Topical Bible: Servants: Bad: Servants of Abraham and Lot

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In the biblical narrative, the servants of Abraham and Lot are depicted in a context that highlights the challenges and conflicts that can arise within a household, particularly when wealth and resources are involved. The account of these servants is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, which provides insight into their behavior and the resulting tensions.

Genesis 13:5-7 :
"Now Lot, who was traveling with Abram, also had flocks and herds and tents. But the land could not support them while they stayed together, for their possessions were so great that they were unable to stay together. And there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and Perizzites were also living in the land."

The strife between the herdsmen of Abram (later Abraham) and Lot is a significant event that underscores the potential for discord among servants when resources are limited. The servants' inability to coexist peacefully reflects poorly on their stewardship and loyalty, as their disputes necessitated intervention by their masters. This conflict ultimately led to the separation of Abraham and Lot, with Lot choosing the fertile plains of the Jordan Valley, while Abraham remained in Canaan.

The behavior of these servants can be seen as a cautionary tale about the importance of harmony and cooperation within a household. Their actions contributed to a division that had lasting consequences for both Abraham and Lot. The narrative suggests that the servants' focus on their immediate interests, rather than the well-being of the entire household, led to unnecessary strife and division.

In the broader biblical context, the account of Abraham and Lot's servants serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of wealth and prosperity. It highlights the need for wise management and the cultivation of a spirit of unity and peace among those who serve. The servants' failure to maintain harmony reflects a lack of understanding of their role in supporting the greater mission and purpose of their masters.

The account of these servants is a part of the larger narrative of God's covenant with Abraham, which emphasizes faithfulness, obedience, and the blessings that come from following God's will. The strife among the servants stands in contrast to the faith and obedience exemplified by Abraham, who is later commended for his righteousness and trust in God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... And Abraham said to his servants, the sons of Masek ... that are done in the world, both
good and bad. Abraham therefore passing over them saw men bearing swords ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

John Chapter vii. 13-Jan
... would not, however, say, my saints, my servants, or, in ... Abraham and Lot are called
brothers, while Abraham was Lot's ... never does permit this; but a bad man is ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxviii john chapter vii.htm

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... out rewards to the good and chastisement to the bad. ... by 'henceforth I call you not
servants; but ... sorely the lesson that God 'remembered Abraham' and delivered ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

The Prophets were Sent from one and the Same Father from whom the ...
... and collected together as many as they found, bad and good ... I have also sent unto
you my servants the prophets ... the west, and shall recline with Abraham, and Isaac ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxvi the prophets were sent.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... power, [618]50; needed for contention with bad spirits, [619 ... 154; how to treat them,
[864]155; Abraham a pattern ... of heavenly wisdom, [1025]308; his lot and the ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... apt to do) by his giving them a bad example, or ... And if servants and children were
to be instructed in ... did persons but redeem their time, as Abraham, David, or ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

Two Ancient Proverbs
... "Yes," you say, "those two were bad men who ... himself in the high priest's palace,
and first one of the maid-servants, and then ... What a grand man Abraham was! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/two ancient proverbs.htm

On the Words, and in one Holy Catholic Church, and in the ...
... Thou hast different sorts of servants: and some are ... thou honourest therefore the
good, and smitest the bad. ... a pillar of salt, and shall not Abraham's wife be ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xviii on the words.htm

Hymns on the Nativity. Hymn i. This is the Day that Gladdened Them ...
... The bad man that in daylight stands, yet as a son ... Let us then so pity beggars as
did Abraham the needy ... there came the Lord of all unto the servants, let masters ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymns on the nativity hymn.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... saith, "Therefore ye are the seed of Abraham, according to ... from the father;" which
in a bad sense has ... by falsehood, for they rule but as servants, and compared ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm