Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/161

 Sodom and Comorrali V. 29 tell

that

is

a

late

God saved

interpolation

into

143

the original

Lot, not because of his

own

story.

It

seeks to

merits, but altogether

Abraham's sake. These verses are undoubtedly intended to be an account, from the Israelite standpoint of course, of the origin of the two kindred peoples, Moab and Ammon. Inasmuch as, throughout Israel's history, Moab and Ammon were among Israel's most constant and troublesome enemies, it is not at all surprising that Israelite tradition should ascribe to them this base and immoral for

Vv. 30-38.

origin.