The patriarch, like a restored backslider, made his way back to the old spot, on the highlands of Bethel, where his first tent and altar had stood. Through his wanderings hitherto there had been a depressing element of worldliness in his camp, through the presence of Lot, who, like many more, was swept along by his uncle's religion, but had little of his own. Feeling that separation was inevitable, and that God would surely care for him, Abram offered Lot his choice. See Psalms 16:5. The younger man chose according to the sight of his eyes. In his judgment he gained the world-but see 2 Peter 2:7-8. The world is full of Lots-shallow, impulsive, doomed to be revealed by their choice and end. "Let there be no strife!" Blessed are the peacemakers! Wherever the interests of peace can be conserved through the sacrifice of your own interests, be prepared to forfeit the advantage, but stand like a rock when God's truth is in balance. [source]
Chapter Summary: Genesis 13
1Abram and Lot return with great riches out of Egypt 6Strife arises between Abram's herdsmen and those of Lot 8Abram allows Lot to choose his part of the country, 10and Lot goes toward Sodom 14God renews his promise to Abram 18He moves to Hebron, and there builds an altar
What do the individual words in Genesis 13:13 mean?
But the menof Sodom[were] wickedand sinfulagainst Yahwehexceedingly
Parse: Proper Noun, feminine singular
Root: סְדֹם
Sense: a Canaanite city, usually paired with Gomorrah, located in the area of the Dead Sea and the Jordan river; both cities destroyed by God in judgment.