Genesis 13
Genesis 13
"Abraham is Renewed, Refreshed and Rewarded!"
Gen 13:1 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.
Note,
The phrase “out of Egypt”
This is used 74 times in Scripture.
In contrast the phrase “in to Egypt”
None!!!
Application;
God wants us “OUT OF EGYPT”
See also,
The good example.
He left nothing behind in Egypt.
When we leave the world behind, which Egypt represents, we must not have anything that would draw our hearts away from the Lord.
This was the problem for Lot’s wife.
There was too much for her that caused her to look back.
Read Genesis 19: 26-28
The word “looked” in verse 26
H5027
נבט
nâbaṭ
naw-bat'
A primitive root; to scan, that is, look intently at; by implication to regard with pleasure, favor or care: - (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see.
Contrast with verse 28
The same word in the English
“looked” but a far different emphasis.
H8259
שׁקף
shâqaph
shaw-kaf'
A primitive root; properly to lean out (of a window), that is, (by implication) peep or gaze (passively be a spectacle): - appear, look (down, forth, out).
Note;
Lots wife looked with desire, Abraham with mere observation.
Question.
How do we look at the World?
Note also,
That Abram brought all with him!
We see here the responsibility of Christian fathers to bring their famalies on in the things of God.
Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Gen 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
Note,
1. There is nothing wrong with being rich in this world.
Abram was “very rich”
This word “very”
meh-ode' in Heb.
Is translated in Gen 7 as follows,
Gen 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
So Abram was exceedingly rich.
These riches did not turn his heart.
This phrase “very rich” is only used one other time in scripture.
Luk 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Luk 18:23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
Two men.
Both “very rich”
Two very different outcomes!
Gen 13:3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;
Note,
The continuing good example of Abram.
“he went on”
He did not stop but was a man of purpose.
Are we “Going on” in the Christian pilgrimage???
Read Phillipians 3: 10-15
Quote,
One incessant fight!(Henry Law, "Numbers" 1858) The life of faith is one incessant fight. Beneath the cross, a sword is drawn, of which the scabbard is cast far away. Until the victor's crown is won, unflinching combat must go on. The foes are . . . many, mighty, wily, restless. They meet us, at each step. They lurk in every corner. They infest our public walk. They enter our closed doors. They are outside; around; within. Count, if you can, the hateful legions who compose hell's hosts. They all rush at the soul. Survey the WORLD . . . its snares, its foul seductions, its enticing arts, its siren calls, its smiles, its venomed sneers, its terrifying threats. Each in its turn assails; and each, when foiled, renews the assault. Behold the HEART, and all its brood of lusts and raging passions. How often it betrays! How often it deceives! Believer go forth in hope! You have a Captain,by whose side no battle can be lost; beneath whose banner, no warrior was ever slain.Face all your foes. Grasp manfully your sword. Use skillfully your shield. Lift up the head, safe in salvation's helmet. Shout boldly your great Leader's name.The fight will soon be over. The victor's song will soon be on your lips!
Or in the words of
George Duffield
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be;They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Next,
Where he was going!
“from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning”
Note,
When we fall away from the Lord, the best place to go is back to the beginning!
See Gen 12: 8
He needed to renew his faith and his relationship with the Lord.
Where is our Altar???
Listen to the Apostle.
Heb 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Heb 13:11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
Heb 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Heb 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Note,
The Lord’s supper is not our Altar!
Christ is Our Altar!!!
This is where we go when our relationship with God is not what it should be.
Consider,
Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Next,
What does Bethal mean?
“BETHEL”
Means “The House of God”
How important the house of God should be to us!
Where is the House of God today?
1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Gen 13:4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
Note,
It was not to the Altar, but to the place of the altar.
The purpose for which the Altar served.
“and there Abram called on the name of the LORD”
Consider,
The importance of the Name of the Lord.
1. It is the Object of Our Worship.
We worship the Lords name because,
A} It represents his Righteousness and Exaltation.
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. (Psalms 7:17)
B} Because we are his people.
Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. (Psalms 113:1)
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD. (Psalms 135:1)
C} Because he is the Creator.
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. (Psalms 148:5)
D} Because only his name deserves our worship.
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. (Psalms 148:13)
2. It is the Anchor of our trust.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. (Psalms 20:7)
3. It is the Fear of the Heathen
So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. (Psalms 102:15)
4. It is our Message.
To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; (Psalms 102:21)
5. It is Eternal. {Unlike the name of the wicked.}
Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. (Psalms 113:2)
6. It is the basis upon which we approach God
Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. (Psalms 116:4)
7. It is Synonomous with Salvation.
I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. (Psalms 116:13)
8. It is our great defence against the enemy.
Note,
The following three verses from psalm 118.
All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. (Psalms 118:10)
They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. (Psalms 118:11)
They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. (Psalms 118:12)
9. It is strongly connected with prophecy of the Lord Jesus.
Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. (Psalms 118:26)
10. It is the Cause of thanksgiving.
Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. (Psalms 122:4)
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. (Psalms 116:17)
11. It is our Help.
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalms 124:8)
12. It is the basis of blessing each other.
Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD. (Psalms 129:8)
verses 14-18
Gen 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
Note,
What did the Lord tell Abraham to do?
“Lift up now thine eyes”
That is exactly what we need to do!
Mar 8:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
Verse 14 is the Extent of the blessing!
Verse 15 is the duration of the blessing!
Gen 13:15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
Verse 16 is the character of the blessing!
Its to do with people!
Gen 13:16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
Verse 17 is the tanglebleness of the blessing!
Gen 13:17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
The blessings of God are things which we experience in this life.
Consider,
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gen 13:18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
May everywhere we go and everything we do centre around the worship of God.
1Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
"Abraham is Renewed, Refreshed and Rewarded!"
Gen 13:1 And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south.
Note,
The phrase “out of Egypt”
This is used 74 times in Scripture.
In contrast the phrase “in to Egypt”
None!!!
Application;
God wants us “OUT OF EGYPT”
See also,
The good example.
He left nothing behind in Egypt.
When we leave the world behind, which Egypt represents, we must not have anything that would draw our hearts away from the Lord.
This was the problem for Lot’s wife.
There was too much for her that caused her to look back.
Read Genesis 19: 26-28
The word “looked” in verse 26
H5027
נבט
nâbaṭ
naw-bat'
A primitive root; to scan, that is, look intently at; by implication to regard with pleasure, favor or care: - (cause to) behold, consider, look (down), regard, have respect, see.
Contrast with verse 28
The same word in the English
“looked” but a far different emphasis.
H8259
שׁקף
shâqaph
shaw-kaf'
A primitive root; properly to lean out (of a window), that is, (by implication) peep or gaze (passively be a spectacle): - appear, look (down, forth, out).
Note;
Lots wife looked with desire, Abraham with mere observation.
Question.
How do we look at the World?
Note also,
That Abram brought all with him!
We see here the responsibility of Christian fathers to bring their famalies on in the things of God.
Eph 6:4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Gen 13:2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold.
Note,
1. There is nothing wrong with being rich in this world.
Abram was “very rich”
This word “very”
meh-ode' in Heb.
Is translated in Gen 7 as follows,
Gen 7:19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered.
So Abram was exceedingly rich.
These riches did not turn his heart.
This phrase “very rich” is only used one other time in scripture.
Luk 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
Luk 18:23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich.
Two men.
Both “very rich”
Two very different outcomes!
Gen 13:3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hai;
Note,
The continuing good example of Abram.
“he went on”
He did not stop but was a man of purpose.
Are we “Going on” in the Christian pilgrimage???
Read Phillipians 3: 10-15
Quote,
One incessant fight!(Henry Law, "Numbers" 1858) The life of faith is one incessant fight. Beneath the cross, a sword is drawn, of which the scabbard is cast far away. Until the victor's crown is won, unflinching combat must go on. The foes are . . . many, mighty, wily, restless. They meet us, at each step. They lurk in every corner. They infest our public walk. They enter our closed doors. They are outside; around; within. Count, if you can, the hateful legions who compose hell's hosts. They all rush at the soul. Survey the WORLD . . . its snares, its foul seductions, its enticing arts, its siren calls, its smiles, its venomed sneers, its terrifying threats. Each in its turn assails; and each, when foiled, renews the assault. Behold the HEART, and all its brood of lusts and raging passions. How often it betrays! How often it deceives! Believer go forth in hope! You have a Captain,by whose side no battle can be lost; beneath whose banner, no warrior was ever slain.Face all your foes. Grasp manfully your sword. Use skillfully your shield. Lift up the head, safe in salvation's helmet. Shout boldly your great Leader's name.The fight will soon be over. The victor's song will soon be on your lips!
Or in the words of
George Duffield
Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be;They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.
Rom 8:18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Next,
Where he was going!
“from the south even to Bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning”
Note,
When we fall away from the Lord, the best place to go is back to the beginning!
See Gen 12: 8
He needed to renew his faith and his relationship with the Lord.
Where is our Altar???
Listen to the Apostle.
Heb 13:10 We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle.
Heb 13:11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.
Heb 13:12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate.
Heb 13:13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.
Heb 13:14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Note,
The Lord’s supper is not our Altar!
Christ is Our Altar!!!
This is where we go when our relationship with God is not what it should be.
Consider,
Col 2:6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:
Col 2:7 Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
Col 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
Col 2:9 For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Col 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
Next,
What does Bethal mean?
“BETHEL”
Means “The House of God”
How important the house of God should be to us!
Where is the House of God today?
1Ti 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
Gen 13:4 Unto the place of the altar, which he had made there at the first: and there Abram called on the name of the LORD.
Note,
It was not to the Altar, but to the place of the altar.
The purpose for which the Altar served.
“and there Abram called on the name of the LORD”
Consider,
The importance of the Name of the Lord.
1. It is the Object of Our Worship.
We worship the Lords name because,
A} It represents his Righteousness and Exaltation.
I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. (Psalms 7:17)
B} Because we are his people.
Praise ye the LORD. Praise, O ye servants of the LORD, praise the name of the LORD. (Psalms 113:1)
Praise ye the LORD. Praise ye the name of the LORD; praise him, O ye servants of the LORD. (Psalms 135:1)
C} Because he is the Creator.
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for he commanded, and they were created. (Psalms 148:5)
D} Because only his name deserves our worship.
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven. (Psalms 148:13)
2. It is the Anchor of our trust.
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. (Psalms 20:7)
3. It is the Fear of the Heathen
So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. (Psalms 102:15)
4. It is our Message.
To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; (Psalms 102:21)
5. It is Eternal. {Unlike the name of the wicked.}
Blessed be the name of the LORD from this time forth and for evermore. (Psalms 113:2)
6. It is the basis upon which we approach God
Then called I upon the name of the LORD; O LORD, I beseech thee, deliver my soul. (Psalms 116:4)
7. It is Synonomous with Salvation.
I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the LORD. (Psalms 116:13)
8. It is our great defence against the enemy.
Note,
The following three verses from psalm 118.
All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them. (Psalms 118:10)
They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. (Psalms 118:11)
They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. (Psalms 118:12)
9. It is strongly connected with prophecy of the Lord Jesus.
Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD. (Psalms 118:26)
10. It is the Cause of thanksgiving.
Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, unto the testimony of Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the LORD. (Psalms 122:4)
I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD. (Psalms 116:17)
11. It is our Help.
Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth. (Psalms 124:8)
12. It is the basis of blessing each other.
Neither do they which go by say, The blessing of the LORD be upon you: we bless you in the name of the LORD. (Psalms 129:8)
verses 14-18
Gen 13:14 And the LORD said unto Abram, after that Lot was separated from him, Lift up now thine eyes, and look from the place where thou art northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward:
Note,
What did the Lord tell Abraham to do?
“Lift up now thine eyes”
That is exactly what we need to do!
Mar 8:25 After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him look up: and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.
Verse 14 is the Extent of the blessing!
Verse 15 is the duration of the blessing!
Gen 13:15 For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.
Verse 16 is the character of the blessing!
Its to do with people!
Gen 13:16 And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth: so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered.
Verse 17 is the tanglebleness of the blessing!
Gen 13:17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it unto thee.
The blessings of God are things which we experience in this life.
Consider,
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gen 13:18 Then Abram removed his tent, and came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the LORD.
May everywhere we go and everything we do centre around the worship of God.
1Co 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
posted by Mark Fitzpatrick at 11:40 a.m.
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