We continue our “Series in “Genesis“
BEFORE READING GENESIS 13, I RECOMMEND READING JOHN GILL’S INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS
Chapter CONTEXT from MHCC: In this chapter we have a further account concerning Abram. I. In general, of his condition and behaviour in the land of promise, which was now the land of his pilgrimage. 1. His removes (v. 1, 3, 4, 18). 2. His riches (v. 2). 3. His devotion (v. 4, 18). II. A particular account of a quarrel that happened between him and Lot. 1. The unhappy occasion of their strife (v. 5, 6). 2. The parties concerned in the strife, with the aggravation of it (v. 7). III. The making up of the quarrel, by the prudence of Abram (v. 8, 9). IV. Lot’s departure from Abram to the plain of Sodom (v. 10-13). V. God’s appearance to Abram, to confirm the promise of the land of Canaan to him (v. 14, etc.).
| Genesis chapter 13 Simplified Outline | |
| Ge 13:1-5. | Abram and Lot return with great riches out of Egypt. |
| Ge 13:6-7. | Strife arises between Abram’s herdsmen and those of Lot. |
| Ge 13:8-9. | Abram meekly refers it to Lot to choose his part of the country, |
| Ge 13:10-13. | and Lot goes to Sodom. |
| Ge 13:14-17. | God renews the promise to Abram. |
| Ge 13:18. | He removes to Hebron, and there builds an altar. |
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When last we left Abram, otherwise known as ‘the father is exalted‘ he was doing everything but exalting his heavenly father. Abram was being tossed out of Egypt with his family including his nephew Lot. Yet God provides and they left Egypt far richer than when they had arrived (v.1-5).
Of course, wealth seems to inevitably bring strife, especially between family members, (v.6-7) so Abram defers to Lot to choose the best or prime grazing grounds to settle his family (v.8-9). Still not satisfied with being given the option of choosing the best land first, Lot chooses the land closest to Sodom (v.10-13) a city known for evil sinful ways.
Here we see an important theological lesson, one often argued and discussed in modern evangelical circles, that of Man’s Free Will vs. God’s Sovereignty. I will not get into a debate or lengthy explanation here (see related below) suffice it to say did Lot have a choice to go where he did, Yes most certainly. Did God know before Lot made the decision what it would be absolutely 100% no question, God has complete sovereign control over the universe and its events!
The next BIG Theological event in this chapter occurs in (v.14-17) when God renews His Vow to Abram 14And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him,…15For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever. God is a promise keeper, He is incapable of deception and lies, those are human characteristics brought on by the sinful nature of man. No, God, looks upon Abram, even after his screw-up in Chapter 12, and says I have made a promise, I will have mercy and keep it. Think about that for a moment, would God have been righteously justified in denying Abram his promise? Of course, he had sinned against God. He also noted and repented of his errors and God’s Grace showed through.
I am going to assume y’all have heard of the book Tale of Two Cities, The final theological note in chapter 13 is the tale of two men. Or the tale of the Ungodly and the Godly man. We learned in v.12-13; … Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13 But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly. We will find out more about Lot’s troubles in Sodom in the coming Chapters. Abram on the other hand hears God’s command v.17-18; Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee. 18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord.
I hope you can see the clear difference between these two men. One is exercising his own self-centered free will, while the other is exercising his free will to be obedient in following God’s commands and honoring God for His divine providence.
When was the last time we thanked God for His Divine Providence BIG or SMALL
Praying through Genesis 13:15
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word of truth – the Bible, and for the great encouragement it gives us to know that You are a faithful God Whose word is true and Whose promises will never fail. We stand in awe of the mercy and love, goodness and grace You showed to Abraham, Isaac, and the children of Israel, and we rejoice that You sent Jesus to be our Kinsman-Redeemer so that by faith in Him we might be brought into the family of faith and be made Your spiritual sons and daughters – through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Father, we thank You for Your generous provision, Your faithfulness, and your unending love. We are so grateful for all You have done for us, and Praise You for all You have promised to do. Thank You in Jesus’ name, AMEN.
Source: https://prayer.knowing-jesus.com/Genesis/13/15
RELATED:
Do human beings truly have a free will?
https://www.ligonier.org/posts/the-meaning-of-mans-will-pt-1
https://www.ligonier.org/posts/the-meaning-of-mans-will-pt-2
https://www.ligonier.org/posts/the-meaning-of-mans-will-pt-3
Of Free Will Web Page by London Confession
Faithful Steward Ministries and FSM Women's Outreach 