Genesis 12:5 - Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible

Bible Comments

‘And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls they had obtained in Haran, and they went out to go into the land of Canaan, and into the land of Canaan they came.'

The repetitive phrases at the end are in typical Ancient Near Eastern style. They confirm that what they purposed to do, they did, unlike Terah earlier.

It is clear that Abram has built up a family sub-tribe since arriving in Haran. He was a man of substance and he has increased his wealth and obtained servants of his own. He has had this moment in mind, and the time had now come to act. Lot too is a man of substance, with his father's wealth handed down to him. Later their joint substance is so great that they have to separate (Genesis 13:6), and Abram is able to field 318 fighting men ‘born in his house' for battle (Genesis 14:14).

Genesis 12:5

5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.