Abram and Lot

Genesis 13:1–7 (NASB95) 

1So Abram went up from Egypt to the Negev, he and his wife and all that belonged to him, and Lot with him. 2Now Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver and in gold. 3He went on his journeys from the Negev as far as Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4to the place of the altar which he had made there formerly; and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. 5Now Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6And the land could not sustain them while dwelling together, for their possessions were so great that they were not able to remain together. 7And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling then in the land. 

Starting in chapter thirteen, you will be introduced to a new character in the story—Lot. Lot is Abram’s nephew and has been traveling with Abram. The central theme that develops over the next few chapters is a comparison and contrast between Abram and Lot. Abram likely thought Lot would become his heir, which is why Lot accompanies him on these journeys. However, as we will see in the upcoming verses, Lot eventually parts ways with Abram and takes his own path. This raises questions about how Abram will have an heir now. This is the ongoing drama of the story. In the end, Lot is not Abram’s heir, and the biblical narrative helps explain why. One reason is that Lot lacks Abram's moral character. We will discuss these motifs as we go. 

In these verses, Abram returned from Egypt with his wife, Lot, and all their possessions. God had blessed Abram with great wealth in livestock, silver, and gold. Remember how God promised that Abram would be a source of blessing to others? Well, during their journeys, Lot also prospered, and soon the land could not support both men and their herds. Their abundance led to strife between their herdsmen. The Canaanites and Perizzites still lived in the land, making resources even scarcer and conflict even more abundant, as we will see. Conflict, both internal to Abram’s family and from external sources, threaten the unity of Abram’s family and the witness of God’s people among the nations. What will Abram and Lot do? 

As we will see, the conflict between Abram and Lot’s herdsmen was not just about resources. It was a test of character and faith. More on that in the coming verses. 

How about a word of application for us today? When disagreements arise, believers must seek God first, value unity, and pursue peace. The church must remember that relationships matter more than possessions or personal rights. To preserve peace in the congregation, can you lay down what you perceive as your rights and preferences for the greater good?