Genesis 13

1. South. “Abram went up” to the “Negeb,” the southern highlands of Canaan.

2 very rich. His servant dwells on the source of Abram’s wealth (Gen. xxiv. 35).

3 on his journeys. “By stages."—Beth-el. The place known by this name to the narrator, but not to Abram himself.

4 the place of the altar. At Shechem (xii. 6, 7).

7 in the land. The Canaanites (xii. 6) inhabited the cities and maritime districts, the Perizzites occupied the open country. There was therefore less room for these pastoral chiefs with their large flocks, and the more need to preserve peace among their dependants.

9 to the left. Abram waived his right for peace’s sake; carrying out principles afterwards clearly stated in the New Testament (Rom. xii. 10, 18).

10 all the plain. Rather, “circuit,” the land lying round the Jordan, probably where it falls into the Dead Sea. This, “as far as Zoar,” appeared abundantly watered and as fertile as Egypt, which they had lately left. The great salt lake had not yet burst forth.

11. Jordan. Lot disregarded the character of the people, who, abusing the fertility of their country, lived in pride, idleness, and debauchery (see Ezek. xvi. 49; 2 Pet. ii. 7, 8). He soon paid dearly for his unwise choice; whilst Abram’s disinterestedness was rewarded by a renewal of God’s promise (vers. 14-17).

18 in the plain. Rather, “the oaks,” or “terebinths” (R.V.); see note on xii. 6. Mamre was the name of an Amorite, probably the chieftain of the district.—Hebron. Hebron, one of the most ancient cities in the world (Numb. xiii. 22), formerly called Kirjath-Arba (xxiii. 2, note; Josh. xiv. 15), is now named El Khalil, “the friend,” in reverent remembrance of “the friend of God.”