Genesis 13 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

A.M. 2086. B.C. 1918.

A further account of Abram;

( 1,) In general, of, 1, His removals, Genesis 13:1; Genesis 13:3-4; Genesis 13:18; Genesis 13:2, His riches, v. 20. 3, His devotion, Genesis 13:4; Genesis 13:18.

(2,) A particular account of a quarrel that happened between him and Lot. 1, The occasion of their strife, Genesis 13:5-6; Genesis 13:2, The parties concerned in the strife, with the aggravation of it, Genesis 13:7; Genesis 13:3, The stopping it by the prudence of Abram, Genesis 13:8-9.

(3,) Lot's departure from Abram to the plain of Sodom, Genesis 13:10-14.

(4,) God's appearance to Abram, to confirm the promise of the land of Canaan to him, Genesis 13:14-17.

Into the south That is, the southern part of Canaan, from whence he had come, Genesis 12:9, which, however, was north-east of Egypt. The Scriptures being written principally for the Jews, its language, respecting the situation of places, is accommodated to their manner of speaking.

He went on to Beth-el Because there he had formerly had an altar, and although the altar had fallen down, as being probably built of earth, or had been taken down by Abram, lest it should be polluted by the idolatrous Canaanites; yet he came to the place of the altar, either to revive the remembrance of the communion he had had with God at that place, or perhaps to pay the vows he had there made to God, when he undertook his journey into Egypt. And there Abram, prevented by no legal restraints, deterred by no pains or penalties, or insurrection of the inhabitants, although idolaters, “called on the name of the Lord,” worshipped God by prayer and thanksgiving, by offering sacrifices, and instructing his family, Genesis 18:19.

The land was not able to bear them The Canaanites and other former inhabitants of the country undoubtedly occupied the best of the land, and what remained was not sufficient to supply their flocks and herds with pasturage.

The Canaanite and Perizzite dwelt in the land This made the quarrel, 1st, Very dangerous: if Abram and Lot cannot agree to feed their flocks together, it is well if the common enemy do not come upon them and plunder them both. 2d, Very scandalous: No doubt the eyes of all the neighbours were upon them; because of the singularity of their religion, and the extraordinary sanctity they professed; and notice would soon be taken of this quarrel, and improvement made of it to their reproach by the Canaanites and Perizzites.

Genesis 13:8