Summary of Genesis 13-14

Good afternoon all

a few weeks late, I admit, but here is the summary of the Bible Study that we did at the Hersey household on April 13. The study covered chapters 13 and 14 of Genesis.
por cierto, he pensado que a lo mejor debemos tener estos resumenes tambien a mano para los siguentes estudios, para que la gente que no pudiera assistir sepan por donde vamos...

In chapter 13 we saw Abram and Lot go their different ways. Abram returns to the place where he had previously built an altar, and we commented that his return to God allowed him to offer Lot the choice of the lands. As the patriach of the group, Abram was entitled to the pick of which lands he wanted, but as God's servant, he chose to trust in God's chioce, and avoid any family discussions, by offering Lot the first pick. Lot, naturally, chose the best lands. Lot was choosing based on human, material needs. I do not think we should criticize his pick too much, either. Given the choice, he was taking what was natural. Abram, on the other hand, placed his faith in God, as he had seen in Egypt where trusting in his own goodness had resulted in essentially selling his wife to the Pharaoh. How many times in our dialy lives are we confronted with the opportunity for placing our trust in God's hands, and how many times do we actually do it?

In chapter 14, we see that Lot has fallen captive in a war. Abram's reaction was immediate. It is the first reference of the word Hebrew, and we also see that Abram's wealth was substantial, considering he had more than 300 men who were specially trained to help him. His own personal army. Not only does Abram rescue Lot, but also recovered all the good and possessions. At the end of chapter 14, we meet Melchizedek, who comes up again in the book of Hebrews. This "priest/King" has no genealogy either before or after in the Bible, but his inclusion is important. It shows God operating not only in Abram and his people, but that God is recognized elsewhere. We also see the beginnings of the 10% tithe, where Abram gives Mechizedek a portion of his possessions to use for God's glory. On the other hand, the King of Sodom takes a more worldly approach, suggesting to Abram that he "give me the people and keep the goods for yourself" (Genesis 14:21). Abram's reaction shows once more his dependance on God, he accepts nothing. For me personally, to see that Abram is capable of such faith, even after falling multiple times, is a great relief and inspiration.