23. Abram's Solution to the Strife (Gen 13:1-18)

Abram acquired a lot of livestock and gold and silver in Egypt. As they came up from Egypt, they could not find enough land to live together.

Read Gen 13:1-18 NET version or ESV version

Questions for Observations

What caused the quarrel between Lot’s shepherd and Abram’s shepherds? (2, 6)

 

Abram suggested Lot to (             ) each other(9), and this solution was not good (11). Why did Lot choose the land near Sodom and Gomorrah, though Sodomites were very sinful before the Lord? (10)

 

What was God’s promise after Abram had let Lot choose better land? (two, 14-17)

 

Meditation for Application

Trouble comes
They became rich in Egypt through a lie (2), so they could not find a proper place and wandered places (3-4). They were too rich for the land (5-6). And this caused conflict between Lot and Abram (v7)
-> When it was not given by God, too much wealth is not good, especially for us who live as travelers in this world. 

Abram's solution
Abram chose to separate each other. This made them more vulnerable to attacks from other tribes. Also, this eventually made Lot to be separated from the covenantal blessings of Abram. 
-> Abram should have prayed for how to resolve the strife. 
-> Our not trusting the Lord might make people around us slip away from the Lord. 

When Lot chose a place, he evaluated it with his own eyes and chose wealth over God's will. He didn't care about Sodom's wickedness.
Verses 11-13 summarize it this way. 
1) they should not be separated as relatives ('as brother' in Hebrew). 
2) Abram stayed in Canaan, but not Lot. This means Lot will be excluded from Abram's blessing
3) Lot chose to stay close to evil. what do you expect in Lot's future life?

God's intervention
When Abram was discouraged after he sent Lot away, God confirmed his promise of the land and descendants. In verse 2, Abram was scared of being looted because of his wealth and moved places (3). Now, Abram has confidence in God's protection and boldly moves to a better place for his livestock, Hebron. 
-> God encourages us in times of need. He is good.
-> We need to remember God's promise amid trouble.

ANSWERS
The land was not enough for their too many possessions.
separated from
Sodom was good in his eyes, though they were sinful in God's eyes.
land & descendants

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