Genesis 13:1-18
Q.1. What was happening in Abram’s relationship with God, and with Lot? Did Abram’s faith rub off onto Lot? (Gen.13:1-9)
God had prospered Abram substantially in southern Canaan (Gen.13:2 & 5-6). His dependence on God was growing. He returned to Bethel – … and there Abram called on the name of the Lord (Gen.13:4). His godliness was demonstrated when he took the initiative to resolve the conflict between his and Lot’s herdsmen, in order to preserve their family bond (Gen.13:7-8). Abram showed great faith in God, plus humility and generosity in his offer to his younger nephew. – Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me; if to the left, then I will go to the right; or if to the right, then I will go to the left (Gen.13:9). We soon learn that Lot’s faith in God had not kept abreast with Abram’s.
Q.2. What was the Jordan Valley like before God destroyed the cities there? Was Lot wise to choose to live in the Jordan valley? (Gen.13:10-13)
Lot’s choice failed to factor in God – Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the valley of the Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere–this was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah–like the garden of the Lord … (Gen.13:10). However, God had a very different view and destiny for the city that Lot chose – Now the men of Sodom were wicked exceedingly and sinners against the Lord (Gen.13:13).
Q.3. How did God expand on His earlier promises to Abram? How was Abram’s faith relationship growing with God? (Gen.13:14-18)
It is significant that God showed His pleasure with Abram, following his separation from Lot, by adding a further blessing to Abram – The Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him (Gen.13:14).He promised Abram’s descendants “Now lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward; for all the land which you see, I will give it to you and to your descendants forever (Gen.13:14-15). God gave the title deeds of this land to Israel, whereas our home will be in Heaven (Gen.15:18-21 c.f. Phil.3:20-21). This spiritual perspective was understood by Abram (Heb.11:8-10; 13-16). His chief concern was God. Even though he prospered greatly, he developed an eternal perspective about his life (c.f. Heb.11:8-10). Abram kept a special record of all his dealings with God. He placed a memorial altar to God at Hebron (Gen.13:18).