Genesis 13

CHAPTER 13

Abram and Lot Separate (13:1–18)

1–9 This chapter gives an account of how Abram and Lot returned to the Negev⁵⁹ (verse 1) and how they subsequently separated; they separated because the same area of land could no longer support their growing flocks and herds (verses 5–6). This account reveals two men of very different dispositions. Abram was a peacemaker (verses 8–9); Lot was a self-seeker (verses 10–11). Lot chose the most fertile land, leaving the higher, drier land to Abram. We see Abram (despite his faults) to be a man of God; we see Lot to be a man of the world.

10–18 Lot chose the plain of the Jordan (verse 10); it was well watered by the Jordan River, just as Egypt was well watered by the Nile River. It was pleasing to the eye, like the garden of the LORD—Eden. There was only one trouble with it: the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were there. Lot chose what seemed good to the eye, but it turned out to be bad for his soul(Mark 8:36). Lot started out pitching his tents near Sodom (verse 12), but ended up living in Sodom (Genesis 14:12). Ultimately he would lose his possessions, his wife—and nearly his life.⁶⁰

Most people are like Lot; they love the world (1 John 2:15). But Abram followed a precept later taught by Jesus: “. . . seek first [God s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:33). Indeed, no sooner had Lot departed than the Lord renewed His great promise to Abram: “All the land that you see I will give to you and your offspring” (verse 15). Not only that but the Lord also told Abram his offspring would be as numerous as the dust of the earth (verse 16)—so numerous it would be impossible to count them.

The chapter ends with Abram building another altar to the Lord in grateful acknowledgment that God alone is the source of all blessing and that He alone deserves our worship and trust.