Genesischapter 13

18 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 228 cross-references outward and receives 238 — heaviest partner: Genesis.

Chapter summary

Abram returns from Egypt — ‘very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold’ — to his altar between Bethel and Ai. Strife between his herdsmen and Lot's forces a parting. Abram yields first choice to the younger kinsman; Lot picks the well-watered plain of Jordan, pitching his tent toward Sodom. The LORD repeats the promise — land and seed uncountable as the dust of the earth. Abram moves to the oaks of Mamre and builds another altar. Henry notes the difference between the man of faith and the man of sight: Abram takes what God gives; Lot chooses what the eye prefers.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Law · Moses — see the Genesis overview for the book's full setting.

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 Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Ai,

4 unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of Jehovah.

5 And Lot also, who 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 herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt 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 herdsmen and thy herdsmen; for we are 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 take the right hand, then I will go to the left.