if Elohim did not spare malachim when they sinned, but cast them into the deepest abyss(ταρταρωσας) and committed them to pits of darkness, held for judgment;
2:5 And did not spared not the archaios world, but protected Noach the eighth nefashot, a proclaimer of Tzidkanut (Righteousness), bringing in the flood upon the Olam Hazeh of the wicked; 3590. ὄγδοος ogdoos; ord. num. from 3638; the eighth:-- eighth(4), seven others [Genesis 6-8; 1Pe_3:20]
2:6 And He condemned the cities of Sedom and Amora reducing them into ashes and ruin as warning to those in the future generations intending to be resha'im [Gen 19:24]
2:7 ¶ and if He rescued a tzaddik Lot, who was persecuted by those abominable people because of their nefarious conversation. [Gen_19:16, Gen_19:29]
2:8 (For by what he saw and heard that tzadik man, while living among them, felt his tzadik nefesh hayesharah (honest soul) tormented day after by their unlawful deeds.
2:9 Adonai knows how to deliver the chasidim out from temptations, and to reserve the unrighteous to haYom Ha DIN to be punished:
2:10 ¶ But chiefly those that walk after the flesh in the ta'avah (lust) of uncleanness, and despise authority. Presumptuous [are they], arrogant , they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities.
2:11 Whereas messengers, which are greater in power and might, bring not railing accusation against them before Adonai.
2:12 But these, as unreasoning animals, born as animal instinct to be captured and destroyed, about matters of which they are ignorant blaspheming, those creatures also be shall utterly perish in their own corruption destroyed.
2:13 And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, [as] they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots [they are] and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;
2:14 Having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin; beguiling unstable nefeshot: an heart they have exercised with covetous practices; cursed children:
2:15 abandoning the Derech haYashar right way, they have gone astray, having followed the derech HaBil'am Ben-B'or, who loved the reward of unrighteousness; Num_22:5, Num_22:7
2:16 But he was rebuked for his transgression by a donkey, otherwise without speech, that spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the navi’s madness.Num_22:21-31
2:17 These are springs without water and mists driven by a storm, for whom the black darkness has been reserved
2:18 For, while speaking out arrogant words of no value they entice by fleshly desires, by indecent behavior, those who barely escape from the ones who live in error,
2:19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the eveds of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage.
2:20 For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the Olam Hazeh through the knowledge of Adonai and Moshi'a Yeshua (יֵשוּעַ) Mashiach, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.
2:21 For it had been better for them not to have known the way of tzedakah, than, after they have known [it], to turn from the set apart commandment delivered to them.
2:22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the pig (sow), after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mud." Proverbs 26:11
Lot, Abraham's nephew, is described as righteous in the Bible, particularly in 2 Peter 2:7, despite his questionable actions.
This raises the question of what constitutes righteousness in the biblical context and how Lot's actions align with this concept.
Lot's Actions and the Question of Righteousness
Lot's life is marked by both positive and negative events. He was initially associated with his uncle Abraham, benefiting from his wealth and protection. He was also rescued from captivity by Abraham.
However, Lot's choices often led him into difficult situations. He chose to live in Sodom, a city known for its wickedness. He offered his daughters to the mob to protect his angelic guests, a decision that reflects a deep moral conflict.
Later, he unknowingly impregnated his daughters while intoxicated.These actions raise questions about Lot's righteousness. It's difficult to reconcile his actions with the traditional understanding of righteousness as being morally upright and sinless.
However, the Bible doesn't necessarily define righteousness as a state of sinlessness.
Understanding Biblical Righteousness
The concept of righteousness in the Bible is complex and multifaceted. It's not simply about avoiding sin but also about having a right relationship with God. This relationship is based on faith, trust, and obedience.
Faith: Abraham, Lot's uncle, is considered righteous because he believed God's promises. This faith was a defining aspect of his righteousness.
Trust: Lot's righteousness might be attributed to his trust in God's protection, even when faced with difficult choices. He chose to protect his guests, risking his own family's safety, demonstrating a level of trust in God's intervention.
Obedience: While Lot's obedience was not always perfect, he ultimately obeyed God's command to flee Sodom. His obedience, even in the face of his own failings, might be considered a factor in his righteousness.
Lot's Righteousness in the Context of His Time.
It's important to consider the cultural context of Lot's time. The concept of hospitality was paramount, and protecting guests was a sacred duty. Offering his daughters might have been seen as a desperate act to protect his guests, even if morally reprehensible by modern standards.
Lot s Tormented Soul
2 Peter 2:7-8 sheds light on Lot's internal struggle. It states that Lot was "distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men" and "tormented his righteous soul from day to day".
This suggests that despite his flaws, Lot was deeply troubled by the wickedness around him, and his conscience was burdened by it.
Conclusion
Lot's righteousness is a complex issue. While his actions were undeniably flawed, the Bible emphasizes his faith in God, his trust in God's protection, and his internal struggle against the wickedness surrounding him.
Ultimately, Lot's righteousness is a testament to the fact that humans are flawed, but God's grace extends even to those who stumble. His story serves as a reminder that righteousness is not about perfection but about a relationship with God, marked by faith, trust, and a striving for good, even in the face of our own failings.
In the biblical account of Genesis 18-19, Lot is considered righteous because:
1. He was a just and fair man:
Lot lived among the wicked people of Sodom, but he didn't participate in their sinful ways. (2 Peter 2:7-8)
2. He was a hospitable and generous host:
Lot welcomed the angels who came to Sodom, showing them kindness and generosity. (Genesis 19:1-3)
3. He was grieved by the wickedness around him:
Lot was distressed by the sinful behavior of the people in Sodom, showing that he didn't condone or approve of their actions. (2 Peter 2:7-8)
4. He obeyed God's instructions:
When the angels warned Lot of the impending destruction of Sodom, he trusted and obeyed God's instructions, escaping the city with his family. (Genesis 19:12-22)
While Lot wasn't perfect, and he made some questionable decisions, his overall character and actions demonstrated a commitment to righteousness and obedience to God.