Genesis Chapter 13 Explained – Abram Returns from Egypt to the Negev

Genesis 13 begins with Abram going up out of Egypt with Sarai, Lot, and all their possessions (Genesis 13:1). The journey northward from Egypt to the Negev marks a return to the land God promised him. Abram is described as being “very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold” (Genesis 13:2). These riches, in part, came from Pharaoh’s generosity during Abram’s stay in Egypt (Genesis 12:16), showing that God can use even imperfect circumstances to bless His people.

The return to Canaan after Egypt parallels the future exodus of Israel, when they too would leave Egypt with great wealth (Exodus 12:35-36). Both accounts demonstrate God’s providence in enriching His people for His purposes.

Back to Bethel and the Place of Worship

Abram continues his journey, “going on still toward the south” until he comes to the place between Bethel and Hai where he had built an altar earlier (Genesis 13:3-4). Here, Abram “called on the name of the Lord.” This return to the site of his earlier worship signifies spiritual renewal. Having experienced trials and moral weakness in Egypt, Abram comes back to the place where he first openly acknowledged God in Canaan.

This is a biblical pattern—returning to earlier places of spiritual encounter after failure. Jacob does something similar in Genesis 35:1-3, going back to Bethel to reaffirm his commitment to God. For believers, it illustrates the importance of restoring fellowship with God after a season of spiritual compromise.

Strife Between Abram’s and Lot’s Herdsmen

Genesis 13:5-7 describes how Lot, who traveled with Abram, also possessed flocks, herds, and tents. The land could not support both men’s livestock living together, and disputes arose between their herdsmen. The text notes, “the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land,” reminding us that Abram and Lot were not the only inhabitants—they shared the territory with other groups.

This conflict over resources echoes later disputes over land and water in Scripture, such as Isaac’s quarrels with the Philistines over wells in Genesis 26:19-22. These tensions often test relationships and reveal character.

Abram’s Peace-Making Proposal

In Genesis 13:8-9, Abram takes the initiative to resolve the conflict, appealing to their kinship: “Let there be no strife… for we be brethren.” He offers Lot the first choice of land, saying, “If thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.”

This act of generosity and humility reflects Abram’s trust in God’s promise rather than in his own ability to secure the best land. It parallels Paul’s counsel in Philippians 2:3-4 to consider others better than oneself and to look out for their interests. Abram’s approach also anticipates Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers.”

Lot Chooses the Jordan Valley

Lot lifts his eyes and sees that the plain of Jordan is well-watered “even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt” (Genesis 13:10). This fertile land appeals to Lot, who chooses it for himself (Genesis 13:11). The description recalls the lushness of Eden but also hints at danger—it is near Sodom, whose inhabitants are “wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly” (Genesis 13:13).

Lot’s decision is based on sight and immediate benefit, much like Eve’s choice in Genesis 3:6 when she saw that the forbidden tree was good for food. The New Testament warns against such short-sightedness in 1 John 2:16, which describes the “lust of the eyes” as part of worldly temptation.

Abram Dwells in Canaan and Lot in the Cities of the Plain

Genesis 13:12-13 contrasts Abram’s choice with Lot’s. Abram remains in the land of Canaan, while Lot dwells in the cities of the plain and pitches his tent toward Sodom. This proximity to wickedness foreshadows the trouble Lot will face in Genesis 19. Psalm 1:1 warns against walking, standing, or sitting in the path of sinners—a gradual progression that often leads to moral compromise.

By staying in Canaan, Abram aligns himself with the territory God promised him, showing faith in God’s plan over human reasoning.

God’s Reaffirmation of the Promise to Abram

After Lot departs, God speaks to Abram in Genesis 13:14-17, telling him to lift up his eyes and look in all directions. God promises, “All the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever” (Genesis 13:15). He also promises that Abram’s seed will be as numerous as the dust of the earth—a metaphor later repeated in Genesis 28:14 to Jacob.

God commands Abram to “arise, walk through the land… for I will give it unto thee” (Genesis 13:17). This physical act of walking through the land is symbolic of claiming it by faith. Joshua 1:3 echoes this principle: “Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread upon, that have I given unto you.”

Abram Builds an Altar at Hebron

Genesis 13:18 records that Abram moves to Mamre, near Hebron, and builds another altar to the Lord. Hebron will later become a significant city in Israel’s history—it is where David is anointed king over Judah (2 Samuel 2:1-4) and where the patriarchs are buried (Genesis 23:19-20; Genesis 49:29-31).

Abram’s altar at Hebron represents another public declaration of God’s promise and his faith in it. The repeated pattern of building altars shows that worship is central to Abram’s journey and identity, regardless of changing circumstances.