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Genesis 12–13: Let There Be No Strife

“Genesis 12–13: Let There Be No Strife,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2002), 23–24

“Genesis 12–13,” Old Testament Seminary Student Study Guide, 23–24

Genesis 12–13

Let There Be No Strife

Genesis 12 retells some of the same events you read about in Abraham 1–2. Genesis 12 adds the specific location where Abraham built an altar and worshiped the Lord (see Genesis 12:8) as well as details in the story of what happened when Abraham came into Egypt and told Pharaoh that Sarah was his sister (see Genesis 12:14–20).

You will notice that in the book of Genesis, Abraham is called “Abram” and Sarah is called “Sarai” until chapter 17. When you read Genesis 17 you will find out more about why their names were changed.

Abraham grew up in a family where his father persecuted him for being faithful to God. Lot’s father (Haran) died even before Lot’s grandfather (Terah). Both Abraham and Lot had trials. They spent much time together moving out of Ur, then to Egypt, and finally to the promised land of Canaan. Their lives turned out quite differently, however. We might wonder why Abraham’s and Lot’s lives were so different when they grew up in similar circumstances. As you read the next six to eight chapters of Genesis, look for choices that Abraham and Lot made and how those decisions affected them over time.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A and B as you study Genesis 12–13.

  1. Help a Friend

    Write about how you could use the story of Abraham and Lot in Genesis 13:5–13 to help a friend solve a problem he or she has in getting along with a parent or other family member.

  2. Get Help from the New Testament

    Read Hebrews 11:8, 10, 13–16 and tell what may have motivated Abraham to solve his problem the way he did in this chapter.