Read the Passage: Genesis 13–14

Listen to the Redeemed Mind Podcast: Genesis 13-14

Separation (13:1–13)

After being expelled from Egypt (cf. Gen. 12:19–20), Abraham and his family returned to the Promised Land. Abraham first settled in the South, and then migrated to Bethel, the site of his first encampment (cf. Gen. 12:8). Earlier, Gen. 12:16 recorded that Abraham was given much livestock and many servants in Egypt. Now, upon his return to the land, Moses reports, “Abram was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold” (Gen. 13:2). Most importantly, however, when Abraham arrived back in Bethel, he “called on the name of the Lord” (Gen. 13:4). This is significant, for it may imply that Abraham recognized that fleeing to Egypt had been unwise. At a minimum, this worship demonstrates Abraham’s belief that God’s presence was somehow related to the Promised Land. Gen. 13:6–7 reveals that Lot, too, had become rich. Next, as perhaps could be expected, the limited natural resources in Canaan led to family strife.

Earlier, on his trek to Egypt, Abraham was fearful of man and selfish with his request that Sarah conceal the truth of their marriage. Yet now, as Abraham sought to diffuse the tension with Lot over the limited natural resources in Canaan, Abraham was gracious and accommodating. Indeed, being the elder family member, Abraham could have sent Lot away or simply consigned him to a less favorable part of the land. Yet, in order to maintain the peace, Abraham gave Lot the first choice of the land when they decided to part company. Gen. 13:10–11 records that Lot chose to settle in the plain of the Jordan, which was to the southeast of Abraham. Lot chose this region because of its proximity to water; yet the text ominously mentions that Sodom and Gomorrah were located here. Lot’s choice of the plain left Abraham to settle in the northwestern region of the land of Canaan.

Revelation (13:14–18)

There is no indication in the text that Abraham was upset or discouraged that Lot chose the seemingly best part of the Promised Land. Yet, in Gen. 13:14–18 God encouraged Abraham by reiterating parts of the Abrahamic Covenant. Indeed, for the third time in two chapters, God repeated the national and personal aspects of His covenant with Abraham. It is interesting that God not only restated aspects of the covenant, but also, He instructed Abraham to “walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you” (Gen. 13:17). Observe that despite God’s covenant promises being as-yet unrealized, in a reference that includes Abraham, Heb. 11:13 reports, “Theses . . . not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (cf. Heb. 13:14). Trust in God’s future promises is a mark of maturing faith.

Rescue (14:1–26)

Gen. 14:1–17 narrates certain trouble that Lot experienced as he dwelt among the cities of the plain. In short, a war broke out in the region, as five kings banded together to fight oppression from four subjugating kings. Each of these kings was a leader of a city-state, with their geographical locations ranging from Mesopotamia to the southern part of the Promised Land. It is perhaps surprising that the four kings prevailed, and they took captive “Lot, Abram’s brother’s son who dwelt in Sodom, and [his] goods” (Gen. 14:12). When Abraham learned of Lot’s capture, he armed a militia of 318 men to purse the marauding raiders and to rescue Lot. Note that at Gen. 14:1 Abraham is called a “Hebrew,” which is the first time this term is used in Scripture. Next, after a 150-mile pursuit of the victorious coalition of kings, Abraham’s skilled militia caught them, liberated Lot, and returned the captives and material goods to the land.

The account of Abraham’s rescue and return of Lot is significant, as the enigmatic character named Melchizedek is introduced. While Melchizedek only appears in person in this passage, he is referred to elsewhere in Scripture (cf. Ps. 110:4; Heb. 7:1–28) and he is clearly a type of Christ. Indeed, on account of Melchizedek’s sudden appearance and later description (cf. Heb. 7:1–3), many scholars believe him to be a theophany—that is, a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ. While Melchizedek’s identity is mysterious, it is evident that Abraham held him in very high regard, for Abraham both accepted a blessing from him (cf. Gen. 14:19–20a) and tithed to him (cf. Gen. 14:20b). Furthermore, in contrast to the king of Salem, note that the king of Sodom wanted to give Abraham the material goods and to take the people for himself—an offer that Abraham refused (cf. Gen. 14:21–24).

Application Questions:

1. How has your relationship with the Lord affected the relationships you have with various family members?
2. If God’s covenant and blessings were directed toward Abraham, how and why did Lot become so wealthy?
3. What criterion and methods can believers use to make wise decisions in regard to major life events such as relocation?
4. What does the writer of Hebrews mean when he writes, “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come” (Heb. 13:14)?
5. What do you think about the character Melchizedek? How can we explain later biblical references to this king?