Hesed חֵ

Genesis 19:16. At daybreak the angels urged Lot on: “Get up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away in the punishment of the city…

But he hesitated.“

Please take the time to read Genesis 19. God’s Hesed love runs through that chapter.

There is a love that God has for all of mankind. It is a love that wants every soul to believe and be saved.

But there is a love that God has for every believing heart that lost sinners fail to receive. It is available to them but their unbelief separates them from God.

Those who reject Christ don’t know this love.

Hesed (חֵסֵד) is a Hebrew word that has no direct English equivalent.

Hesed love describes God’s attributes, particularly His love, patience, mercy, and kindness that are without obligation.

Lot was the nephew of Abram (later called Abraham by God). God told Abram to begin his journey to the Promised Land, Canaan. Lot followed Abram.

As time went on, the population of the Hebrew people began to grow. There was not enough land for all of the people to remain together. Those that followed Abram and those that followed Lot began to quarrel.

Abram suggested that they each go in different directions toward Canaan. He gave Lot the choice. Selfishly, Lot chose what appeared to be the best direction. He settled near the sinful city of Sodom. The city was on the Jordan River. The land there was lush and green.

That brings us to the part of the story that many people know.

Because Sodom and Gomorrah had become so wicked, God determined to destroy them. Abram learned of this coming destruction and asked God to spare his nephew.

God sent two angels into the city to rescue (Hesed love) Lot, his wife their daughters and their husbands.

This is God’s compassion (Hesed love) for selfish Lot and his pagan family.

The Bible tells us in 2 Peter 2:7-10 that Lot was counted as righteous. However, Lot allowed his family to be raised in the evil culture of the city.

God has no obligation to offer salvation to anyone. He is holy and perfect. He cannot be touched by sin.

Recall the definition of Hesed love from the start of our study: it is without obligation.

In the story Lot and his family were offered salvation (God’s Hesed love ) from Sodom and Gomorrah’s destruction.

Lot’s sons-in-law mocked him, choosing to stay and were lost.

Lot was told by the angels with urgency (God’s Hesed love) to get out of the city. The destruction was near.

…But he hesitated

Because of the Lord’s compassion (God’s Hesed love) for him, the men(angels) grabbed his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters. They brought him out and left him outside the city.

How many times has God relented from allowing my sinful choices to harm me irreparably? And why would He be so merciful? God’s Hesed Love.

Genesis 19:19 Your servant has indeed found favor (hesed) with you, and you have shown me great kindness (hesed)by saving my life. 

Although Lot’s wife starts the journey, she hesitates, disobeys God and perishes.

Lot’s wife was not a child of God by her own choice, but God still offered her salvation. (God’s Hesed love).

However, her heart longed for the world—her world. In the end, she perished.

*Ezekiel 33:11  …‘The Lord God says: As surely as I live, this is true. I do not want a wicked person to die. I want him to stop doing evil and live. Turn back! Turn back from your wicked ways! Why would you choose to die,… The International Children’s Bible¹

If you read chapter 19 then you know how the story ends.

Lot fathered two children with his daughters when they took advantage of his drunkenness. All three were guilty of sin against God.

However, God preserved Lot’s family line in spite of their wickedness.

Lot’s genealogy continues through the Ammonites and Moabites (where Ruth, the great-grandmother of King David was from).

How has God shown you his Hesed Love?

If you are a born-again believer, your redemption is just the beginning of such great love.

Share your story of redemption with your world.

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

The Christian Standard Bible. Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible®, and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers, all rights reserved.

*In context, this verse was from the warning given by Ezekiel to the children of Israel. Although it was for this particular time and for God’s chosen people, we can apply it’s truth to our lives. God isn’t willing for anyone to perish, but to live.

1. International Children’s Bible (ICB)The Holy Bible, International Children’s Bible® Copyright© 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. ↩︎