Read: Genesis 13:1-13 NLT – Abram and Lot Separate – So Abram left – Bible Gateway
“Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt.” Genesis 13:10 NLT
This week in Biblical Insights Abram is leaving Egypt with his tail between his legs after being called out by Pharoah for his deception. It was a mistake going down to Egypt in the first place failing to trust God in caring for them during the famine. But he is on his way now traveling north into the Negev on their way to the region of Bethel and Ai. Abram left Egypt a lot more prosperous than when he entered. The Lord had blessed Abram in spite of his sin. Pharoah gave Abram much livestock and servants in addition to what he already had. “So Abram left Egypt and traveled north into the Negev, along with his wife and Lot and all that they owned. (Abram was very rich in livestock, silver, and gold.)” (Gen.13:1-2 nlt)
Abram went back to Bethel and worshiped the Lord at the altar he made at his first visit when entering Canaan. Abram got back to business with God. Realizing God’s mercy and blessings towards him when he failed the Lord, Abram went to the nearest place he had set up an altar and worshiped God.
Lot, Abram’s nephew, was traveling with him. Lot had also become very wealthy with flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and many servants. Wealth in ancient Palestine was measured in the number of livestock, servants and jewels one possessed. Both Abram and Lot had plenty. This created a problem for the both of them. It’s hard to comprehend how blessings from God could be the cause of a problem. We accept these problems noting it is a good problem to have. A young family have God’s blessings of more children and soon find themselves needing to move into a bigger place. A good problem to have.
Abram and Lot found themselves having ‘a good problem to have.’ The region could not supply the sufficient needs for all of the livestock of both Abram and Lot. The land did not have enough water or pastured land. “So disputes broke out between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot. (At that time Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land.)” (Gen.13:7 nlt) It is also noted that rural dwellers were living there as well. On a side note, it should be mentioned besides this problem being caused by God’s blessing both of them, it should be noted that Abram was instructed to leave his family in Ur and go to the place where God would lead him. If Lot was not with him, there would be no problem. Sometimes the smallest miscue in obeying God even with the best of intentions surface later in ways we never thought of. It’s always better to obey God completely, 100%.
Abram knew this issue needed to be resolved. “Finally Abram said to Lot, ‘Let’s not allow this conflict to come between us or our herdsmen. After all, we are close relatives!’” (Gen.13:8 nlt) It wasn’t good for families to be fighting with each other and not a good look for those who were representing the Holy God the creator of all things.
It seems the decision to separate is a wise one and there is no dispute. The decision as to who goes in what direction is now to be decided. Abram, although the elder, shows kindness to Lot in letting him choose first. Whichever direction Lot chooses Abram will go in the opposite direction. Abram was growing in faith and relying on God and not his own decisions. His experience in Egypt had an effect on him. Abram is finding faith in God’s sovereignty and trusting Him. He knows in whatever direction he goes the Lord will be with him and bless him. Not so with Lot. Abram took off his self-centeredness and Lot put his on.
“Lot took a long look at the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley in the direction of Zoar. The whole area was well watered everywhere, like the garden of the LORD or the beautiful land of Egypt.” (Gen.13:10 nlt) Lot took a long look. There is always danger in taking a long look. Some will disagree saying you need to be careful and sure to make a wise decision and that is true. But what captivates you in that first look? Do you ever get past the surface and consider what is underneath? Lot based his decision on what his eyes told him. He saw the green lush vegetation of the fertile fields in the Jordan Valley. There was an irrigation system in place, even in that day, from the Jordan river. Lot knew this was a prize pic. He chose the land towards the east in the Jordan Valley at the edge of the Promised Land. His decision was a wise one in business terms and in a worldly point of view. Lot was more than content with his newfound territory and moved on away from Abram with his possessions, but it would turn out to be a disastrous decision.
Abram settled to the west in the land Canaan and Lot settled around the city of Sodom. Abram walked by faith; Lot walked only by sight. Lot allowed his long look to dictate his future. Abram let his growing faith in God decide his future. Sodom was an evil and sinful city. Lot was putting himself and his family in harm’s way to satisfy his selfish desires. When our selfish desires put us in a bad spot it will have the same effect on those closest to us and not only ourselves. Having Abram’s growing faith will have the opposite effect on each of us. Shortening that long look and putting our faith in God will help us to make the right decisions.
Next week we’ll begin to see some of Lot’s troubles as a result of his long look……
Word for the Soul 