Genesis 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.

Then Abram {H87} removed his tent {H167}, and came {H935} and dwelt {H3427} in the plain {H436} of Mamre {H4471}, which is in Hebron {H2275}, and built {H1129} there an altar {H4196} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Avram moved his tent and came to live by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hevron. There he built an altar to ADONAI.

So Abram moved his tent and went to live near the Oaks of Mamre at Hebron, where he built an altar to the LORD.

And Abram moved his tent, and came and dwelt by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built there an altar unto Jehovah.

Commentary

Genesis 13:18 marks a significant moment in Abram's journey, highlighting his settled worship and continued obedience to God after his separation from Lot. This verse showcases Abram's pattern of prioritizing God's presence and establishing places of dedication.

Context

This verse immediately follows God's renewed and expanded promise to Abram (see Genesis 13:14-17), which occurred after Abram and Lot had separated due to their increasing possessions and strife between their herdsmen. Lot chose the fertile Jordan Valley, moving towards Sodom, while Abram, in an act of faith and generosity, allowed Lot the first choice. Having been reassured by God of his vast inheritance and numerous descendants, Abram moves to a new location, signifying his continued trust and commitment.

Key Themes

  • Worship and Dedication: Abram's consistent practice of building altars (as seen in Shechem and between Bethel and Ai) demonstrates his immediate response to God's revelation and presence. Building an altar was an act of worship, thanksgiving, and dedication, establishing a physical marker of God's covenant with him.
  • God's Faithfulness and Abram's Obedience: After receiving such a grand promise, Abram's first action is not to strategize about land acquisition, but to worship the Giver of the promise. This reflects his deep faith and immediate obedience to the Lord.
  • Establishing a Home: Moving his tent and dwelling in the plain of Mamre in Hebron signifies a more settled, though still nomadic, phase for Abram. Hebron would become a significant location for him and his descendants, eventually serving as a burial place for the patriarchs and their wives (Genesis 23:19).

Linguistic Insights

The term "altar" in Hebrew is mizbeakh (ืžึดื–ึฐื‘ึผึตื—ึท), derived from a root meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." It was a designated place for offering sacrifices and communing with God. Abram's act of building an altar here underscores the importance of sacrifice and direct communion in the early patriarchal worship. The "plain of Mamre" refers to a specific area near Hebron, likely named after an Amorite chief who was an ally of Abram.

Practical Application

Abram's example in Genesis 13:18 teaches us the importance of establishing "altars" in our own livesโ€”places or practices of consistent worship and dedication to God. Even amidst life's changes, uncertainties, or new blessings, our first response should be to acknowledge God's sovereignty and faithfulness. This verse encourages believers to prioritize spiritual disciplines and to anchor their lives in a continual relationship with the Lord, making Him the center of their dwelling and endeavors.

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 18:1

    ยถ And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;

  • Genesis 14:13

    ยถ And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these [were] confederate with Abram.

  • Genesis 35:27

    And Jacob came unto Isaac his father unto Mamre, unto the city of Arbah, which [is] Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned.

  • Genesis 8:20

    ยถ And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

  • Genesis 12:7

    And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

  • Genesis 12:8

    And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, [having] Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.

  • Psalms 16:8

    ยถ I have set the LORD always before me: because [he is] at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
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