By James Riley Strange, Ph.D.
Professor of New Testament, Samford University
CONFIDENCE IN THE MIDST OF CONFLICT
Genesis 13:5–11, 14–18
After the debacle in Egypt, Abram and Sarai have returned to one of their earlier encampments in the Central Hills of Canaan. As before, Abram calls on the Lord where he had built an altar, perhaps in penance for the harm he brought to Pharaoh’s household and the anguish he caused Sarai.
As we shall see, trust will wane often in Abram and Sarai. The story does not aim to present them as moral heroes. The emphasis is on God’s trustworthiness.
The rest of Abram’s and Sarai’s story happens in the land of Canaan. Because their journey takes readers through much of the biblical world, it helps to consult a map.
Reread Chapter 12 for context.
Conflict happens even in the best relationships. (5–8)
The narrative presents both Abram and Lot as immensely wealthy, having vast herds and numerous people, probably slaves (12:5; “possessions” in 13:6) who are their household servants and herders. Consequently, we see one part of God’s promise in 12:2 is already being fulfilled, for “blessing” often refers to prosperity (see Deut. 28:1–14).
Because the volume of animals and people taxes the pastureland, herders quarrel about whose flocks may graze and water in various places. We can imagine Abram’s herders place weight on his authority while Lot’s argue they are treated unfairly.
Verse 8 suggests the strife between their herders is beginning to cause a rift between uncle and nephew. The two could have burrowed into their growing resentment and intensified the fight over land. Instead, Abram initiates a solution: They will separate for the sake of peace.
Place others’ needs before your own. (9–11)
As the head of the family, Abram could have either divided the pastureland himself or sent Lot far away. Instead, Abram allows Lot to choose the Jordan Valley, which seems best to him. That is an act of generosity. Abram relinquishes authority, when holding onto what was his by right would probably have accelerated bitterness and conflict. It is ironic the land Lot chooses will be part of ancient Israel.
Note the narrative does two other things: It anticipates the story of Sodom and Gomorrah in Chapter 19, and it removes one potential heir of Abram’s household, as Lot volunteers to leave Canaan and, after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, becomes the ancestor of the Moabites and Amorites (19:36–38).
Trust God to remain faithful to keep His promises. (14–18)
God underscores this last point in verse 15, repeating the promise of 12:7 that God will give the land to Abram’s “seed” (“offspring” in many translations), that is, to Abram’s and Sarai’s descendants.
Neither Lot nor Eliezer of Damascus (15:2–4) will be Abram’s heir. Nor will Ishmael, Abram’s oldest son by the enslaved Egyptian Hagar, for Ishmael is not Sarai’s son.
Abram’s sons through Keturah and concubines will become the ancestors of Arabian tribes (25:1–6). As we will learn, the child of the promise will be Isaac, the sole offspring of Abram and Sarai (17:16).
Abram and Sarai do not behave as if they believe a word of it. After hearing the promise more than once, Abram twice turns Sarai over to a king’s harem (12:10–20; 20:1–18) and chooses Eliezer as his heir.
For her part, Sarai gives an enslaved woman to her husband to impregnate (16:1–3). The father and mother of the faith show the strain of trust. They reveal what people will do when conviction fades.
Is it any wonder Israel, the people who traced their ancestry to Abram and Sarai, so often strayed? Is it any wonder you and I, their descendants through faith, must work at trust?
As ever, we rely, not on our own virtues of certitude and loyalty, but on God’s mercy and faithfulness.
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