Genesis 13:7 - There was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land at that time.
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What does "Genesis 13:7" mean?
Genesis 13:7 is a pivotal verse in understanding the early relationship between Abram (later Abraham) and Lot. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
"There was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock." This highlights a growing tension. Both Abram and Lot had become very wealthy in livestock (sheep, cattle, etc.). The land was likely becoming insufficient to support both of their large herds, leading to competition for resources like grazing land and water. The herdsmen, responsible for managing the livestock, were the ones experiencing this competition firsthand, leading to disputes and arguments.
"The Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land at that time." This is a crucial piece of context. It emphasizes that Abram and Lot were living as foreigners in the land of Canaan. The Canaanites and Perizzites were the native inhabitants, and likely much more numerous and established. This point is important for several reasons:
Vulnerability: Any infighting between Abram and Lot's groups would weaken them in the eyes of the Canaanites and Perizzites, making them vulnerable to potential attacks or exploitation. Unity was crucial for their survival in a foreign land.
Poor Witness: The strife would present a negative image of Abram and Lot to the Canaanites and Perizzites. Abram was supposed to be a blessing to all nations, but his people fighting among themselves would tarnish that reputation. It wouldn't be a good advertisement for the God he worshipped.
Land Claim: The presence of the Canaanites and Perizzites underscores that Abram and Lot didn't actually own the land they were using. They were essentially guests. Disputing over resources in someone else's territory was particularly unwise.
In Summary:
The verse describes a growing conflict between Abram and Lot due to their increasing wealth and the limitations of the land. Crucially, it highlights the fact that they were living among the Canaanites and Perizzites, making their internal conflict both dangerous and a poor reflection on them. This sets the stage for Abram's wise and generous decision to separate from Lot in order to maintain peace and protect their interests.
Genesis 13:7 - There was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. The Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land at that time.
What does "Genesis 13:7" mean?
Genesis 13:7 is a pivotal verse in understanding the early relationship between Abram (later Abraham) and Lot. Here's a breakdown of its meaning and significance:
"There was strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock." This highlights a growing tension. Both Abram and Lot had become very wealthy in livestock (sheep, cattle, etc.). The land was likely becoming insufficient to support both of their large herds, leading to competition for resources like grazing land and water. The herdsmen, responsible for managing the livestock, were the ones experiencing this competition firsthand, leading to disputes and arguments.
"The Canaanites and the Perizzites lived in the land at that time." This is a crucial piece of context. It emphasizes that Abram and Lot were living as foreigners in the land of Canaan. The Canaanites and Perizzites were the native inhabitants, and likely much more numerous and established. This point is important for several reasons:
Vulnerability: Any infighting between Abram and Lot's groups would weaken them in the eyes of the Canaanites and Perizzites, making them vulnerable to potential attacks or exploitation. Unity was crucial for their survival in a foreign land.
Poor Witness: The strife would present a negative image of Abram and Lot to the Canaanites and Perizzites. Abram was supposed to be a blessing to all nations, but his people fighting among themselves would tarnish that reputation. It wouldn't be a good advertisement for the God he worshipped.
Land Claim: The presence of the Canaanites and Perizzites underscores that Abram and Lot didn't actually own the land they were using. They were essentially guests. Disputing over resources in someone else's territory was particularly unwise.
In Summary:
The verse describes a growing conflict between Abram and Lot due to their increasing wealth and the limitations of the land. Crucially, it highlights the fact that they were living among the Canaanites and Perizzites, making their internal conflict both dangerous and a poor reflection on them. This sets the stage for Abram's wise and generous decision to separate from Lot in order to maintain peace and protect their interests.