Lot’s men found themselves to be in conflict with the men that belonged to his older kinsman. Actually, this disruption in what should have been a natural relationship amongst kinsmen was only allowed to manifest because their master Lot initiated it, when he took it upon himself to go up against natural hierarchy and universal law - judging his older kinsman. His judgment of his older kinsman, Abraham, was in fact a questioning of Abraham's position above him and The Most High's divine wisdom placed over him. Lot assumed that Abraham was in the place he was in by mistake. This questioning of Abraham's authority was fueled by Lot's questioning of his own role within the structure. He doubted himself and rather than addressing his shortcomings levied his own distrust of himself against the older kinsman that he should have went to for clarity and refinement.
So once Lot overstepped that boundary the floodgates opened and consequently, his servant herdsmen began to also take out that sentiment on Abraham’s servant herdsmen. Many clues are given in the text. Lot accumulated a lot but Abraham accumulated a lot and was wealthy. Lot wanted for his choice of land - that which was already watered. Simultaneously Abraham was willing to take any land - as selected from above – so as to avoid conflict with his younger kinsman. One was willing to carry out the mission. The other was willing to skip steps. Both had opportunities. Only one claimed the responsibility of being chosen. The other shirked responsibilities and came to be viewed by everyone else as a man not to be taken seriously.
The "men" of Sodom ignored his attempt at protecting the messengers in his home - especially when he offered to give them his daughter(s). His sons in law viewed him as a mocker - but that perception of him did not begin at that moment. It had long resonated within them based upon what Lot had already been doing. By extension we can assume this to include the daughters of his that were wives to these men, in addition to any children that they may have had together. Also, Lot's wife, the one counted upon to teach the children his ways, even looked back at other things and other possibilities when faced with a life of solitude with her lord. He didn't trust himself. And his family in turn distrusted him.
Facing the man in the mirror is a step that cannot be skipped in any man's quest for divine connection and eventual classification as a Man of Elohiym. By failing to address himself first, that man will be viewed as a mocker by all others - even by those that are his - especially when trying to discuss the things from above. Mock not HIM lest ye too be mocked.
Peace be to you. Peace be to your house. And peace be unto all that is yours! Shalom Shalom!
Bn Shmû ÉL is a loyal son, a committed father, and the founder of HaDBR Media, Chief Editor at Bn Shmû ÉL Publishing House, and author of The Land Of Milk and Honey: The Heart Of The World. https://www.bn-shmu-el.com/shop .
HalayluYAH HalayluYAH HalayluYAH. Powerful adon. Simple but heavy. Salute.