Genesis 13:7
and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse subtly highlights that the strife between the herdsmen wasn't just a simple disagreement, but occurred because the land was already occupied by the Canaanites and Perizzites. This context reveals that the conflict arose not just from internal tensions, but from the very real pressure of limited resources in a land not entirely their own, making their internal quarrel both more dangerous and more precarious.
Abram and Lot have returned from Egypt with greatly increased wealth, but their growing herds and flocks are now causing conflict between their shepherds over scarce grazing land and water. This dispute is particularly tense because the native Canaanites and Perizzites are already living in the land, making it difficult for Abram and Lot to find enough space and potentially adding danger to their internal strife. Abram, recognizing the unseemliness and danger of this quarrel, offers Lot the first choice of land to resolve the issue.
Abram and Lot's wealth exploded, but it didn't just bring comfort. It brought conflict.
Wealth and Strife
Genesis 13:7 tells us, "there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock." This wasn't just a minor disagreement; it was a serious tension that threatened to split the family.
Why did their success cause problems?
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Abram and Lot acted like they owned the land, but it was already occupied.
Occupied Territory
Genesis 13:7b states, "At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land." This detail is crucial for understanding the conflict.
What does this tell us?
Understand the original words
riyb · Hebrew Noun
Dispute, contention, or conflict, often arising from human sin, selfishness, or disagreements over resources or status.
miqneh · Hebrew Noun
A collective term for animals raised for agricultural or economic purposes, symbolizing wealth and provision in the ancient Near Eastern context.
Kena'aniy · Hebrew Noun
People groups inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest, often representing the pagan environment or opposition surrounding God’s people.
Perizziy · Hebrew Noun
A group listed among the inhabitants of the land of Canaan who, like the Canaanites, represent the indigenous population occupying the territory promised to the patriarchs.
The conflict between Abram's and Lot's herdsmen highlights the pressure of limited resources in a land already occupied by the Canaanites and Perizzites. This scarcity directly leads to the separation of Abram and Lot, setting the stage for God's reaffirmation of the land promise to Abram alone.
c. 2000-1800 BC
Settlement of Canaanites and Perizzites
The Canaanites, descendants of Canaan (grandson of Noah), and the Perizzites, an early indigenous group, inhabit the land of Canaan. The Perizzites are often described as a pastoral people living in the open country or villages.
c. 1800 BC
Abram and Lot Enter Canaan
Abram (later Abraham) and his nephew Lot migrate from Ur of the Chaldeans to Canaan, responding to God's call. They initially settle in the vicinity of Bethel.
c. 1800 BC— this verse
Strife Between Shepherds
The growing flocks and herds of Abram and Lot, along with the presence of existing inhabitants, lead to scarcity of pasture and water, causing conflict between their herdsmen.
c. 1800 BC
Abram Proposes Separation
To resolve the conflict and maintain peace, Abram generously offers Lot the first choice of land, demonstrating his commitment to righteousness and avoiding contention.
c. 1800 BC
Lot Chooses the Jordan Plain
Lot, captivated by the lush, well-watered plain of the Jordan (near the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah), chooses this area for himself, separating from Abram.
c. 1800 BC
God Reaffirms Promise to Abram
After Lot's departure, God speaks to Abram, reaffirming the promise that the entire land will be given to him and his descendants, emphasizing that his inheritance is secure despite Lot's choice.
This passage directly addresses the root cause of the strife mentioned in Genesis, explaining that quarrels and conflicts arise from selfish desires and the pursuit of worldly gain, mirroring the shepherds' contention over pasture.
1 Corinthians 6:7This verse highlights the folly and damage of believers suing one another, which directly relates to the breakdown in harmony between Abram's and Lot's households, demonstrating that such disputes are a poor witness and lead to loss.
Proverbs 13:10This proverb speaks about how pride leads to strife and contention, while wisdom is found with those who seek counsel, directly paralleling Abram's humble approach to resolve the conflict versus the potential stubbornness that fueled the dispute.
Galatians 5:19-21This passage lists 'strife' and 'jealousies' as works of the flesh, which aligns with the conflict described between the herdsmen. It serves as a reminder of the destructive nature of such behaviors and their incompatibility with a life lived by the Spirit.
Philippians 2:3-4Abram's generous and selfless offer to Lot in the following verses (Genesis 13:8-9) beautifully illustrates the principle of 'doing nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.' This verse shows the ideal response to the situation Genesis 13:7 describes.
gillGenesis 13:7: "And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land."
And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle,.... Not between the two masters, but between their servants, their upper servants, that had the care of their herds to feed them, and water them; and it is very probable their strife was about pasturage and watering places, the one e…
clarkeGenesis 13:7: "And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land."
The Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land - That is, they were there at the time Abram and Lot came to fix their tents in the land. See the note on Genesis 12:6 .
The verse subtly highlights that the strife between the herdsmen wasn't just a simple disagreement, but occurred because the land was already occupied by the Canaanites and Perizzites. This context reveals that the conflict arose not just from internal tensions, but from the very real pressure of limited resources in a land not entirely their own, making their internal quarrel both more dangerous and more precarious.
Abram and Lot have returned from Egypt with greatly increased wealth, but their growing herds and flocks are now causing conflict between their shepherds over scarce grazing land and water. This dispute is particularly tense because the native Canaanites and Perizzites are already living in the land, making it difficult for Abram and Lot to find enough space and potentially adding danger to their internal strife. Abram, recognizing the unseemliness and danger of this quarrel, offers Lot the first choice of land to resolve the issue.
Abram and Lot have returned from Egypt with greatly increased wealth, but their growing herds and flocks are now causing conflict between their shepherds over scarce grazing land and water. This dispute is particularly tense because the native Canaanites and Perizzites are already living in the land, making it difficult for Abram and Lot to find enough space and potentially adding danger to their internal strife. Abram, recognizing the unseemliness and danger of this quarrel, offers Lot the first choice of land to resolve the issue.
"and there was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were dwelling in the land." — The verse subtly highlights that the strife between the herdsmen wasn't just a simple disagreement, but occurred because the land was already occupied by the Canaanites and Perizzites. This context r…
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