Abraham, a Good Neighbor in Canaan
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beautiful, inviting to profitable traffic. Dazzled with visions of worldly
gain, Lot overlooked the moral evils encountered there. He “chose him
all the plain of Jordan,” and “pitched his tent toward Sodom.” How
little did he foresee the terrible results of that selfish choice.
Abraham soon after this moved to Hebron. 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, he dwelt, content
with his simple life, leaving to Lot the perilous luxury of Sodom.
Abraham did not shut away his influence from his neighbors. His
life and character, in contrast to the worshipers of idols, exerted a
telling influence in favor of the true faith. His allegiance to God was
unswerving, while his affability and benevolence 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 dispelled 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 God’s channels
through which He will communicate to an unbelieving world the
knowledge and wonders of His grace. It is His plan that all who are
partakers of salvation shall be lights that shine forth in the character,
revealing the contrast with the darkness of the selfishness of the natural
heart.
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Abraham was wise in diplomacy, and brave and skillful in war.
Three royal brothers, rulers of the Amorite plains in which he dwelt,
manifested friendship by inviting him to enter an alliance with them
for greater security, for the country was filled with violence and op-
pression. An occasion soon arose for him to avail himself of this
alliance.
Lot Rescued by Abraham
Chedorlaomer, king of Elam, had invaded Canaan years before
and made it tributary to him. Several of the princes now revolted,
and the Elamite king again marched into the country to reduce them
to submission. Five kings of Canaan met the invaders, only to be
completely overthrown. The victors plundered the cities of the plain