Genesis 13
Genesis 13 covers the conflicts that arose after Abram (Abraham) and his nephew Lot left Egypt and returned to the land of Canaan, along with the process of resolving them, as their families and possessions prospered. This chapter contains important lessons that show how to face conflict in the life of a believer and how to recognize God’s guidance.
1verseAbram went up out of Egypt—he, his wife, all that he had, and Lot with him—into the South.
2verseAbram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.
3verseHe went on his journeys from the South as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,
4verseto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first. There Abram called on the LORD’s name.
5verseLot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, herds, and tents.
6verseThe land was not able to bear them, that they might live together; for their possessions were so great that they couldn’t live together.
7verseThere was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land at that time.
8verseAbram said to Lot, “Please, let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen; for we are relatives.
9verseIsn’t the whole land before you? Please separate yourself from me. If you go to the left hand, then I will go to the right. Or if you go to the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
10verseLot lifted up his eyes, and saw all the plain of the Jordan, that it was well-watered everywhere, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as you go to Zoar.
11verseSo Lot chose the Plain of the Jordan for himself. Lot traveled east, and they separated themselves from one another.
12verseAbram lived in the land of Canaan, and Lot lived in the cities of the plain, and moved his tent as far as Sodom.
13verseNow the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinners against the LORD.
14verseThe LORD said to Abram, after Lot was separated from him, “Now, lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward,
15versefor I will give all the land which you see to you and to your offspring forever.
16verseI will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can count the dust of the earth, then your offspring may also be counted.
17verseArise, walk through the land in its length and in its width; for I will give it to you.”
18verseAbram moved his tent, and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to the LORD.
The Start of Conflict and the Separation
As Abram’s and Lot’s possessions increased, disputes arose between their herdsmen. This shows that material abundance can bring conflict into human relationships. To resolve the situation peacefully, Abram gives Lot the first choice and displays a generous attitude. Lot looks at the richness of the Jordan Valley, chooses it, and leaves. Throughout this process, Abram’s and Lot’s character and their attitudes of faith are revealed in contrast.
God’s Promise and Abram’s Faith
After Lot leaves, God promises Abram again that He will give him all the land that he can see. God says that Abram’s descendants will multiply like the dust of the earth. Abram believes God’s promise and moves his tents from the place where he was staying, building an altar to God. This chapter illustrates the principle that when Abram overcomes conflict with people through faith, God responds with an even greater promise.
Reflection Points
- When conflict arises, what attitude do I take as I face the problem?
- When it comes to the visible abundance and God’s promise, which one do I choose to follow?
- I can reflect on how a life of yielding in faith like Abram, and trusting God’s guidance, is being realized in my own life.
Personal Application
- In a conflict situation, think about what small action you can take today to practice the virtue of yielding and maintaining peace.
- When faced with choices in life, commit yourself to trust God’s promise, seek His guidance, and live each day with gratitude.
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