**Why Did Lot Choose the Plain of Jordan?
A Detailed Biblical Explanation**
When Abram and Lot separated due to growing conflicts between their herdsmen, Lot made a strategic choice that shaped the rest of his life: he chose the plain of Jordan. This decision, recorded in Genesis 13, reveals much about his priorities, his worldview, and the contrast between living by sight and living by faith.
1. The Plain of Jordan Looked Extremely Fertile and Prosperous
The first and most direct reason Lot chose the plain of Jordan is found in Genesis 13:10:
“Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan was well watered everywhere… like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt.”
A. Abundant Water Supply
The Jordan River flowed through this region, making it one of the most fertile valleys in the ancient Near East.
B. Ideal for Grazing
Lot owned large flocks and herds. This region provided:
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Lush grasslands
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Ample water for animals
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Rich soil
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Sustained food supply
It was the perfect environment for growing wealth.
C. Beautiful and Appealing
The area was described as “like the garden of the LORD”—a reference to Eden’s beauty.
Lot’s eyes were drawn to its attractiveness.
In short: Lot chose the land because it looked good, promising prosperity and ease.
2. Lot Chose Based on Sight, Not Spiritual Insight
Genesis emphasizes that Lot “lifted up his eyes,” meaning he relied on visual judgment.
He evaluated the land by:
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What he could see
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What seemed profitable
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What appeared comfortable
This decision contrasts sharply with Abram, who trusted in God’s promise rather than appearances.
Lot’s decision was practical but not spiritual. He did not consider the moral or spiritual consequences of the region he was choosing.
3. Lot Desired Immediate Gain and Security
The plain of Jordan offered immediate economic advantage. Lot’s wealth depended on livestock, and the richest grazing land would naturally increase his herd size and income.
Lot’s motivations were likely:
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Financial security
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Opportunity to grow his household
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A desire for comfort
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A preference for what looked easy and productive
There is no hint in the text that Lot prayed, consulted Abram, or sought God’s guidance.
4. The Cities of the Plain Offered Urban Opportunity
The plain of Jordan included several thriving cities, including Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 13:12). These cities offered:
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Trade
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Social connection
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Marketplaces
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Urban convenience
Lot likely saw opportunity not only in pastureland but also in economic interaction with these cities.
Urban prosperity attracted Lot, just as the fertile land did.
5. Lot Overlooked the Spiritual Danger of Living Near Sodom
While the land looked appealing, it was spiritually dangerous. Genesis 13:13 immediately provides a warning:
“Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the LORD.”
Lot either:
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Ignored this warning,
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Underestimated the danger, or
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Valued material gain over spiritual purity.
His choice showed misplaced priorities:
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Wealth over spiritual well-being
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Comfort over righteousness
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Opportunity over obedience
This decision eventually exposed his family to moral corruption and danger.
6. Lot Was Influenced by a Worldly Perspective
The description “like the land of Egypt” (Genesis 13:10) is significant. Egypt symbolized worldly prosperity and human strength. Lot had recently been in Egypt with Abram, where the fertile Nile region may have left a strong impression.
Thus, Lot’s decision reflects:
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A taste for Egypt-like prosperity
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A preference for worldly security
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A mindset shaped by appearance rather than trust
His standards were influenced by what appealed materially, not what pleased God.
7. Lot Did Not Consider the Long-Term Consequences
At the moment of choice, the Jordan Valley looked ideal. But Lot did not foresee that:
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Sodom and Gomorrah would be destroyed
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He would lose nearly everything
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His family would be deeply affected by the city’s immorality
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His wife would perish
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His daughters would be morally twisted by their environment
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He would end his life in a cave, far from the prosperity he once sought
Lot chose short-term gain at the cost of long-term spiritual loss.
Conclusion: Why Lot Chose the Plain of Jordan
Lot chose the plain of Jordan because it seemed like the best land—visually beautiful, agriculturally rich, economically promising, and comfortable. But his choice was driven by sight rather than faith, motivated by material gain rather than spiritual wisdom, and made without regard for the moral danger nearby.
What was the spiritual difference between the land Lot chose and the land Abram chose?