ABRAHAM SERIES: THE RETURN AND SEPARATION

Thankfully, the Pharaoh of Egypt sent Abram and his household away without requiring Abram to return the sheep, oxen, asses, camels, men, servants, and maidservants he had been given. Abram departed Egypt unharmed and wealthier than when he arrived there. Genesis 13:2 states, “And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.” Abram journeyed back to Bethel, the place where he had first erected an altar to God when he came into the land of Canaan, and there Abram called on the name of the Lord.

Not only did Abram prosper, but also his nephew Lot, which created a problem for the land, as it already had nations dwelling there and could not accommodate both of them. Consequently, Abram’s herdsmen and Lot’s herdsmen began disputing with each other, and to keep the peace, Abram suggested they separate. Abram gave Lot the first choice of the land, and seeing the fertile, watered plain of Jordan, Lot chose it. Unfortunately, Lot journeyed eastward and pitched his tent toward Sodom, where the inhabitants were described as exceedingly wicked sinners.

With the departure of Lot, God revealed to Abram that all the land he could behold to the north, south, east, and west would be given to him and his posterity, which would become numerous as the dust of the earth. God instructed Abram to traverse the length and breadth of the land, which he continued to do during his lifetime.

This chapter ends with Abram for now settling in Mamre and building an altar unto the Lord.

Historically, the Canaanites and the Perizzites dwelled in the land before Abram and Lot arrived, thus limiting the pasture for the animals. As the patriarch of the family, Abram had the right to choose which section of land he wanted first; however, he generously allowed Lot to do so.

Lot left Adam with a hilly and mountainous terrain that was arid and rugged, depending on seasonal rainfall and being less fertile than the location he chose. In time, Lot’s location was destroyed by fire, while Abram’s land was the one promised and blessed by God.

Note the direction of Abram in this chapter. Abram goes up to Cannan after going down into Egypt in chapter twelve. Also, while down in Egypt, there is no record of Abram communing with God.

Here are the nuggets from this chapter:

Even in our mistakes, God causes men to bless us.

After deliverance, return to the place of worship and promise.

Above personal gain, prioritize peace and unity in your relationships.

When you realign yourself with God, build an altar and give thanks.

If there is strife among family members, be the peacemaker.

In the midst of conflict, be willing to seek peace.

Seek to resolve family conflict.

Just don’t choose something because it looks good.

What looks pleasing to the eye may actually be detrimental to your future.

Prioritize peace and unity in our relationships above personal gain.

Everything that looks good to you is not good for you.

When making a decision, get direction from God first.

Put God first wherever you go.

To avoid disaster in the future, consult with God first.

As you journey through life, walk in fellowship with God.

Before settling in a place, investigate the surroundings.

From time to time, God will remind you of the promises he made to you.