Genesis 13:11

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 of the land (Genesis 13:13). Its importance lay in its symbolical resignation of any claim upon the land of Palestine by the Moabites and Ammonites.

and Lot journeyed east This is the account according to J. The next two clauses are from P: they repeat the same thought and interrupt the sentence. The words in Genesis 13:12 "and moved his tent as far as Sodom" continue the sentence "journeyed east," and follow very awkwardly after the words "dwelled in the cities of the Plain." This is a rare instance of unskilful combination of the two strataof tradition.

13 (J). the men of Sodom The mention of the wickedness of the people is here emphasized in reference to (a) the selfish choice of Lot (Genesis 13:11); (b) the coming story of the overthrow of the cities of the Plain (19); (c) the immediate assurance to Abram of Jehovah's blessing outweighing all earthly privileges.

sinners against the Lord i.e. by immorality, not idolatry. Jehovah's supremacy over the heathen world is here implied, as in Genesis 12:10-20 in connexion with Egypt, and in Genesis 10:10 in the mention of Nimrod.

14 17 (J). The promise of the land to Abram and his seed (Genesis 12:7) is renewed with more minute description, (a) as to the extent of the country (Genesis 13:14); (b) as to the infinite number of his descendants (Genesis 13:16).