Summary of Genesis 13:1-13:
Abram was forced from Egypt after Pharaoh found out he had been sleeping with his wife, Sarai. He leaves Egypt a very wealthy man, along with Lot. He travels to Negev to Bethel, where he had first built an altar to God. He stops to call on God’s name. Lot’s possessions had grown as well. The land could not support both of their livestock and quarrels arose amongst the camps. Abram proposes a split and lets Lot choose his way. Lot chose towards Zoar because it was well watered like Egypt. Lot settled near Sodom.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 9, Day 2: Genesis 13:1-13
3) Lot’s possessions had grown as well. The land could not support both of their livestock and quarrels arose amongst the camps.
4) Abram lets Lot choose, so he is humble and generous. Lot chooses the one that looks the best, so he is selfish and greedy.
5) Romans 14:19-21 tells us to give up food and drink if it bothers someone else. 1 Corinthians 6:1-7 says appoint someone to decide your quarrels. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 says that you should make yourself a slave to everyone to win as many as possible (be courteous). Ephesians 4:1-3 says to be humble, gentle, patient, bear with each other in love, and make every effort to keep the unity of the peace. Basically, put others first.
6) Personal Question. My answer: Because we want to believe we are right, and it’s hard to put others first even when we know they are wrong, or they have hurt us. I pray and try to forgive. That’s about all I can do.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 9, Day 2: Genesis 13:1-13
Great example of solving problems when they arise amicably and letting others choose. God will bless you no matter what.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 9, Day 2: Genesis 13:1-13
The main trade route through this land was north to south and passed through Bethel, Hebron, Shechem, and Beersheba. You’ll see these names again and again in God’s story because it was were they traveled all the time.
Abram returns to Canaan with Lot a richer man than before. He worships God. Note he does not beat himself up over sin. He moves forward as we all are to do.
Remember that Abram brought Lot along against God’s will (Genesis 12:1). There are always consequences for disobedience, even slight ones. Here, there is conflict, which is from the devil. Expect attacks from the devil when you do the right thing.
Since they were in a land of unbelievers, it was important not to quarrel and to set an example. This quarrel had to be solved.
We can see Abram’s growth in faith in this offer to Lot. He knew now God would take care of him, so he offers Lot the decision even though it was Abram’s right to choose since God had given him the land, not Lot’s. Note how Abram lays down his rights for another. When we do this, God is glorified like with Paul (1 Corinthians 9:14-18) and Jesus (Philippians 2:5-11).
Lot chooses by what he can see; with God, faith is unseen (2 Corinthians 5:7). This reveals that Lot’s heart was already in trouble. However, I think Lot was not gone. He could still follow God, but he chooses not to once he gets to Sodom.
Take Away: Remember, all is never lost. You always have a choice to obey. It’s everyday choices that matter the most.