The separation of Abram and Lot in early reading

Says “there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot” (Gen 13:7). Abram said, “we are kinsmen” (13:8; אֲנָשִׁים אַחִים, anashim achim, “men, brothers”), and “Now separate yourself from me” (13:9). Lot “chose the whole plain of the Jordan for himself” and went מִקֶּדֶם (13:11, miqqedem), and “the men of Sodom were wicked, sinning greatly against the Lord” (13:13).

Keil explains that “the land did not furnish space enough for the numerous herd to graze”. Pseudo-Jonathan says Abram’s shepherds “had been instructed by him not to go among the Kenaanaee and the Pherizaee”, renders “for we are brother-men”, and has Lot journey “from the east”. Calvin praises Abram, who “voluntarily sacrifices his own right”, but finds that “the inconsideration of Lot” deserves censure. Keil calls Abram magnanimous, leaving the choice “in the confident assurance that the Lord would so direct the decision, that His promise would be fulfilled”, and takes 13:13 as said “In anticipation of the succeeding history (chap. xix.)”. Calvin cites Ezekiel: Sodom’s people “had exercised a proud cruelty against the poor”. These are their readings.

Uncertain How Lot’s choice is to be judged is open: 13:10 says the plain was well watered, and 2 Pet 2:7–8 calls Lot righteous. Whether Abram’s offer shows trust or strains the promise of 12:7 is also open, as is “east” or “from the east” in 13:11. No lean is taken, and these readings do not fix the meaning of 13:5–13.