Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryGenesis 13

Genesis 13:1–4: Abram's Removal to Canaan This passage describes Abram’s return from Egypt to Canaan, along with his family and possessions. Even though he left Egypt, a place of temptation, with greater wealth, he did not forget his faith. Abram went back to the place where he had first built an altar to God and continued his worship. This shows that true devotion to God can continue even when life circumstances change. Wealth, when managed well, can be a blessing from God, and it is possible to be both prosperous and faithful (Prov. 10:22; Mark 10:23–24 ; 1 Tim. 4:8 ).v. 1: Abram left Egypt with his wife, Lot, and all his possessions, returning to the south of Canaan. This teaches us that even if we must go into difficult or tempting places, we should leave them as soon as we can and return to where God wants us (Ruth 1:6 ).

v. 2: Abram was now very rich in cattle, silver, and gold. The Hebrew word for "rich" means "heavy," showing that wealth can be a burden. Riches bring worries, temptations, and responsibilities. Still, God sometimes makes good people wealthy as part of his blessing, and prosperity can be used for good if managed well (Hab. 2:6; Prov. 10:22 ).

v. 3: Abram traveled from the south back to Bethel, to the place where he had first set up his tent. He returned to a familiar place, not just to be among old friends but because it was also the place where he had worshipped God before. Sometimes, returning to important places can remind us of our promises to God (Gen. 35:1 ).

v. 4: Abram went to the place where his altar had been and called on the name of the Lord

Genesis 13:5–9: Lot's Separation from Abram In this passage, we learn about the conflict that arose between Abram and Lot, who had traveled together for a long time. The main cause of their disagreement was wealth, as both men had many animals and servants. The land could not support them both, so their servants began to argue. Abram, wanting to keep peace, suggested that they separate, giving Lot the first choice of land. This story shows that even blessings like wealth can lead to problems, and that true followers of God should work for peace and put relationships first (1 Tim. 6:9; Matt. 5:39–40 ).v. 5–6: Lot, who was with Abram, also had many flocks, herds, and tents. Both men were very rich, and the land could not support them if they stayed together. Their wealth was actually the cause of their trouble. Even good things, like success and money, can sometimes separate friends and family (v. 2 ).

v. 7: The servants of Abram and Lot began to fight over the best pastures and water. This argument was caused by their wealth, but the trouble really started with the servants. Sometimes, problems between helpers or employees can create bigger problems among those in charge. Also, the Canaanites and Perizzites were living in the land, making their fighting even more dangerous and embarrassing for God's people.

v. 8: Abram spoke to Lot and asked for peace between them and their servants. He reminded Lot that they were relatives—“we are brethren.” Abram showed a calm and humble attitude. He did not get angry or demand his own way but instead made the first move to fix the problem. True followers of God should always try to be peacemakers.

v. 9: Abram offered a solution to keep the peace. He suggested that Lot could choose any part of the land he wanted, and Abram would take what was left. Even though God had promised the land to Abram (Gen. 12:7 ), he was willing to let Lot choose first. This shows that keeping peace and good relationships is more important than insisting on our rights. Sometimes, it is wise and generous to let others choose first, even if you have the right to choose (Philemon 1:8–9; 2 Cor. 5:20 ).

Genesis 13:10–13: Lot's Removal to Sodom This passage tells how Lot chose where he would live after separating from Abram. When given the choice, Lot picked the land that looked most attractive and rich, the plain of Jordan. He did not seem to consider spiritual dangers, only the benefits he could see. The people in Sodom, where Lot moved, were extremely sinful. This choice would cause Lot many problems in the future. The story warns us that making decisions based only on what looks good can lead to disappointment, and that living among wicked people can be very hard, even for those who want to do what is right (Isa. 3:9; Ezek. 16:49 ; 2 Pet. 2:7–8 ).v. 10: Lot looked at the plain of Jordan and saw that it was well-watered and beautiful, like the garden of the Lord

v. 11: Lot chose all the plain of Jordan for himself and traveled east, separating from Abram. There is no sign that Lot hesitated or showed respect to Abram by offering him the first choice. Sometimes, selfishness leads people to make quick decisions without thinking about others.

v. 12: Abram stayed in the land of Canaan, but Lot lived in the cities of the plain and set up his tent near Sodom. Even though the land was beautiful, Lot’s decision brought him closer to danger because of the people living there.

v. 13: The men of Sodom were wicked and sinned greatly against the Lord

Genesis 13:14–18: God Confirms His Promise to Abram In these verses, God visits Abram after he and Lot separate. God uses this moment to confirm and strengthen His promise to Abram. Even though Lot chose the best-looking land, God assures Abram that all the land he sees will belong to him and his descendants forever. God also promises that Abram's descendants will be too many to count. This shows us that when we give up something for peace or for others, God can give us even more in return. God’s promises are sure, even when our circumstances change or when we feel alone (Job 22:20; Heb. 11:14 ).v. 14: After Lot left, the Lord

v. 15: God promised Abram that all the land he could see would belong to him and his descendants forever. This was a special promise for Abram and his family, not for Lot. God repeated the promise to make it even stronger. This land was important because it would later be known as the holy land (v. 15 ).

v. 16: God also promised that Abram’s descendants would be as numerous as the dust of the earth—so many that no one could count them. This promise would come true in the future, and it shows that God prepares both the blessings and the people to receive them (1 Kings 4:20 ).

v. 17: God told Abram to walk through the land—its length and width—because He was giving it to him. This was a way for Abram to take possession of the land, even if he did not live in all of it yet. God wants us to trust His promises, even when we do not see everything right away (Ps. 48:12 ).

v. 18: Abram moved his tent and settled in the plain of Mamre, near Hebron. There, he built an altar to the Lord