Topical Bible: Servant: Wicked and Unfaithful of Abraham and Lot

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In the biblical narrative, the role of servants is often highlighted, showcasing both faithful and unfaithful characters. Among the patriarchs, Abraham and Lot had numerous servants, some of whom displayed wickedness and unfaithfulness, contrasting with the loyalty expected in their service.

Abraham's Servants

Abraham, originally Abram, was a man of great wealth and influence, possessing many servants. While the Bible does not explicitly name a wicked servant of Abraham, the narrative implies challenges in managing such a large household. Genesis 14:14 mentions, "When Abram heard that his relative had been taken captive, he mobilized the 318 trained men born in his household." This indicates a significant number of servants under his command, suggesting potential for discord and unfaithfulness, though specific instances are not detailed.

The broader context of Abraham's life, including the strife between his herdsmen and those of Lot (Genesis 13:7), suggests that not all servants were aligned with the patriarch's values and mission. The conflict between the herdsmen reflects a lack of unity and faithfulness, indirectly pointing to the challenges Abraham faced with his servants.

Lot's Servants

Lot, Abraham's nephew, also had servants, as indicated by his wealth and possessions. The narrative of Sodom and Gomorrah provides insight into the moral and spiritual climate surrounding Lot and his household. Genesis 19 describes the wickedness of Sodom, where Lot resided, and the subsequent divine judgment. While the text does not explicitly mention Lot's servants' actions, the environment of Sodom suggests potential influences on those within Lot's household.

The decision of Lot's wife to look back at Sodom (Genesis 19:26) and the subsequent actions of his daughters (Genesis 19:30-38) reflect a broader theme of unfaithfulness and moral compromise within Lot's family and possibly his servants. The lack of mention of any servants fleeing with Lot further implies a disconnect or lack of loyalty to Lot's leadership and the divine warning.

Biblical Themes and Lessons

The accounts of Abraham and Lot's servants, while not extensively detailed, offer insights into the challenges of leadership and the importance of faithfulness. The patriarchs' experiences underscore the biblical theme of the heart's condition over mere outward service. The potential for wickedness and unfaithfulness among servants serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for spiritual integrity and alignment with God's purposes.

The narratives encourage believers to reflect on their own service to God, urging a commitment that transcends mere duty and embraces wholehearted devotion. The accounts of Abraham and Lot's households remind the faithful of the ever-present need for vigilance against moral compromise and the importance of cultivating a community that honors God in all aspects.

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Genesis 13:7
And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
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Library

Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ...
... ie a foolish man) much less for a servant, (ie men ... Ver.19 shows what the employment
of unfaithful men, who ... and upright man, consenting with a wicked man in sin ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/section v scriptures showing the.htm

C. The Last Stages. Chs. 17:11 to 19:28
... thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. ... the parables of the Unprofitable
Servant, ch.17 ... however, properly rebuked this unfaithful servant in the ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/c the last stages chs.htm

Psalm LXXVIII.
... hurting with the mouth, that is, with unfaithful testimony. ... the instrumentality of
evil angels, in this wicked world, as ... still not have done to a servant of God ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxviii.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... hide ourselves from any, without proving unfaithful to our ... to a bishop, Your humble
servant; wherein I ... in commending most wicked men, and wicked customs, that ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Last Farewell in the Presence of the one Hundred and Fifty ...
... God, as to make His Majesty a fellow servant with ourselves ... These are the playthings
of the Wicked One, who is ... know not, but for the most part, unfaithful to God ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xlii the last farewell.htm

Letter v. Prayer and Fasting.
... His servant, when sent to obtain a wife for Isaac ... Again; when wicked Ahab sent a
band of men to ... employment will admit of it, without being unfaithful to your ...
/.../letter v prayer and fasting.htm

Never! Never! Never! Never! Never!
... of him who never did forsake his servant, Esau kisses his ... makes men fear that God
may be unfaithful, that Christ ... Wicked as thou art, he will make thee holy, he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/never never never never never.htm

From the Latin Translation of Cassiodorus.
... 3751] "Jude, a servant of Jesus ... says, [3770] "separating" the faithful from the
unfaithful, be convicted ... souls are immortal, even those of the wicked, for whom ...
/.../who is the rich man that shall be saved/i from the latin translation of.htm

Exposition of the Moral Law.
... A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master ... in his stead; just as an unfaithful
wife stings ... Therefore, when God punishes the wicked and flagitious for ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 8 exposition of the.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... that talk of leaving your souls with God, but do live loose, idle, profane, and
wicked lives. ... Noah and Lot, who so holy as they, in the day of their affliction ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm