A Journey Through The Old Testament - Elmer Towns

RESOLVING A CONFLICT
(Gen. 13:5-13)
When Abram and Lot settled at the site of their former camp “the land was not able to
support them, that they might dwell together” (Gen. 13:6). Several reasons could be suggested
for this problem. The famine which had affected the land during Abram’s sojourn in Egypt may
not have completely ended. Also, the Canaanites had apparently expanded their holdings in the
land as evidenced by the presence of “the Perizzites” (v. 7). But the chief reason for this problem
suggested in the biblical text is that “their possessions were so great that they could not dwell
together” (v. 6).
The inabilities of verse 6 are emphasized by the negation of two different Hebrew verbs.
The first verb nasa’ means “to support.” The second verb yachol means “to master or comprehend.”
Both verbs are negated with the same Hebrew adverb of negation lo’. The strength of
this negative is evidenced in that when used in a question, the question always assumes an
affirmative response. The emphasis here is that the land was certainly not able to master or
comprehend the situation; i.e., they certainly could not dwell together. The reason for both these
problems is suggested in their possessions. The land had supported them and they had dwelt
together before acquiring their additional wealth in Egypt.
The believer needs to be careful with what is acquired while outside of the will of God.
The riches of Egypt hindered the relationship between Abram and Lot and eventually became a
snare to Lot. Normally, the problem in human relations is an indication of a deeper problem. The
strife between Abram and Lot might have been settled if they had had a proper attitude toward
their possessions; but this appears to be a case where possessions were placed before people. In
times of revival and persecution, people with great differences seem to get along together, but in
times of affluence and ease, the same people will divide over comparatively minor issues.
Two different words are used in this passage to describe this strife. The Hebrew word
translated strife in verse 7 is riyb, most often used to refer to a personal or legal contest. Included
in this general term are the ideas of an adversary, cause, chiding, contending, controversy,
pleading, strife, and suit. When Abram made reference to the strife in the next verse, he used the
word meriybak which emphasizes the effect of the strife in provoking anger and ill feelings. The
suggestion seems to be that what began as a series of minor disputes was beginning to ignite the
emotions of those involved and was perhaps about to explode.
One of the complications of this family feud was the presence of both the Canaanites and
the Perizzites in the land (v. 7). Though mentioned several times in Scripture, there is some
question concerning the exact identity of the Perizzites. Indeed, it is easier to know who they are
not than who they are. They are probably not another ethnic tribe or nation in the Old Testament
as the Hebrew word is on at least one occasion used to describe the Jews living in villages in
Elam (Es. 9:19). Some have suggested they were those who lived in the lowlands or plains based
on the supposed etymology of the word; however, the problem with this conclusion is that they
are in several places described as living in the hill country (cf. Josh. 11:3; Jud. 1:4f). Perhaps the
title is best understood in the context of Canaanite society. According to the tablets found by
archeologists at Ugarit, the Canaanites lived in city-states surrounded by villages or suburbs.
Some commentators believe it is best to view the Perizzites as the villagers or suburbanites of the
day. This would also explain how an otherwise unknown people could be so widely scattered as
to be associated with the Canaanites, Jebusites, and Jews.
Abram appealed to Lot in a hope to bring an end to the strife. He called for an end of
strife between Lot and himself and their respective herdsmen noting “for we are men, brethren”