Genesis Chapter 13

Abram and Lot Part Ways

1And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.

2And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 3And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai; 4Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD. 5And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. 6And 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. 7And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.

8And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. 9Is 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 depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

Lot Pitches Toward Sodom

10And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as thou comest unto Zoar. 11Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east: and they separated themselves the one from the other. 12Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.

God Renews the Promise to Abram

14And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: 15For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. 16And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. 17Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee. 18Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.

Abram and Lot Part Ways

1 Abram went up out of Egypt: he, his wife, all that he had, and Lot with him, into the South.

2 Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold. 3 He went on his journeys from the South even to Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4 to the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first. There Abram called on the name of Yahweh. 5 Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. 6 The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together: for their substance was great, so that they could not live together. 7 There was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite lived in the land at that time.

8 Abram said to Lot, “Please, let there be no strife between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are relatives. 9 Isn’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.”

Lot Proceeds toward Sodom

10 Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw all the plain of the Jordan, that it was well-watered everywhere, before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of Yahweh, like the land of Egypt, as you go to Zoar. 11 So Lot chose the Plain of the Jordan for himself. Lot traveled east, and they separated themselves the one from the other. 12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, and Lot lived in the cities of the plain, and moved his tent as far as Sodom. 13 Now the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinners against Yahweh.

God Renews the Promise to Abram

14 Yahweh 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, 15 for all the land which you see, I will give to you, and to your offspring forever. 16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then your seed may also be numbered. 17 Arise, walk through the land in its length and in its breadth; for I will give it to you.” 18 Abram moved his tent, and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to Yahweh.

Abram and Lot Part Ways

1 So Abram went up out of Egypt into the Negev—he and his wife and all his possessions—and Lot was with him. 2 And Abram had become extremely wealthy in livestock and silver and gold.

3 From the Negev he journeyed from place to place toward Bethel, until he came to the place between Bethel and Ai where his tent had formerly been pitched, 4 to the site where he had built the altar. And there Abram called on the name of the LORD.

5 Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. 6 But the land was unable to support both of them while they stayed together, for they had so many possessions that they were unable to coexist. 7 And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land.

8 So Abram said to Lot, “Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Now separate yourself from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.”

Lot Proceeds toward Sodom

10 And Lot looked out and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan, all the way to Zoar, was well watered like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) 11 So Lot chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself and set out toward the east. And Abram and Lot parted company.

12 Abram lived in the land of Canaan, but Lot settled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13 But the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the LORD.

God Renews the Promise to Abram

14 After Lot had departed, the LORD said to Abram, “Now lift up your eyes from the place where you are, and look to the north and south and east and west, 15 for all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever. a

16 I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if one could count the dust of the earth, then your offspring could be counted. 17 Get up and walk around the land, through its length and breadth, for I will give it to you.”

18 So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks b of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.

Footnotes:

15 a Cited in Galatians 3:16
18 b Or Terebinths  or Great Trees

Abram and Lot Part Ways

1And Abram goeth up from Egypt (he and his wife, and all that he hath, and Lot with him) towards the south;

2and Abram is exceedingly wealthy in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 3And he goeth on his journeyings from the south, even unto Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the commencement, between Bethel and Hai -- 4unto the place of the altar which he made there at the first, and there doth Abram preach in the name of Jehovah. 5And also to Lot, who is going with Abram, there hath been sheep and oxen and tents; 6and the land hath not suffered them to dwell together, for their substance hath been much, and they have not been able to dwell together; 7and there is a strife between those feeding Abram's cattle and those feeding Lot's cattle; and the Canaanite and the Perizzite are then dwelling in the land.

8And Abram saith unto Lot, 'Let there not, I pray thee, be strife between me and thee, and between my shepherds and thy shepherds, for we are men -- brethren. 9Is not all the land before thee? be parted, I pray thee, from me; if to the left, then I to the right; and if to the right, then I to the left.'

Lot Pitches Toward Sodom

10And Lot lifteth up his eyes, and seeth the whole circuit of the Jordan that it is all a watered country (before Jehovah's destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, as Jehovah's garden, as the land of Egypt,) in thy coming toward Zoar, 11and Lot chooseth for himself the whole circuit of the Jordan; and Lot journeyeth from the east, and they are parted -- a man from his companion; 12Abram hath dwelt in the land of Canaan, and Lot hath dwelt in the cities of the circuit, and tenteth unto Sodom; 13and the men of Sodom are evil, and sinners before Jehovah exceedingly.

God Renews the Promise to Abram

14And Jehovah said unto Abram, after Lot's being parted from him, 'Lift up, I pray thee, thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art, northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward; 15for the whole of the land which thou are seeing, to thee I give it, and to thy seed -- to the age. 16And I have set thy seed as dust of the earth, so that, if one is able to number the dust of the earth, even thy seed is numbered; 17rise, go up and down through the land, to its length, and to its breadth, for to thee I give it.' 18And Abram tenteth, and cometh, and dwelleth among the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and buildeth there an altar to Jehovah.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of Genesis 13?

1.1Introduction to Genesis 13

1.2Context of Genesis 13

1.3Ancient Key Word Study

1.4Compare & Contrast

1.5Genesis 13 Unique Insights

1.6Genesis 13 Connections to Yeshua

1.7Genesis 13 Scriptural Echoes

1.8Genesis 13 Devotional

1.9Did You Know

What is the meaning of Genesis 13?

Introduction to Genesis 13

Genesis 13 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Abram’s journey of faith, showcasing profound spiritual lessons about choices, separation, and divine promises. This chapter presents a stark contrast between two men – Abram and Lot – and their responses to wealth, conflict, and divine guidance. Through their story, we witness how material prosperity can either draw us closer to God or lead us away from His purposes.

The chapter serves as a masterclass in conflict resolution, faith-filled decision-making, and the rewards of choosing God’s way over worldly advantage. It demonstrates how God’s promises remain steadfast even amidst human conflicts and challenges, revealing His faithfulness to those who trust in Him.

Context of Genesis 13

Genesis 13 follows immediately after Abram’s troubling sojourn in Egypt, where fear led him to compromise his integrity by presenting Sarai as his sister. Despite this moral failure, God’s grace preserved both Abram and Sarai, allowing them to return to Canaan with considerable wealth. This context makes the events of chapter 13 even more significant, as we see Abram returning to his altar and his faith, demonstrating spiritual recovery and growth.

Within the broader narrative of Genesis, this chapter stands as a crucial turning point in the Abrahamic covenant. It represents the first major test of Abram’s faith after receiving God’s initial promises in Genesis 12:1-3. The separation from Lot, while seemingly a setback, actually sets the stage for God’s renewed and expanded promises to Abram, showing how divine purposes often work through human choices and circumstances.

In the larger biblical narrative, Genesis 13 establishes important themes that echo throughout Scripture: the danger of worldly attachments, the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, and the reward of faith-filled choices. The contrast between Abram and Lot becomes a paradigmatic example referenced throughout the Bible, particularly in the New Testament’s teachings about faith and worldliness.

Ancient Key Word Study

וַיַּעַל (vaya’al) – “Went up” (verse 1): This Hebrew verb carries both physical and spiritual connotations. Physically, it describes Abram’s geographical ascent from Egypt to the Negev. Spiritually, it suggests his return to proper spiritual fellowship with God, emphasizing the upward movement of restoration.
כָּבֵד (kaved) – “Very wealthy” (verse 2): The term literally means “heavy” and is used metaphorically to describe abundance. This same word is used for “glory” in other contexts, creating a fascinating wordplay about the weight of both material and spiritual riches.
מִקֶּדֶם (mikedem) – “Eastward” (verse 11): Beyond merely indicating direction, this word carries theological significance in Genesis, often associated with moving away from God’s presence (cf. Eden, Babel). Lot’s choice to go “eastward” subtly foreshadows his spiritual decline.
נִפְרְדוּ (nifredu) – “Separated” (verse 14): The root פרד emphasizes complete separation or division. Significantly, it’s only after this separation that God speaks to Abram again, suggesting how some divine purposes require separation from worldly attachments.
וַיֶּאֱהַל (vaye’ehal) – “Pitched his tent” (verse 18): This verb, related to the noun “tent,” emphasizes the temporary nature of Abram’s dwelling. It contrasts with Lot’s settlement in the cities and reflects Abram’s understanding of his pilgrim status.
מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach) – “Altar” (verse 18): The word literally means “place of slaughter” but represents the location of worship and communion with God. Abram’s altar-building marks his territory not by force but by worship.
אַרְבַּע (arba) – “Four” appears in the name Kiriatharba: In Hebrew numerology, four represents completion and wholeness. The location’s name thus suggests a place of fullness and divine purpose.
שָׂא (sa) – “Lift up” (verse 14): This imperative verb, when God commands Abram to lift his eyes, implies more than physical sight. It suggests spiritual perception and understanding of divine promises.

Compare & Contrast

Verse 1’s description of Abram going up (וַיַּעַל) from Egypt could have used the more common Hebrew word הָלַךְ (halakh – “to go”). The choice of עָלָה emphasizes both the geographical ascent and spiritual elevation, creating a beautiful double meaning that would have resonated with ancient readers.
In verse 6, the phrase “could not dwell together” uses לָשֶׁבֶת (lashevet) rather than לָגוּר (lagur). This specific word choice emphasizes permanent settlement rather than temporary sojourning, highlighting how prosperity had shifted their mindset from pilgrimage to permanent residence.
The description of Lot “lifting his eyes” (verse 10) uses the same phrase (וַיִּשָּׂא-עֵינָיו) as when God commands Abram to look (verse 14), but with dramatically different results. This parallel structure emphasizes how the same action can lead to either blessing or curse depending on one’s spiritual orientation.
The text describes the plain of Jordan as “like the garden of the LORD” rather than using the more specific “like Eden.” This broader reference encompasses not just paradise lost but divine abundance in general, creating a richer theological allusion.
When describing Lot’s choice, the text uses וַיִּבְחַר (vayyivchar – “he chose”) rather than וַיִּקַּח (vayyikach – “he took”), emphasizing the deliberate nature of his decision rather than mere circumstance.
The phrase “all the land” appears repeatedly with subtle variations in Hebrew (כָל-הָאָרֶץ), emphasizing the comprehensiveness of God’s promise through repetition rather than through more emphatic Hebrew terms.
In verse 18, Abram’s movement is described as ויאהל (vaye’ehal – “he moved his tent”) rather than the more common וישב (vayeshev – “he dwelt”), emphasizing his continuing pilgrim status.

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Genesis 13 Unique Insights

The rabbinical tradition finds profound significance in the numerical value (gematria) of the word ריב (strife) mentioned in verse 7, which equals 212. This same number appears in the word רדו (go down) used when Jacob’s sons went down to Egypt, suggesting a spiritual link between strife and exile that would later manifest in Israel’s history.

The Zohar, a fundamental text of Jewish mysticism, sees in Abram and Lot’s separation a cosmic pattern of the separation of holy and unholy forces. It notes that Lot’s choice of Sodom wasn’t merely a geographical preference but represented a spiritual gravity toward the world’s darker forces. The text points out that the word סדום (Sodom) contains the same letters as סדום (secret), suggesting hidden spiritual implications in Lot’s choice.

Early Church fathers, particularly Origen and Augustine, saw in this chapter a pattern of spiritual progression. They noted how Abram’s journey from Egypt, his handling of conflict with Lot, and his renewed worship at Hebron parallel the soul’s journey from worldliness to spiritual maturity. The altar-building at Hebron was seen as particularly significant, as Hebron (חברון) shares its root with the word for “connection” (חיבור), suggesting deep communion with God.

Historical records and archaeological findings have confirmed the fertility of the Jordan plain in ancient times, adding depth to the biblical description of it being “well-watered everywhere like the garden of the LORD.” This geological and historical context helps us understand the magnitude of Lot’s choice and its implications.

Genesis 13 Connections to Yeshua

The Messiah’s teaching about seeking first the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33) finds a powerful precursor in Abram’s choice to prioritize peace and trust God’s provision rather than grasp at apparent advantages. This faith-filled decision prefigures the spiritual priorities that Yeshua would later emphasize in His ministry.

The separation between Abram and Lot parallels the New Testament’s teaching about separation from worldliness (2 Corinthians 6:17). Just as Abram’s separation from Lot preceded a renewed divine promise, believers’ separation from worldly values opens the way for deeper spiritual blessing in the Messiah. Furthermore, the chapter’s emphasis on Abram’s altar-building points to Yeshua as the ultimate fulfillment of true worship, the one through whom we have direct access to God.

Genesis 13 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter’s themes resonate throughout Scripture. Lot’s choice of the well-watered plain, leading to spiritual compromise, echoes in warnings about worldliness like 1 John 2:15-17. The apostle Peter specifically references Lot’s experience in 2 Peter 2:7-8, using him as an example of righteousness vexed by wickedness.

Abram’s peaceful resolution of conflict foreshadows New Testament teachings on handling disagreements among believers (Matthew 5:9). The promise of land to Abram and his descendants finds its ultimate fulfillment in both the historical possession of Canaan and the spiritual inheritance of believers in the Messiah (Galatians 3:29).

The contrast between Abram’s tent-dwelling and Lot’s city-dwelling lifestyle is referenced in Hebrews 11:9-10, where it becomes a metaphor for living by faith rather than by sight. The theme of divine promise and human faith demonstrated in this chapter becomes a foundational pattern referenced throughout both Old and New Testaments.

Genesis 13 Devotional

Today’s reading challenges us to examine our own choices and priorities. Like Abram and Lot, we regularly face decisions between immediate advantage and long-term spiritual blessing. The chapter invites us to consider: Are we making choices based on what we can see, like Lot, or by faith, like Abram?

Abram’s example teaches us about conflict resolution in a way that honors God. Rather than insisting on his rights as the elder and the one who received God’s promise, he humbled himself and offered Lot first choice. This demonstrates how confidence in God’s promises enables generosity and peace-making – a crucial lesson for our relationships today.

The chapter also reminds us that every choice has consequences. Lot’s decision, while seemingly wise from a worldly perspective, led to spiritual compromise and eventually personal tragedy. This prompts us to evaluate our own decisions not just by their immediate benefits but by their spiritual implications.

Did You Know

The journey from Egypt to the Negev mentioned in verse 1 would have covered approximately 150 miles and taken several weeks with flocks and herds.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the cities of the plain mentioned in verse 10 were located in the southern Jordan Valley, an area that was indeed extremely fertile in ancient times.
The Hebrew word for “quarrel” (ריב) in verse 7 appears 60 times in the Old Testament, often in the context of legal disputes, suggesting this was more than a minor disagreement.
Hebron, where Abram settled, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and sits at an elevation of about 3,050 feet above sea level.
The “oaks of Mamre” mentioned in verse 18 were likely terebinth trees, which can live for hundreds of years and were often associated with sacred sites in ancient Canaan.
The word “altar” (מזבח) appears 402 times in the Old Testament, with its first occurrence in Genesis 8:20 when Noah built an altar after the flood.
The phrase “lift up your eyes” (שא־נא עיניך) used in verse 14 is the same phrase used in Isaiah 40:26 when God calls people to observe His creation.
The territory promised to Abram in verses 14-17 encompasses approximately 12,000 square miles.
The name “Mamre” is believed to derive from the Amorite word meaning “fatness” or “abundance,” indicating the fertility of the region.
Traditional Jewish sources identify the “oaks of Mamre” as the location where Abraham later entertained the three angels in Genesis 18.

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