So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no contention between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen. After all, we are brothers. So Abram said to LotThis phrase introduces Abram as the initiator of the conversation, highlighting his role as a peacemaker. The name "Abram" means "exalted father" in Hebrew, reflecting his future as the patriarch of many nations. Abram's approach to Lot, his nephew, is significant in demonstrating his leadership and wisdom. In the ancient Near Eastern context, family ties were crucial, and Abram's initiative to address potential conflict underscores his commitment to maintaining familial harmony. Please let there be no contention
The word "contention" in Hebrew is "meribah," which can also mean strife or dispute. Abram's use of "please" indicates a polite and humble request, emphasizing his desire for peace rather than authority or dominance. This reflects a Christ-like attitude of humility and reconciliation, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Abram's appeal to avoid contention is a model for resolving conflicts within the Christian community, promoting unity and love. between you and me
Abram's direct address to Lot signifies the personal nature of the relationship and the importance of resolving issues at the interpersonal level. By focusing on "you and me," Abram acknowledges the potential for personal grievances to escalate into larger conflicts. This approach is a reminder of the biblical principle found in Matthew 18:15, where believers are encouraged to address issues directly with one another to maintain peace and unity. or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen
The mention of "herdsmen" highlights the practical aspect of the conflict, which arose from the abundance of possessions and the need for resources. In the ancient world, herdsmen were responsible for the care and management of livestock, a vital economic resource. Abram's concern for the herdsmen's disputes reflects his understanding of the broader implications of unresolved conflict, which can affect entire communities. This serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing underlying issues to prevent division and strife. After all, we are brothers
The term "brothers" in Hebrew is "achim," which can refer to blood relatives or close kin. Abram's use of this term emphasizes the familial bond between him and Lot, transcending mere biological connection to encompass a covenantal relationship. This statement underscores the biblical theme of unity among God's people, as seen in Psalm 133:1, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!" Abram's reminder of their brotherhood serves as a call to prioritize relationships over material possessions, reflecting the Christian value of love and unity within the body of Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbramLater known as Abraham, he is a key patriarch in the Bible, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, he demonstrates wisdom and peacemaking. 2. LotAbram's nephew, who traveled with him from Haran. Lot's herdsmen were in conflict with Abram's, prompting Abram to seek a peaceful resolution. 3. CanaanThe land where Abram and Lot were dwelling at the time. It was a land promised to Abram's descendants by God. 4. HerdsmenThe servants of Abram and Lot who were responsible for tending their flocks. Their conflict over resources led to the need for resolution. 5. ConflictThe strife between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot, which serves as the catalyst for Abram's proposal for peace. Teaching Points Peacemaking as a Godly TraitAbram's initiative to resolve conflict highlights the importance of peacemaking as a reflection of God's character. Family UnityAbram's reminder that they are "brothers" underscores the value of maintaining unity and harmony within families and communities. Prioritizing Relationships Over Material GainAbram's willingness to let Lot choose the land first shows a prioritization of relationships over possessions. Wisdom in Conflict ResolutionAbram's approach demonstrates the wisdom of addressing issues directly and seeking amicable solutions. Trust in God's ProvisionBy allowing Lot to choose first, Abram shows trust in God's provision and promises, rather than relying on his own understanding. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abram's approach to resolving conflict with Lot reflect the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament about peacemaking? 2. In what ways can we prioritize relationships over material possessions in our own lives, following Abram's example? 3. How does the concept of family unity play a role in resolving conflicts within our own families or communities? 4. What are some practical steps we can take to be peacemakers in our daily interactions, as Abram was with Lot? 5. How can we demonstrate trust in God's provision when faced with decisions that involve potential loss or sacrifice? Connections to Other Scriptures Matthew 5:9Jesus' teaching on peacemakers being blessed connects to Abram's role as a peacemaker in this passage. Romans 12:18Paul's exhortation to live at peace with everyone when possible reflects Abram's desire to avoid contention. Hebrews 12:14The call to pursue peace with all people aligns with Abram's approach to resolving the conflict with Lot. Proverbs 15:18The wisdom of a patient man calming a quarrel is exemplified in Abram's handling of the situation. | Abraham, the Peaceable Man | F. Hastings | Genesis 13:8 | | The Separation Between Abram and Lot | R.A. Redford | Genesis 13:1-13 | | A Quarrel in the Kitchen | J. Parker, D. D. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Abram and Lot | W. Adamson., W. Adamson. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Abram and Lot | D. C. Hughes, M. A. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Avoid Quarrels | | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Avoiding a Quarrel | J. Spencer. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Beginning the Peace | | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Christian Contention | J. Spencer. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Contending About Trifles | | Genesis 13:5-9 | | How to Prevent Quarrels | C. Colton. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Lesson Links | W. Adamson. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Lessons | G. Hughes, B. D. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Lot's Separation from Abram | Charles Jordan, M. A., LL. B. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Quarrels About Money | M. Dods, D. D. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Quarrelsome Servants | J. C. Gray. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Religion Without the Blessed Life | M. G. Pearse. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Separated from Lot | F. B. Meyer, B. A. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Separation Rather than Strife | Homilist | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Strife Between Brethren | T. H. Leale. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Strife Foolish Before the World | J. Spencer. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | The Separation Between Abram and Lot | F. W. Robertson, M. A. | Genesis 13:5-9 | | Untimely Contention | W. Adamson. | Genesis 13:5-9 |
People Abram, Canaanites, Lot, Mamre, Perizzites, ZoarPlaces Ai, Bethel, Betonim, Canaan, Egypt, Gomorrah, Hebron, Jordan River, Negeb, Sodom, ZoarTopics Abram, Argument, Brethren, Brothers, Contention, Herdmen, Herdsmen, Kinsmen, Let's, Lot, Please, Quarreling, Relatives, Shepherds, StrifeDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 13:1-12 5076 Abraham, life of Genesis 13:4-12 5077 Abraham, character Genesis 13:5-9 5834 disagreement Genesis 13:7-8 5924 quarrelsomeness Genesis 13:8-9 5783 agreement
5811 compromise
8356 unselfishness
8458 peacemakers
8780 materialism, and sin Genesis 13:8-11 8410 decision-making, examples Library July 21. "Look from the Place Where Thou Art" (Gen. xiii. 14).
"Look from the place where thou art" (Gen. xiii. 14). Let us now see the blessedness of faith. Our own littleness and nothingness sometimes becomes bondage. We are so small in our own eyes we dare not claim God's mighty promises. We say: "If I could be sure I was in God's way I could trust." This is all wrong. Self-consciousness is a great barrier to faith. Get your eyes on Him and Him alone; not on your faith, but on the Author of your faith; not a half look, but a steadfast, prolonged look, with …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth August 11. "All the Land which Thou Seest" (Gen. xiii. 15).
"All the land which thou seest" (Gen. xiii. 15). The actual provisions of His grace come from the inner vision. He who puts the instinct in the bosom of yonder bird to cross the continent in search of summer sunshine in yonder Southern clime is too good to deceive it, and just as surely as He has put the instinct in its breast, so has He also put the balmy breezes and the vernal sunshine yonder to meet it when it arrives. He who gave to Abraham the vision of the Land of Promise, also said in infinite …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth The Importance of a Choice
'And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. And he went on his journeys from the south even to Beth-el, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Beth-el and Hal; Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. And Lot also, which went with Abram, had flocks, and herds, and tents. And the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Land of Promise
"All the Land which thou seest, to thee will I give it."--Gen. xiii. 15. Gertrude of Hellfde, 1330. tr., Emma Frances Bevan, 1899 It was as if upon His breast He laid His piercèd hand, And said "To thee, beloved and blest, I give this goodly land." O Land of fountains and of deeps, Of God's exhaustless store-- O blessed Land, where he who reaps Shall never hunger more-- O summer Land, for ever fair With God's unfading flowers; O Land, where spices fill the air, And songs the golden towers-- …
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen and Others (Second Series) The Wilderness: Temptation. Matthew 4:1-11. Mark 1:12, 13. Luke 4:1-13.
The University of Arabia: Jesus' naturalness--the Spirit's presence--intensity, Luke 2:45-51.--a true perspective--- the temptation's path--sin's path--John's grouping, 1 John 2:16.--the Spirit's plan--why--the devil's weakness--the Spirit's leading--a wilderness for every God-used man, Moses, Elijah, Paul. Earth's Ugliest, Deepest Scar: Jesus the only one led up to be tempted--the wilderness--its history, Genesis 13:10-13. 18:16-19:38.--Jesus really tempted--no wrong here in inner response--every …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best …
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations Discourse on the Good Shepherd.
(Jerusalem, December, a.d. 29.) ^D John X. 1-21. ^d 1 Verily, verily, I say to you [unto the parties whom he was addressing in the last section], He that entereth not by the door into the fold of the sheep, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. [In this section Jesus proceeds to contrast his own care for humanity with that manifested by the Pharisees, who had just cast out the beggar. Old Testament prophecies were full of declarations that false shepherds would arise to …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Old Testament Canon from Its Beginning to Its Close.
The first important part of the Old Testament put together as a whole was the Pentateuch, or rather, the five books of Moses and Joshua. This was preceded by smaller documents, which one or more redactors embodied in it. The earliest things committed to writing were probably the ten words proceeding from Moses himself, afterwards enlarged into the ten commandments which exist at present in two recensions (Exod. xx., Deut. v.) It is true that we have the oldest form of the decalogue from the Jehovist …
Samuel Davidson—The Canon of the Bible Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 13:8 NIVGenesis 13:8 NLTGenesis 13:8 ESVGenesis 13:8 NASBGenesis 13:8 KJV
Genesis 13:8 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
