Topical Bible: Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot

◄ Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot ►

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The account of the strife between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot is a significant narrative found in the Book of Genesis, illustrating early challenges in communal living and the importance of peaceful resolution. This episode is recorded in Genesis 13:1-12, where the growing wealth and possessions of both Abram and Lot lead to conflict among their herdsmen.

Context and Background

Abram, later known as Abraham, and Lot, his nephew, had journeyed together from Ur of the Chaldeans to the land of Canaan, following God's call to Abram. Both men had acquired substantial wealth, including livestock, silver, and gold. As they traveled together, their combined possessions became so great that the land could not support them while they stayed together. This abundance led to strife between their herdsmen, as the resources of the land were insufficient to sustain both groups.

The Strife

Genesis 13:6-7 states, "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 presence of the Canaanites and Perizzites in the land further complicated the situation, as these indigenous peoples also required the land's resources. The strife among the herdsmen threatened the unity and peace between Abram and Lot, necessitating a resolution.

Resolution

Abram, demonstrating wisdom and humility, took the initiative to resolve the conflict. He approached Lot with a proposal to separate, allowing each to choose a different area to settle. Abram's offer is recorded in Genesis 13:8-9 : "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.'"

Abram's approach highlights his desire for peace and his willingness to defer to Lot, despite being the elder and the one to whom God had made promises regarding the land. This act of selflessness and faith in God's provision is a testament to Abram's character.

Lot's Choice

Lot, given the choice, selected the fertile plain of the Jordan Valley, which was well-watered and reminiscent of the Garden of the LORD. Genesis 13:10-11 describes Lot's decision: "Lot looked around and saw that the whole plain of the Jordan toward Zoar was well watered, like the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt. (This was before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah.) So Lot chose for himself the whole plain of the Jordan and set out toward the east. The two men parted company."

Lot's choice, while seemingly advantageous, placed him near the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, which were notorious for their wickedness. This decision would later have significant consequences for Lot and his family.

Significance

The strife between the herdsmen of Abram and Lot serves as an early biblical example of conflict resolution through peaceful means. Abram's willingness to prioritize family harmony over personal gain reflects a godly approach to disputes. This narrative also foreshadows the divergent paths of Abram and Lot, with Abram remaining in Canaan, the land of promise, and Lot moving toward a region fraught with moral peril.

The account underscores the importance of faith, humility, and the pursuit of peace in relationships, principles that resonate throughout the biblical narrative and continue to hold relevance for believers today.

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 Importance of a Choice
... And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of
Lot's cattle; and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the importance of a choice.htm

Here Followeth the Life of Abraham
... sourde and arise between the herdmen of Abram and the herdmen of Lot. Then Abram
said to Lot: Lo ... And let no strife be between me and thee, ne between my herdmen ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the life of.htm

The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary.
... In Genesis [4226] we read, "And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray
thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/the perpetual virginity of blessed.htm