After Lot had departed, the LORD said to Abram, "Now lift up your eyes from the place where you are, and look to the north and south and east and west, After Lot had departedThis phrase marks a significant turning point in Abram's journey. The Hebrew root for "departed" is "halak," which means to go or walk. Lot's departure signifies a separation that was necessary for God's plan to unfold in Abram's life. Historically, this separation allowed Abram to fully embrace his calling without the distractions or conflicts that had arisen with Lot. It is a reminder that sometimes God requires us to part ways with certain people or situations to fulfill His purposes. the LORD said to Abram
The use of "the LORD" here is significant, as it is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the covenant name of God. This indicates a personal and relational communication between God and Abram. The phrase underscores the intimacy and directness of God's guidance in Abram's life. It is a powerful reminder that God speaks to His people, providing direction and assurance in times of uncertainty. Now lift up your eyes
The command to "lift up your eyes" is both literal and metaphorical. In Hebrew, "nasa" means to lift or carry. This action signifies a shift in perspective, encouraging Abram to look beyond his immediate circumstances. Spiritually, it is a call to faith, urging believers to look beyond the present challenges and trust in God's promises. It is an invitation to see the world through the lens of divine possibility. from the place where you are
This phrase emphasizes the importance of starting from one's current position. God meets Abram where he is, both physically and spiritually. The Hebrew word "maqom" for "place" suggests a specific location, but it also implies a state of being. It reassures believers that God’s plans are not hindered by their current situation; rather, He uses it as a starting point for His greater purposes. and look to the north and south and east and west
This comprehensive directive to look in all directions symbolizes the vastness of God's promise to Abram. The Hebrew words for these directions—"tsaphon" (north), "negev" (south), "qedem" (east), and "yam" (west)—encompass the entirety of the land God is giving to Abram. It is a promise of abundance and blessing, reflecting God's boundless provision. Historically, this promise foreshadows the expansive territory that Abram's descendants would inherit. Spiritually, it encourages believers to trust in the limitless nature of God's promises, which extend beyond human limitations and understanding. Persons / Places / Events 1. Abram (Abraham)The central figure in this passage, Abram is the recipient of God's promise. He is a man of faith, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. 2. LotAbram's nephew, who has just separated from Abram to settle in the Jordan Valley. His departure sets the stage for God's renewed promise to Abram. 3. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-making God who speaks directly to Abram, reaffirming His promises and guiding Abram's journey. 4. CanaanThe land where Abram is currently dwelling, which God promises to give to Abram and his descendants. 5. The Four Directions (North, South, East, West)Symbolic of the vastness of the land God is promising to Abram, indicating the comprehensive nature of God's blessing. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesAbram's experience teaches us to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Just as Abram was called to look beyond his immediate situation, we are encouraged to have faith in God's long-term plans for us. Separation for Greater BlessingLot's departure was a pivotal moment that allowed Abram to receive a clearer vision of God's promise. Sometimes, God may call us to separate from certain people or situations to fully embrace His plans for our lives. Vision Beyond the PresentGod's instruction to Abram to "lift up your eyes" serves as a reminder to look beyond our current circumstances and trust in God's broader perspective and provision. Comprehensive BlessingThe mention of the four directions signifies the completeness of God's blessing. We are reminded that God's plans for us are abundant and all-encompassing. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abram's response to God's promise in Genesis 13:14 demonstrate his faith, and how can we apply this kind of faith in our own lives today? 2. In what ways does the separation of Lot from Abram serve as a turning point in Abram's journey, and how might God be calling you to make similar separations for His purposes? 3. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's promises despite not seeing immediate results. How does Abram's account encourage you in your current walk of faith? 4. How does the promise of land to Abram in Genesis 13:14 connect with the broader biblical account of God's covenant with His people? 5. Considering the vastness of the land promised to Abram, how can we understand and apply the concept of God's comprehensive blessing in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:1-3God's initial call and promise to Abram, which is expanded upon in Genesis 13:14. This connection highlights the continuity of God's covenant with Abram. Genesis 15:5God's promise to Abram regarding his descendants being as numerous as the stars, reinforcing the promise of land and offspring. Hebrews 11:8-10The New Testament reflection on Abram's faith, emphasizing his obedience and trust in God's promises, even when he did not see their fulfillment in his lifetime. People Abram, Canaanites, Lot, Mamre, Perizzites, ZoarPlaces Ai, Bethel, Betonim, Canaan, Egypt, Gomorrah, Hebron, Jordan River, Negeb, Sodom, ZoarTopics Abram, East, Eastward, Lift, Lot, Lot's, North, Northward, Parted, Separated, South, Southward, West, WestwardDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 13:14 4821 east
4842 north
4850 south
4857 west Genesis 13:14-15 5704 inheritance, material Genesis 13:14-17 5477 property, land
7258 promised land, early history 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 13:14 NIVGenesis 13:14 NLTGenesis 13:14 ESVGenesis 13:14 NASBGenesis 13:14 KJV
Genesis 13:14 Commentaries
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