1 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.
2 And Abram [was] very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;
4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
5 And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents.
6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together.
7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we [be] brethren.
9 [Is] not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if [thou wilt take] the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if [thou depart] to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
10 And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it [was] well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, [even] as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar.
11 Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other.
12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched [his] tent toward Sodom.
13 But the men of Sodom [were] wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.
14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, [then] shall thy seed also be numbered.
17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
18 Then Abram removed [his] tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which [is] in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
Summary of Genesis Chapter 13
Genesis Chapter 13 describes the aftermath of Abram and Lot’s time in Egypt, focusing on their return to the land of Canaan and the subsequent separation between Abram and Lot due to their growing wealth and the resulting strife among their herdsmen.
Key Themes
- Faith and Obedience: Abram’s return to Canaan signifies his obedience to God’s command and his faith in God’s promise.
- Wealth and Prosperity: The chapter highlights the blessings and material wealth bestowed upon Abram and Lot, which leads to conflict.
- Conflict Resolution: The separation between Abram and Lot illustrates the importance of resolving conflicts amicably and maintaining peace.
- Divine Guidance: God’s guidance is evident in Abram’s decisions and the choices made regarding land and relationships.
Detailed Analysis
1. Return to Canaan (Verses 1-4)
After leaving Egypt, Abram returns to Canaan with his wife Sarai and Lot. This return signifies a restoration of Abram’s journey of faith. The mention of the altars he built indicates his commitment to worship and his relationship with God.
2. The Prosperity of Abram and Lot (Verses 5-7)
Both Abram and Lot had become very wealthy, possessing flocks, herds, and tents. This prosperity, while a blessing, leads to tension as their herdsmen begin to quarrel over grazing land. The conflict illustrates the challenges that can arise from material wealth.
3. Abram’s Proposal to Separate (Verses 8-9)
Abram takes the initiative to resolve the conflict by proposing a separation. He demonstrates humility and generosity by allowing Lot to choose the land he prefers. This decision reflects Abram’s character and his desire for peace over personal gain.
4. Lot’s Choice (Verses 10-13)
Lot chooses the fertile plains of Jordan, which appear to be advantageous for his livestock. However, the text notes that this area is also associated with wickedness, foreshadowing future troubles for Lot and his family.
5. God’s Promise to Abram (Verses 14-17)
After Lot departs, God reaffirms His promise to Abram, assuring him that all the land he sees will belong to him and his descendants. This divine reassurance strengthens Abram’s faith and underscores the importance of his covenant with God.
6. Abram’s Settlement (Verse 18)
Abram settles in the land of Canaan, specifically in the oaks of Mamre, where he builds another altar to the Lord. This act of worship signifies his ongoing commitment to God and his recognition of God’s provision.
Character Analysis
- Abram: A model of faith, humility, and leadership. His actions reflect a deep trust in God and a willingness to prioritize relationships over wealth.
- Lot: Represents the allure of materialism. His choice, while pragmatic, leads him away from the spiritual and moral implications of his surroundings.
Lessons Learned
- Faithfulness to God leads to blessings, but wealth can also bring challenges that require wisdom and humility to navigate.
- Conflict can often be resolved through generosity and selflessness, as demonstrated by Abram’s willingness to let Lot choose first.
- God’s promises are reaffirmed in times of uncertainty, providing assurance and guidance for the faithful.
- Choices made based on immediate benefits may overlook long-term consequences, as seen in Lot’s decision to settle near Sodom.
