Commentary on Genesis 13-14
Chuck Smith explains how Abraham's journey in Genesis 13-14 reveals God's faithfulness in blessing and guiding His people despite human shortcomings.
In this sermon, Chuck Smith offers an expository commentary on Genesis chapters 13 and 14, focusing on Abraham's journey after returning from Egypt. He highlights God's faithfulness in blessing Abraham despite his earlier lapse in faith and deception. The sermon explores the significance of key locations like Bethel and draws connections to God's covenant promises to Jacob, encouraging believers to trust in God's provision and guidance.
Text
Thirteenth chapter of the book of Genesis. In chapter twelve, we find that Abraham had gone down into Egypt because of the famine. And there as the result of a lack of faith and trust in God to take care of him, he had Sarai pass herself off as his sister. But God brought a plague upon the Egyptians because the Pharaoh had more or less taken her into his harem and he rebuked Abraham for the deception and ordered his men to allow Abraham to travel freely. And so now Abraham is returning from Egypt in chapter thirteen.
He went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south (Gen 13:1).
That would be into the south part of the land of Canaan into the area of Beersheba, Kadesh, Barnea, Hebron there in the southern part.
And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold (Gen 13:2).
So God had blessed Abraham in a material way, "rich in cattle, silver, gold."
And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai (Gen 13:3);
So when Abraham first came into the land, his first stop was at Shechem, and then he came back towards the Jordan River at a high point. This is the highest point in the Jerusalem range of mountains, which begins actually in the area of Samaria and goes almost to Beersheba. Just before you get to Beersheba, you, the Jerusalem mountains sort of fade out. But this is the highest point and there is this mountain between the city of Bethel and Hai, the mountain in which he had just a tremendous view of the entire land. Abraham, when he first came there, was able to see the entire land, and there he built an altar unto the Lord and worshipped the Lord, and now he returned again to this spot of Bethel.
The place is actually sort of a significant place. It was near Bethel there that Jacob was fleeing from the wrath of his brother Esau, and he used a pillow of a rock, and he had a dream and the awareness of the presence of God. And there God made the covenant with Jacob, and said, "I am going to be with you whithersoever you go. I\
Sermon Outline
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I
- Abraham's return from Egypt after the famine
- God's blessings on Abraham's wealth
- Significance of the location near Bethel
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II
- Abraham's worship and altar building
- Reflection on Abraham's initial journey into Canaan
- Connection to Jacob's covenant experience
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III
- Lessons on faith and trust in God's provision
- God's faithfulness despite human failure
- Encouragement to rely on divine guidance
Key Quotes
“God had blessed Abraham in a material way, 'rich in cattle, silver, gold.'” — Chuck Smith
“Abraham built an altar unto the Lord and worshipped the Lord at Bethel.” — Chuck Smith
“God made the covenant with Jacob and said, 'I am going to be with you whithersoever you go.'” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Trust God to provide in times of scarcity rather than relying on your own schemes.
- Remember to worship and honor God at significant moments in your spiritual journey.
- Rely on God's promises and presence as you face challenges and decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Abraham go to Egypt initially?
Abraham went to Egypt because of a famine in the land of Canaan and sought provision there.
What mistake did Abraham make in Egypt?
He asked Sarai to pretend to be his sister, which led to Pharaoh taking her into his house.
How did God respond to Abraham's deception?
God sent a plague on Pharaoh's house and rebuked Abraham, ensuring his safe departure.
What is the significance of Bethel in Abraham's journey?
Bethel was a place where Abraham built an altar to worship God and where Jacob later received God's covenant.
What does this passage teach about God's blessings?
It shows that God blesses His people materially and spiritually when they trust Him.