Abram and Lot

Genesis 13:1–14:24

This story combines family tension, regional conflict, and theological contrast. Abram and Lot both prosper, but their shared land cannot sustain both households. They separate peacefully, but their choices diverge. Lot chooses visible advantage; Abram chooses covenant trust. The narrative then shows Abram acting as both worshiper and protector, clarifying what covenant faith looks like in practice.

The Separation

Strife rises between Abram's herdsmen and Lot's herdsmen. The land cannot support both households. Abram proposes separation to preserve peace. Remarkably, he gives Lot first choice of the land.

Lot looks and chooses the well-watered Jordan plain near Sodom. The text notes that the plain is "like the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt." It is materially attractive. But it is also near Sodom, a city that the text describes as wicked and sinful.

Abram remains in Canaan. And God speaks to him:

"Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward, for all the land that you see I will give to you and to your offspring forever." — Genesis 13:14–15 (ESV)

The narrative contrasts visible advantage with covenant trust. Lot sees the fertile plain and chooses it. Abram does not see the full extent of the land he will receive, but he trusts God's promise. Gordon Wenham and other scholars have noted this contrast: Lot's choice is sight-based; Abram's posture is promise-based.

The War and the Rescue

Then regional conflict erupts. A coalition of kings wages war, and Lot is taken captive. Abram hears of it and gathers trained men from his household. He pursues the invaders, defeats them, and rescues Lot and others.

This passage shows Abram acting as protector. It demonstrates that covenant faith does not mean passivity in the face of injustice. Abram is a worshiper who builds altars, but he is also willing to act decisively to protect the vulnerable.

Melchizedek and the King of Sodom

After victory, Abram meets two kings. Melchizedek, priest-king of Salem, brings bread and wine and blesses Abram:

"Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!" — Genesis 14:19–20 (ESV)

Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything. This is the first tithe mentioned in Scripture. Many Christian interpreters, especially after Hebrews 7, see Melchizedek as a significant priestly figure that anticipates later theological patterns fulfilled in Christ.

Then the king of Sodom offers goods to Abram. But Abram refuses:

"I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abram rich.'" — Genesis 14:22–23 (ESV)

Calvin reads this refusal as a deliberate witness decision. Covenant life must not be confused with opportunistic alliance. Abram will not allow anyone to claim credit for his wealth. His allegiance is to God alone.

What to Notice

Peacemaking is tied to faith, not weakness. Abram proposes separation to preserve peace and gives Lot first choice. This is not weakness; it is covenant trust.
Lot's choice is materially attractive but spiritually hazardous. The fertile plain looks like Eden, but it is near Sodom. Visible advantage can be spiritually dangerous.
Abram is both worshiper and protector. He builds altars and trusts God's promises, but he also acts decisively to rescue the vulnerable.
Covenant allegiance is exclusive. Abram refuses enrichment from the king of Sodom so that no one can claim credit for his wealth. His trust is in God alone.