Chapter 12—Abraham in Canaan
This chapter is based on
Genesis 13;
to
15;
;
17: 1-16
;
18
.
Abraham returned to Canaan “very rich in cattle, in silver, and
in gold.” Lot was still with him, and again they came to Bethel, and
pitched their tents by the altar which they had before erected. They
soon found that increased possessions brought increased trouble. In
the midst of hardships and trials they had dwelt together in harmony,
but in their prosperity there was danger of strife between them. The
pasturage was not sufficient for the flocks and herds of both, and the
frequent disputes among the herdsmen were brought for settlement to
their masters. It was evident that they must separate. Abraham was
Lot’s senior in years, and his superior in relation, in wealth, and in
position; yet he was the first to propose plans for preserving peace.
Although the whole land had been given him by God Himself, he
courteously waived this right.
“Let there be no strife,” he said, “between me and thee, and be-
tween my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren. Is not the
whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou
wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to
the right hand, then I will go to the left.”
Here the noble, unselfish spirit of Abraham was displayed. How
many under similar circumstances would, at all hazards, cling to their
individual rights and preferences! How many households have thus
been rent asunder! How many churches have been divided, making the
cause of truth a byword and a reproach among the wicked! “Let there
be no strife between me and thee,” said Abraham, “for we be brethren;”
not only by natural relationship, but as worshipers of the true God.
The children of God the world over are one family, and the same spirit
of love and conciliation should govern them. “Be kindly affectioned
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one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another”
(
Romans 12:10
), is the teaching of our Saviour. The cultivation of
a uniform courtesy, a willingness to do to others as we would wish
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