Abram and Lot Divide the Land

"Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between thee and me."

Genesis 13:8

Abram was traveling with this nephew, Lot. They had left their home because God had called Abram to leave his former home and come to a land that God would give to his children. Abram believed God's promise, so he obeyed. Lot, the son of Abram's dead brother, went with him. 

They weren't alone. Each of them had great groups of cows, sheep, camels, donkeys and goats. They each had servants that cared for the animals. The servants would set up their camel hair tents in any place they found grass and fresh water. They would stay there until the grass was eaten and then move to another place. 

They reached a bare, stony place where the sun was hot and there wasn't much grass. Abram built an altar with great stones and prayed. 

Abram and Lot loved each other and were at peace, but when their servants cared for the animals they would argue. If Abram's men found a green valley, they wouldn't let Lot's servants into the valley. If Lot's servants found a well full of fresh water, they wouldn't let Abram's animals drink. They were always arguing and complaining to their masters. 

Abram didn't want this to continue, so he said it would be wiser to separate. Lot should travel one way and he would travel another so there wouldn't be any more arguments. Abram even let Lot choose the way he wanted to go. 

Lot looked and saw a green valley filled with a grassy meadow and fields of corn. A river ran into a clear lake and there were five towns on the banks of the lake. He liked this better than the bare, stony hills where they were. He never thought about the people who lived there - are they good or bad? He took the first choice and went to live in the green valley. 

Abram had the right to choose first because of his status as Lot's uncle, but he chose not to use this right. He gave up the right to choose first and let Lot choose. He hated the arguments and knew that by separating and allowing Lot to choose, there would be peace. The peace within the family would please God. 

QUESTIONS

1. Who had called Abram?

2. Who went with him?

3. What was Lot to Abram ?

4. Why did they go ?

5. What had God promised ?

6. What had they with them ?

7. Who argued?

8. What did the servants argue about?

9. Did Abram and Lot argue?

10. How did Abram prevent an argument?

11. Who was to choose first?

12. Who might have chosen first ?

13. Why didn't Abram choose first ?

14. Should you hurry to take the first choice?

15. What should you try to avoid?

16. If you and don't say "It's mine," and "I must," would you avoid arguments?