Topical Bible: Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron

◄ Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Background and Context:
Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Hebrew Bible, revered as the patriarch of the Israelites, Ishmaelites, Edomites, and Midianites. His account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. Abraham's journey of faith begins with God's call to leave his homeland and travel to a land that God would show him (Genesis 12:1-3). This journey leads him to Canaan, where he establishes himself as a man of faith and obedience to God.

The Separation from Lot:
The narrative of Abraham deferring to Lot and choosing Hebron is found in Genesis 13. After returning from Egypt, Abraham and his nephew Lot find that their combined wealth and livestock have grown too large for the land to support them both. This leads to strife between their herdsmen. To resolve the conflict, Abraham proposes a peaceful separation, allowing Lot to choose the land he desires.

Genesis 13:8-9 records Abraham's words to Lot: "So Abram said to Lot, 'Please let there be no strife between you and me, or between your herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Please separate from me. If you go to the left, I will go to the right; if you go to the right, I will go to the left.'"

Lot's Choice and Abraham's Decision:
Lot chooses the well-watered plain of the Jordan Valley, near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which at the time appeared to be a fertile and prosperous region (Genesis 13:10-11). This decision, however, places Lot near cities known for their wickedness, foreshadowing future events in Lot's life.

After Lot's departure, God reaffirms His promise to Abraham, assuring him that all the land he sees will belong to his descendants forever. Genesis 13:14-15 states: "After Lot had departed, the LORD said to Abram, 'Now lift up your eyes from the place where you are, and look to the north and south and east and west. For all the land that you see, I will give to you and your offspring forever.'"

Abraham's Settlement in Hebron:
Following God's reassurance, Abraham moves his tent and settles by the oaks of Mamre in Hebron, where he builds an altar to the LORD (Genesis 13:18). Hebron becomes a significant location in Abraham's life, serving as a place of worship and communion with God. It is here that Abraham establishes a lasting presence in the land promised to him and his descendants.

Hebron, located in the hill country of Judah, becomes an important city in biblical history. It is associated with several key events in the lives of the patriarchs and later becomes the site of King David's anointing as king over Judah.

Significance:
Abraham's decision to defer to Lot and choose Hebron demonstrates his character as a man of peace and faith. By allowing Lot to choose first, Abraham exhibits humility and trust in God's provision. His settlement in Hebron marks a pivotal moment in the fulfillment of God's promises, as it solidifies his presence in the land that would become central to the history of Israel.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 13:1
And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 14:13
And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelled in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.
Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 35:27
And Jacob came to Isaac his father to Mamre, to the city of Arbah, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.
Nave's Topical Index