Abram and Lot Separate

Abram went up from Egypt toward the south with his wife and all that he possessed, accompanied by Lot. Abram was described as being very rich in cattle, silver, and gold. He traveled from the south until he reached Bethel, returning to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai. At this location, Abram stood by the altar he had previously made and called on the name of the Lord (Genesis 13:1-4). Lot, who went with Abram, also possessed flocks, herds, and tents.

The text states that the land was not able to bear them dwelling together because their substance was so great. Consequently, a strife arose between the herdsmen of Abram's cattle and the herdsmen of Lot's cattle. At that time, the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled in the land. Abram spoke to Lot, asserting there should be no strife between them or their herdsmen because they were brethren (Genesis 13:5-8). Abram proposed a separation and offered Lot the choice of the entire land, stating that if Lot went to the left, Abram would go to the right, or if Lot took the right, Abram would take the left.

Lot lifted his eyes and beheld the plain of Jordan, noting it was well watered everywhere, similar to the garden of the Lord or the land of Egypt. This observation occurred before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot chose the plain of Jordan and journeyed east, resulting in the separation of the two men. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, while Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom (Genesis 13:10-12). The text notes that the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly, though the text does not say if Lot knew this at the time of his choice.