Genesis 13 - Introduction
The Separation of Abram and Lot. (J; P, Genesis 13:6_; Genesis 13:11_b, Genesis 13:12 a.)... [ Continue Reading ]
The Separation of Abram and Lot. (J; P, Genesis 13:6_; Genesis 13:11_b, Genesis 13:12 a.)... [ Continue Reading ]
_went up out of Egypt_ Cf. Genesis 12:10, "went down into Egypt." Egypt is always regarded as the low-lying country; and Palestine as the high ground. _Lot with him_ Lot was not mentioned in the previous chapter, but it is here implied that Lot had been with Abram in Egypt. _into the South_ i.e. i... [ Continue Reading ]
Genesis 12:10 to Genesis 13:2. Abram in Egypt. (J.) The narrative in this section should be compared with the similar ones in 20, 26. It is repellent to our sense of honour, chivalry, and purity. It is true that Abram's cowardice is reproved, and that the action of the Egyptian Pharaoh is represent... [ Continue Reading ]
_cattle … silver … gold_ Abram's wealth described in an ascending scale of value. Cf. Genesis 12:16; Genesis 24:35. _on his journeys_ i.e. by successive encampments. _the place … his tent_ See Genesis 12:8; to which passage also the phrases "at the beginning," and "at the first" (Genesis 13:3) ref... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Lot also_ This verse, describing the wealth of Lot, is intended, with Genesis 13:2, to prepare for the account of the separation of Abram from Lot. Lot's wealth consists only of flocks and herds and tents.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the land_, &c. The account, according to P, of the reason for Lot's separation. The flocks and herds of the two chieftains when combined were so numerous, that there was not pasturage enough to feed them. Cf. a similar reason, in P's narrative, for the separation of Jacob and Esau, Genesis 36:7... [ Continue Reading ]
_And there was a strife_ The account according to J of the reason for the separation. Disputes were constantly arising between the herdsmen of the two caravans. For other examples of such causes of friction among shepherds and herdsmen, see Genesis 21:24-32; Genesis 26:15-33. _and the Canaanite and... [ Continue Reading ]
_for we are brethren_ i.e. kinsmen; Abram being Lot's uncle. Cf. Genesis 14:14, "and when Abram heard that his brother (i.e. Lot) was taken captive." Abram, as the elder, takes the lead in the conference: his proposal is made with generosity and dignity. Lot, though the younger, is to have his choi... [ Continue Reading ]
_the whole land_, &c. Abram's offer is made with the elaborate profuseness and courtesy characteristic of an Oriental bargain: cf. Genesis 23:11-16; 2 Samuel 24:21-24.... [ Continue Reading ]
_And Lot lifted up his eyes_ The spot near Bethel, from which the view described in this verse can be obtained, is easily identified. Travellers speak in glowing terms of the scene commanded by this piece of high ground. _all the Plain_(R.V. marg. _Circle) of Jordan_ The word _kikkar_, a "round," or... [ Continue Reading ]
_So Lot chose_ This verse points onward both to the catastrophe in 19 and to the dwelling-place of the Moabites and Ammonites. Lot's selection (_a_) disregarded the rights of Abram his senior; (_b_) was based on the material attractions of the country; (_c_) ignored the characteristics of the people... [ Continue Reading ]
_northward and southward_, &c. The promise here includes, in the future possession of Israel, the land which Lot had chosen for himself.... [ Continue Reading ]
_to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever_ The gift to Abram is one of promise and prediction. The gift to his "seed" was to be fulfilled in history. If the words "for ever" are to have their fullest meaning, the land is a pledge symbolic of God's mercy and goodness towards the people. Their... [ Continue Reading ]
_as the dust of the earth_ For this simile cf. Genesis 28:14, which is also from J. Abram's descendants are elsewhere compared in number to the stars, Genesis 15:5; Genesis 22:17; Genesis 26:4; and to the sand which is upon the seashore, Genesis 22:17; Genesis 32:12.... [ Continue Reading ]
_Arise, walk_ Abram is told to go up and down in the land of promise, and thus to view by faith the possession which his descendants will connect with the promise made to him.... [ Continue Reading ]
_the oaks of Mamre_ Better, as R.V. marg., _terebinths_. Cf. Genesis 14:13; Genesis 18:1. Probably the sacred trees of the Canaanite sanctuary at Hebron. Josephus (_Ant_. i. x. § 4 and _B.J_. iv. ix. § 7) mentions the oak tree (δρύς) of Hebron. The so-called oak of Abraham, 3 miles N.W. of Hebron, w... [ Continue Reading ]