The previous time we have discussed how Abram went down to Egypt. This had been a perilous time for Abram and Sarai, but the Lord cared for them. So what is written in the beginning of this chapter became possible: "And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south." It is the special mercy and goodness of the Lord that either of them could return, considering the sin they had committed and the peril in which they had been.

This going of Abram to Egypt we can observe from different points of view. First of all, we see God's faithfulness for an unfaithful servant. These events must have been to Abram's spiritual instruction. But there is yet another aspect; the Lord used this incident to enrich him with temporal goods, as we can read in the beginning of this chapter. Abram returned out of Egypt a very rich man. Pharaoh had given him many presents; but it is not Pharaoh, but the Lord who through Pharaoh made him rich. In every respect the Lord made it well and by grace he could return to the narrow path of God's favor.

This is such a great blessing – when we have turned away from the Lord in our foolishness – that we may return again to Him. The Lord is the Alpha and the Omega. Each time this is necessary in the life of God's children. Think of David. After he had been instrumental in the death of Uriah, the Lord came back in his life: "Thou art the man." What would have become of Solomon, Jonah, and Peter if there were not an Intercessor in heaven as we read in 1 John 2:1: "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous"? When we look at our own life, young people, are there not many sins that testify against us? It is a wonder and it stays a wonder when the Lord comes in our life for the first time or by renewal. Do you know anything of such care of the Lord for you?

Abram had confessed his sins and returned from where he had been – between Beth-El and Ai. There at the altar he called on the name of the Lord. Most likely he tried to pray in Egypt also, but heaven was closed for him. One who departs from the Lord does not experience God's favor at the same time. The Lord goes through straight ways. Calvin says: "Abram professed the true and pure worship of God." Luther says: "He preached and taught his family and Canaanitish neighbours the true religion."

When in verse 3 we read: "And he went on his journeys," this means that he used the same camping grounds in his ascent which he had previously traversed in his descent. He had to travel according to the condition of the flock. It needed enough food and drink, but also time to rest; otherwise the young ones would have died.

Hitherto Abram had been accompanied by Lot in all his wanderings from Haran until this moment, when he returned out of Egypt. Lot was also a child of God, but so different from the father of the faithful. Soon we hope to see how Lot departed from the Lord and for a time was seeking his happiness in the world. This led to great loss as we hope to see, the Lord willing – not only of his possessions, but also nearly his life. Here we see the great danger of seeking the friendship of the world, as it is impossible to serve God and mammon at the same time. This is also a danger for us. On Sunday we go faithfully to church, but how is it during the week? The Lord knows everything!

How did Lot come into these temptations? This is described in this chapter, Genesis 13. We know that Abram had become very rich, literally, "weighty" (verse 2). Blessings had rained upon Abram, but the drops fell also upon Lot. He also had part in the blessings the Lord gave to Abram. Often we see this. We read that the house of Potiphar was blessed for Joseph's sake. Many times it is said that God's people are the corks upon which a country is floating. The increase in possessions was mostly in their cattle: "And the land was not able to bear them." They had so much cattle that there was a shortage of grass and water. Then there was a conflict of interest. The herdsmen of Lot and Abram had trouble amongst themselves. Regularly they had quarrels about the pastures and wells which perhaps led to blows and fighting. And they were not alone because the Canaanites and Perizzites also dwelt in the land.

This strife was unbearable for Abram, so he made the proposal to Lot to separate from one another. We should remember that only Abram was called by the Lord; he received the promise of the land of Canaan. This means that the land of Canaan belonged to Abram according to God's promises and not to Lot, but this was not recognized by Lot. All these problems could have been avoided if Lot had simply left to go to another pasture, which would have been proper in this case. In this difficult situation Abram made this proposal. His reasoning was, "We be brethren." This does not only mean that they merely belonged to the same family, but it goes deeper; they were spiritual brothers. They both served the living God. They worshipped at the same altar. And they both had the calling to live to the glory of God in this heathen land. All this was impossible while they were fighting among each other.

But there is yet another reason. Two other nations also lived in the land and when they fought, the name of the Lord was dishonored in the eyes of the world. It also means that if they strove together, they became an easy prey for the enemies, especially if they were in want.

Finally, the difference is not about the truth, but it is a financial matter; it is about earthly riches. This must not become a quarrel among God's children. Still, so often it is a matter of much contention among brothers of the same house. When faith is in exercise, then it will not be a problem because then we will seek the honor of the Lord more than earthly possessions.

There is yet one thing that I have not yet sufficiently emphasized – why these two men should have been separated. It was according to the will of God. Abram's seed was to be kept completely distinct from all other nations, because out of them the prom­ised Messiah would come forth. The separation was brought about by what seemed to be several natural circumstances. Probably Abram himself did not see the divine purpose, as what was going on between him and Lot was a burden for him.

Abram tried to avoid all problems by proposing voluntary separation. He al­lowed Lot – although he was the younger and inferior – the first choice. This was not only generosity, but he proposed it in faith, leaving it in the hands of the Lord to determine the border of his possessions. The older Abram, the uncle of Lot and the head of the tribe, had the right to say to Lot: "I will go this way and you take that side." He did not do this because by faith he believed God's promise. (See Genesis 12:7.) He knew that his descendants would inherit the whole land. The future of his family was not dependent upon whether he received a good or bad parcel of land at that time. No, the Lord will fulfill His prom­ise from generation to generation!

How often it is difficult for us to give something over, when we think we have the right, or yield priority to an­other person. We fight to get the best, to be the best. So also in a wider sense nations fight for their own power, and in the bosom of the nations we have the same fight among the different ranks. We also fight in the smaller circles as family or heirs. Most of the time the troubles start with perishable things, as money and possessions. It is a struggle for us when we do not have anything of Abram's generosity. He gave it in the hand of the Lord. What a good place that is!

By nature our attitude is like Lot's and is a consequence of inner poverty. If we have nothing but worldly goods and are seeking our happiness in them, then we will fight for ourselves. This is human smallness, which brings so much unhappiness on earth. There is only one medicine – to live by faith. Faith is a gift of God. We may ask this of God. God's children may believe that they are upon God's account for soul and body. It is a happy people who may know that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is also their God.

Abram's generosity and faith were not imitated by Lot. In our thoughts we see the two men standing on a high ridge between Beth-El and Ai. Northward are the mountains which divide Samaria from Judea. Westward and southward would become the possession of Benjamin and Judah, and far in the distance is the slope on which Hebron was built. The fairest vision is eastward; the River Jordan, winding through a valley of untold fertility.

When Abram and Lot looked at the different landscapes, the Jordan Valley was rich with the most luxuriant tropi­cal vegetation. It far exceeded in fertility and beauty the area around the Sea of Galilee. When Lot saw this part of the country – fair like Paradise we would say, green with perennial verdure like that part of Egypt which was flooded by the River Nile – then it seemed very desirable in Lot's eyes. He did not think or care about the character of the inhabitants. It was a poor choice for Lot. Why? Exactly in this beautiful country, where the people are richly blessed by the Lord, there sin had been multiplying. Is it not true that many times cities or countries which are richly blessed are the most wicked? This is also clearly visible in our own countries, which are the richest of the world. But they are like Jeshurun – when it became fat, it kicked back.

We read in verse 10: "And Lot lifted up his eyes." It would have been better if Lot had cast his eyes down as we read of the publican. If we are in such a condition as the publican, we do not look for the world and we realize that we do not deserve to have two feet of ground on earth. For that people the world turns pale and it passes away for them. Or, if Lot had lifted up his eyes toward heaven, then it would have been good too, because only the Lord can fulfill all our needs. It is written that Lot lifted up his eyes to the "best" part of the country. He was driven by avarice and covetous­ness. The bitter fruit of his choice will be seen in his life later on. When we make a choice without God, then we always choose against ourselves.

"And they separated themselves the one from the other" (verse 11b). Alas, there are many separations on earth. We find strife in families, among God's people, and also among God's servants. It is not as it should be, but we find it also in God's Word. For example, Paul and Barnabas had division about John Mark. In general, there is little sorrow about it; we can bear it and are satisfied with ourselves. It is very sad that this happens in God's church also and it should bring us on our knees. "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." Notwithstanding the sad divi­sion among each other, once it will fall away. In heaven all God's children will be united and have the same goal: to glorify the Lord forever and ever.

"Lot journeyed east." When he saw his flocks graze in the fat pastures of Sodom and Gomorrah, then he felt good about his choice. He did the right thing! He would become even richer and do lots of business. We read, "Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom." The tents were for the shepherds, but Lot and his wife and daughters soon left their tents and lived in the cities of the plain and gradually came closer to Sodom. It did not happen in one day. Just as it happens today – when people are leaving the church, it is gradual, step by step.

We would say that the desire to live in the city was understandable. Behind the walls of a city, you are much safer than in tents in the open field. Such a city also gave much more com­fort. All these things drew Lot closer and closer to Sodom until he lived in the city. Why should he not? Do not forget that Abram did not do this. He did not go out of the world, but he did not live in their cities. He also had communion with the Canaanites. He had to become separated from the Canaanites to keep God's covenant holy. So Abram's living in tents had a spiritual meaning. In Hebrews 11:9 we read, "By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise."

Lot and his family lived in Sodom. They probably remembered that this was not allowed at the time when they lived with their uncle, but they thought, things have changed and it was really not necessary to live so strictly separated. This should have been just the opposite. Why? you will ask. Since Lot had gone away from Abram, he had become much weaker. He should have been doubly careful in all his doings. Moreover, this city where they went to live was the wicked Sodom, the most wicked city. If there were any place to avoid close connection, then it was here. He should have stayed away from it as much as possible!

Is it not many times the same with us, young people? As long as we are at home, then we have the guidance and advice of our parents; but when we have to move away from home, then the dangers increase so much. The protection of the family where God's Word is the highest authority, is of the greatest value. When it is possible, try to remain home; at least, on Sunday try to be home and keep the Lord's Day as we ought to. We have seen too many casualties among our young friends, after they left the parental home. Especially in our days the world allures so many people and they make the same choice as Lot: the world with all its pleasures.

This history of Lot going to Sodom is a touching subject to preach on for our days. Lot walked with Abram, but he wandered away. We as children of the Reformation are a generation that has also as it were walked with Abram. Our pious forefathers forsook everything to follow the calling of the Lord. We are led by them from their writings.

Today we are also confronted with Sodom, which flatters the eyes. We have to go through the world like Abram, but should seek a city which has foundations, whose Builder is God. The danger is real that many will yield to the temptations of our time. I hope that the Lord will make us jealous of the tents of Abram where the Lord revealed Himself.

The departure of Lot was according to God's will. As long as Lot was with Abram, then he stood not alone with God. The bond with his relatives was not yet completely broken, which the Lord required of him in Haran. For Abram it was a trial to depart from Lot. Then he was alone, but the Lord did not forsake him. He again gave him the promise that the whole land of Canaan would be given to him and that out of him a great nation would come forth. Abram could walk through the whole country and see it as his possession. This land would be inhabited by his descendants.

Abram dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is close to Hebron. Mamre was one of the heads of the tribe of the Amorites, who with his brothers Eshcol and Aner were confederate with Abram (Gen. 14:13). Today Hebron is called Chalil-er-Rahman, which means: the fruit of the merciful, a remembrance of the fact that Abram lived there, and was called a friend of God. In Mamre Abram built an altar unto the Lord out of gratitude. He was content; he was satisfied and could rest in God's promise.

The Lord promised the land to Abram's seed forever. Calvin says: "Forever is to the close of the period which was already measured out in the secret counsel of God from the duration of the seed of Abram as a people." Keil says: "And unto eternity, insofar as it was a promise of a spiri­tual inheritance to Abram's believing children. Thus as the promise does not preclude the expulsion of the unbe­lieving Israelites from the land, so neither does it guarantee to deny the Jews a return to the earthly Paradise."

Questions for Bible Study⤒🔗

1. Try to explain Abram's return out of Egypt in the life of God's children and mention a few biblical examples.
2. Why did it have to come to a separation between Abram and Lot?
3. How could Abram be so generous towards Lot?
4. Describe the choice of Lot. Why was he inclined to choose the plain of Jordan and what was the consequence of it?
5. In which respect was Abram's portion much better than that of Lot?
6. Give a few explanations of the promise the Lord gave to Abram in Genesis 13:15b: "And to thy seed for ever."