Bible Basics: Genesis 13

Genesis 13

Leaving Egypt

Verses 1–2: Abram leaves Egypt at Pharaoh's request, taking all of his family and possessions to the Negev (in the southern part of present-day Israel). Despite his imperfect obedience, he has been blessed by God and has become a very wealthy man.

3–4: After traveling around, Abram returns to Bethel, the first place on his pilgrimage where he built an altar to God. Once again, he sets aside time to talk with and listen to God.

Settling Down

5–7: Abram’s nephew Lot has also become wealthy, and the land isn’t large enough to support them both, not to mention the native Canaanites and Perizzites living there. Conflicts arise between their herdsman because of this.

8–9: Abram wants to preserve the love and goodwill between himself and Lot. After all, they’re family! So, he suggests they part ways. His noble character shows up in the way he treats others. Generously, he gives Lot the first pick of the land.

10–13: Lot chooses the fertile Jordan plain to the east. He settles among the cities of the plain near Sodom, whose men are living so contrary to God’s ways that God notes them as evil. His choice is self-serving and proves ultimately to be unwise.(1) Abram stays further west in Canaan.

14–17: After Lot leaves, Abram receives an amazing promise. God tells him to look and walk around the land in every direction, because it will belong to him and his descendants forever. God gifts Abram and his future family with a place to call their own.

The Blessing of Obedience

18: Abram moves his entire clan near Hebron and builds an altar to God there. This response displays gratitude, worship of, and devotion to God, who establishes a life for Abram and his family in Canaan. God will exercise his love and power no less today for those who, like Abram, are willing to follow his lead.

(1) https://www.gotquestions.org/Abraham-and-Lot.html