strife. The first step in Lot's downward course. Note Lot's six downward steps: Genesis 13:7 , "strife"; Genesis 13:10 , "beheld"; Genesis 13:11 , "chose": Genesis 13:12 , "pitched toward"; Genesis 14:12 , "dwelt in": Genesis 19:1 , "sat in its gate", as a ruler and citizen. See App-10 .
Canaanite and Perizzite. See on Genesis 12:6 . These were the Nephilim. See App-23 .
dwelled. Hebrew were dwelling.
then = already. See note on Genesis 12:6 .
in the land. Occupying it in advance, and spreading later to "the giant cities of Bashan".
dust. Figure of speech Paroemia. In Genesis 15:5 , as the "stars", marking the two parties in Israel: the earthly and heavenly (Hebrews 11:9-16 ); partakers of "the heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1 ).
Verse 1
Up = Palestine an ascent from Egypt.
south = Hebrew. the Negeb, S. of Judea, N. from Egypt. Compare Genesis 11:9 .
Verse 2
silver, and in gold: scarce in Palestine, but plentiful in Egypt.
Verse 3
tent: shows him a stranger.
at the beginning: very significant. No altar for Abram in Egypt.
between Beth-el and Hai. Probably Ebal or Gerizim. See note on Genesis 12:8 .
Verse 4
altar: shows him to be a worshipper.
at the first. No worship in Egypt. See note Genesis 13:3 .
Verse 5
tents. Figure of speech Metonymy (of Subject): "tents" put for the dwellers therein.
Verse 6
them. Those two. For signification of the No. 2, see App-10 .
Verse 7
strife. The first step in Lot's downward course. Note Lot's six downward steps: Genesis 13:7 , "strife"; Genesis 13:10 , "beheld"; Genesis 13:11 , "chose": Genesis 13:12 , "pitched toward"; Genesis 14:12 , "dwelt in": Genesis 19:1 , "sat in its gate", as a ruler and citizen. See App-10 .
Canaanite and Perizzite. See on Genesis 12:6 . These were the Nephilim. See App-23 .
dwelled. Hebrew were dwelling.
then = already. See note on Genesis 12:6 .
in the land. Occupying it in advance, and spreading later to "the giant cities of Bashan".
Verse 8
brethren. Put by Synecdoche (of Species), for relatives. App-6 .
Verse 9
Is not the whole land, &c. Figure of speech Erotesis .
thou wilt take. Figure of speech Complex Ellipsis. See App-6 .
Verse 10
well watered. Great contrast with Palestine after the famine; and likeness to the fertility of Egypt.
the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .
Sodom = flaming, burning.
Gomorrah = people of fear: already mixed up in the sins of the Nephilim. 2 Peter 2:4 .Jude 1:6 .
Verse 11
chose. Lot lifted up his own eyes (Genesis 13:10 ), and made his own choice. Compare Abram, Genesis 13:14 .
Verse 12
cities = one of the cities. Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Whole). See App-6 . Greek "among the cities". Compare Genesis 13:18 .
toward Sodom. See note on Genesis 13:7 .
Verse 13
A parenthetical statement to show the nature of Lot's choice. Figure of speech. Parenthesis. App-6 .
wicked and sinners = very wicked sinners. Figure of speech. Hendiadys.
Verse 14
look. Note Abraham's four "looks": Genesis 13:14 (earth); Genesis 15:5 (heaven); Genesis 18:2 (Jehovah); Genesis 22:13 (a substitute).
Verse 15
to thee. Repeated to Isaac (Genesis 26:3 ), and to Jacob (Genesis 28:13 ; Genesis 35:12 ). See note on Genesis 50:24 .
for ever. Hence Israel is "the everlasting nation", Isaiah 44:7 . "To thee" ensures resurrection. Compare Matthew 22:23-33 .
Verse 16
dust. Figure of speech Paroemia. In Genesis 15:5 , as the "stars", marking the two parties in Israel: the earthly and heavenly (Hebrews 11:9-16 ); partakers of "the heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1 ).
Verse 18
plain = among the oaks belonging to Mamre, brother of Eshcol and Aner (Genesis 14:13 ).