(The Lord speaking is red text)
And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
Moreover, quarreling arose between Avram's and Lot's herdsmen. The Kena'ani and the P'rizi were then living in the land.
And there was discord between the herdsmen of Abram and the herdsmen of Lot. At that time the Canaanites and the Perizzites were also living in the land.
And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelt then in the land.
And there was a strife{H7379} between the herdmen{H7462} of Abram's{H87} cattle{H4735} and the herdmen{H7462} of Lot's{H3876} cattle{H4735}: and the Canaanite{H3669} and the Perizzite{H6522} dwelled{H3427} then in the land{H776}.
**Themes:**
1. **Conflict and Resolution:** The verse highlights the theme of conflict, which is a common motif in the Bible, often used to explore human nature and relationships. The strife between Abram's and Lot's herdsmen reflects the potential for discord even among relatives. The impending resolution, hinted at by the mention of the conflict, emphasizes the importance of peace and unity within a community.
2. **Land and Possessions:** The dispute over land and resources is central to the narrative. This theme is recurrent in the Bible, underscoring the significance of land as a divine promise and a source of livelihood.
3. **Coexistence with Others:** The mention of the Canaanites and Perizzites indicates the presence of other peoples in the land, setting the stage for themes of coexistence, tolerance, and the complexities of living among diverse groups.
**Historical Context:**
Genesis 13:7 is set in the context of Abram (later named Abraham) and his nephew Lot journeying together in the land of Canaan. This land was promised by God to Abram's descendants. The historical context reflects the ancient Near Eastern culture where pastoralism was a primary way of life, and disputes over grazing rights and water sources were common.
During this period, the Canaanites were the primary inhabitants of the region that would later become known as Israel and Palestine. The Perizzites were another group, possibly a Canaanite subgroup or an allied people, who are often mentioned alongside the Canaanites in the Bible.
The verse occurs after Abram and Lot have become wealthy in livestock and possessions, leading to the need for more space and resources. This abundance and the subsequent conflict preface Abram's act of generosity and peacemaking, as he allows Lot to choose the best land for himself, demonstrating Abram's faith in God's provision and his commitment to maintaining family harmony. This event is a precursor to the eventual separation of Abram and Lot, which allows for the distinct lineages and blessings that God promises to each.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)