Abram, one of the great fathers of our faith had too many blessings. As he made his way back to the land between Bethel and Ai, where he had built an altar, it was apparent that the land could not support both his riches and those of Lot. Strife arose among their herdsman. Here we learn more about Abram’s character, that of his nephew Lot, and God’s heart toward Abram.
Abram’s Character
First we see, Abram called on the name of the LORD as soon as he returned. Then problems arose which caused their herdsmen to quarrel. In conversation with Lot, Abram reveals that he is a man of peace. Rather than endure strife, he offered Lot his choice of the land so they could separate and live in peace.
Lot’s Character
Next we see Lot’s character manifest in the choice he made.. He looked toward the fertile valley of the Jordan river. He took what looked to be the best for himself and separated from Abram. He lived in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent in a land of excessive wickedness and sinfulness toward God.
God’s Heart toward Abram
In it all we see God’s heart toward Abram. God met Abram as he dwelt in the land of Canaan. “Lift your eyes now and look from where you are.” Abram looked in every direction. “I am giving this to you and your descendants forever,” God said. He promised him more descendants than he could imagine. “Arise, walk in the land through its length and its width, for I give it to you.”
Abram moved his tent and dwelt by the terebinth trees of Mamre in Hebron. There he built an altar to the LORD. We learned more about Abram’s character, that of his nephew Lot, and God’s heart toward Abram.
