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Abraham, a Good Neighbor in Canaan
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Nile-enriched plains they had left. There were cities, wealthy and
beautiful, inviting for profitable business. Dazzled with visions of
worldly gain, Lot overlooked the moral evils found there. He “chose
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for himself all the plain of Jordan,” and “pitched his tent even as far
as Sodom.” Little did he foresee the terrible results of that selfish
choice!
Soon after this, Abraham moved to Hebron. Leaving to Lot the
perilous luxury of Sodom, Abraham settled in the free air of those
upland plains with their olive groves and vineyards, their fields of
grain, and the wide pasture of the encircling hills, content with his
simple life.
Abraham did not shut away his influence from his neighbors. In
contrast to the worshipers of idols, his life and character exerted a
telling influence in favor of the true faith. His loyalty to God was
unswerving, and his friendliness and kindness inspired confidence
and friendship.
While Christ is dwelling in the heart, it is impossible to conceal
the light of His presence. It will grow brighter as the mists of
selfishness and sin that envelop the soul are banished by the Sun of
Righteousness.
The people of God are lights in the moral darkness of this world.
Scattered in towns, cities, and villages, they are channels through
which God will communicate to an unbelieving world the knowl-
edge and wonders of His grace. It is His plan that all who receive
salvation will be lights that shine brightly in the character, revealing
the contrast with the selfish darkness of the natural heart.
Abraham was wise in diplomacy and brave and skillful in war.
Three royal brothers, rulers of the Amorite plains in which he lived,
showed friendship by inviting him to enter an alliance with them for
greater security, because the country was filled with violence and
oppression. An occasion soon arose for him to call on the help of
this alliance.
Lot Rescued by Abraham
Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, had invaded Canaan years before
and was ruling over it. Several of its princes now revolted, and the
Elamite king again marched into the country to lower them into