Battle For The Truth (Part 54)

Genesis 13:5-12, “And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, (6) so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together, (7) and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land. (8) Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. (9) Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.” (10) And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) (11) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. (12) Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom."

Introduction

Chapter 13 focuses on the separation of Lot from Abram with Abram being deported out of Egypt in humiliation.

Vv. 5-6, “And Lot, who went with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents, (6) so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together,"

As we pointed out in last week’s message, God promised not only to bless Abram, but he would be a blessing. Here we find that immediately fulfilled in Abram’s nephew, Lot. For the text says that Lot “...also had flocks and herds and tents, (6) so that the land could not support both of them dwelling together; for their possessions were so great that they could not dwell together.”

Wealth in these times was not measured by the amount of land one could claim, but by the size of your flocks and herds, and silver and gold. Abram and Lot possessed so much livestock that the location they occupied could not support all their animals. Notice that the text says, “they could not dwell together.” There is now a problem in need of a wise solution. It is highly probable that this situation has been brewing and has now come to the boiling point.

With Terah and Lot’s father Haran now dead, Abram became like a father to his nephew Lot. Evidence indicates that Abram loved Lot and as the narrative continues, it becomes obvious that he felt responsible for Lot’s wellbeing. Being the eldest son, and his father Terah dead, Abram becomes the patriarch of the family. Upon the death of Terah, God spoke to Abram, ordering him to “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” Although Abram is credited with obeying God’s voice, he fell short of full compliance with God’s instructions, because leaving “kindred and father’s house” included Lot. Amen somebody.

Nevertheless, for whatever reason [probably love and devotion], Abram chose to take Lot along on his journeys rather than leaving him in Haran with Nahor, Abram’s other brother. Furthermore, we find no evidence where God chastised Abram for not leaving Lot in Haran, but what we see is despite man’s shortcomings and failures, God’s providence will be accomplished. Amen somebody.

V. 7 – “and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.”

Because of the size of their herds, the corresponding limited grazing land, and dedication of the herdsmen for their masters, strife broke out between Abram’s and Lot’s herdsmen. With Abram being the leader, his men may have felt more entitled to grazing rights, which apparently did not sit well with Lot’s men. At a minimum there was a verbal dispute; however, some scholars believe it is highly probable that physical conflict erupted between these two groups over grazing rights.

V. 8-9, “Then Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife between you and me, and between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are kinsmen. (9) Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself from me. If you take the left hand, then I will go to the right, or if you take the right hand, then I will go to the left.”

As word of this conflict came to Abram, it became obvious that the only solution was an amicable separation between he and lot. Notice that Abram’s primary concern was that there be no strife, ill-will, or conflict between them. Why? Because they were kinsmen or brothers. And Abram was willing to go as far as he was able to accomplish peace. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” There are many Scriptures that instruct us on the matter of peace. The Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 12:18, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Paul writes again in Philippians 2:3-4, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” Hebrews 12:14, says, “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”

James tells us in James 3:14-18, “But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy, and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.” Amen somebody.

Thus, despite his right as the senior, leader, and the one to whom God made the promises, Abram yields and lovingly offers Lot first choice. Abram displays selflessness, while Lot displays selfishness.

Side Note: Here we see a different Abram than we recently saw in Egypt. Abram is learning to trust in and depend on God no matter the circumstances. Oh, that we would learn this lesson– “to walk by faith and not by sight.” Being Proverbs 3:5-6 people, to “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” Speaking of Abraham, Hebrews 11:9, 10, says, “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: (10) For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

Also note that in the providence of God, sometimes separation is necessary. The plan that God had for Abram and Sarai did not include Lot. This should inform us that the plan God has for you, and I may require separation. Nonetheless, separation does not mean there should be hostility. In fact, among brethren (Believers) there should be love, peace, and unity.

Paul taught in Ephesians 4:1-7, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, (2) With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; (3) Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (4) There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (6) One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (7) But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.” We even saw this workout in Paul’s ministry.

For in Acts 13:2-4, we read: “As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. (3) And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. (4) So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.”

Sadly, most separations we witness today among God’s people is not peaceful or loving, which is a poor witness to the love and unity which is supposed to characterize the church of God in Jesus Christ. Much prayer needed here. Amen somebody.

Vv. 10-12, “And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw that the Jordan Valley was well watered everywhere like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, in the direction of Zoar. (This was before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) (11) So Lot chose for himself all the Jordan Valley, and Lot journeyed east. Thus they separated from each other. (12) Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom."

Rather than being humble and yielding to his elder and leader, without whom he would be as blessed as he is, Lot claims the Jordan Valley, the best land for himself. This should serve as a caution to us all: just because something looks good, does not mean that it is good. As the old saying goes: “Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.” “Thus they separated from each other. (12) Abram settled in the land of Canaan, while Lot settled among the cities of the valley and moved his tent as far as Sodom.” Next time, we will discover how well this worked out for Lot.

Conclusion

Hopefully, we have observed some valuable lessons in this narrative about the separation of Abram and Lot. Certainly, there are lessons to be learned about how we should conduct ourselves “When Separation is Necessary.” There is a lot more that can be said about this subject, but I will stop right here. However, in closing I will say, we must do our part to make the separation peaceful and loving. For Jesus said, in John 13:35 – “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” So, until next time, may the Lord bless and keep you, is my earnest prayer. Amen.